Coldplay Fan Wins Case Against Ticketmaster Over ‘Restricted View’ Seats
A Dublin man has won a small claims case against Ticketmaster after a disappointing experience at a Coldplay concert last year. James McGetrick, from Corrib Road, Terenure, Dublin 6, purchased two tickets to see the band at Croke Park in the Irish capital on August 29, but was left squatting in "restricted view" seats, unable to see the performance.
According to reports from the Liverpool Echo, Mr McGetrick thought he had "hit the jackpot" when he secured pre-sale tickets to attend the gig with his wife, but it turned into a "disaster". The couple were directed to the fourth row from the back of the lower Hogan Stand, where they were unable to see the band due to the elevated stage and overhang from the upper Hogan Stand.
In an interview with the court, Mr McGetrick explained that he and his wife had to "crouch down" on their seats to catch a glimpse of Chris Martin’s band. He described how people in front of them stood up, forcing them to do the same to see over their heads. The atmosphere became hostile, with "popcorn and litter being thrown at us, it was just terrible".
Mr McGetrick brought a small claims case against Ticketline Unlimited Company, trading as Ticketmaster, seeking a refund for the tickets. He informed Judge Peter White that they purchased tickets released through the artist pre-sale well before the general public, and forked out €332 for two seats in the lower Hogan Stand.
The Liverpool Echo reported that Ticketmaster failed to attend the hearing to challenge the action, and Judge White ruled in favour of Mr McGetrick. The judge observed that the ticket site had not provided any evidence to suggest that the seats were clearly labelled as "restricted view", and that Mr McGetrick had assumed the seats would be superior because he obtained them via the artist pre-sale option.
In a statement to the court, Mr McGetrick emphasised that when he purchased the tickets, it was never stated that there was a restricted view. He said: "The whole thing was a disaster."
The case highlights the importance of clear labelling and communication from ticket sellers about the view from certain seats. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Judge White’s ruling sets a precedent for consumers who may have had similar experiences at live events.
Mr McGetrick’s case was initially filed against the promoter, MCD, but the District Court ruled that he should have brought it against Ticketmaster instead. He then began the process again with the ticket site, which eventually offered a mere €190, but Mr McGetrick persisted with his case, seeking the full amount he paid for the tickets.
The Liverpool Echo has reported that Ticketmaster had offered a refund, but Mr McGetrick had declined, seeking a full refund of €332.
This case demonstrates the need for ticket sellers to provide accurate information about the view from certain seats, and for consumers to be aware of their rights when purchasing tickets to live events. As the Liverpool Echo continues to report on consumer issues, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and fairness in the ticketing industry.
As previously reported by the Liverpool Echo, this ruling in favour of the consumer comes amid growing concerns over so-called ‘ restricted view ‘ tickets.
