Live Nation Entertainment Inc. Ticketing Directors Exposed for High Fees

Key Figures:

• Ben Baker: Regional Director of Ticketing for Live Nation amphitheaters
• Jeff Weinhold: Regional Director of Ticketing for Live Nation amphitheaters
• Live Nation Entertainment Inc.: Live events company facing federal antitrust trial

Background:

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Internal messages from 2022 reveal Ben Baker and Jeff Weinhold, two regional directors of ticketing for Live Nation amphitheaters, boasting about high fees charged to concertgoers. The messages, which have been unsealed, show the directors joking about taking advantage of fans and charging excessive prices for ancillary services such as parking, lawn chair rentals, and VIP access.

Details:

• Ben Baker bragged about raising VIP parking costs to $250 at a Virginia concert venue.
• He also mentioned charging $50 to park in the grass and $60 for closer grass.
• Jeff Weinhold gloated about raising ancillary fees, saying "we're robbing them blind, baby, that's how we do it."
• The company stated that the messages do not reflect its values.

Company Response:

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Live Nation released a statement saying that the messages do not reflect its values and that it will look into the matter promptly. The company also stated that it has invested $1 billion over the last 18 months in its venues.

Antitrust Trial:

The unsealed messages are part of a federal antitrust trial over claims that Live Nation illegally monopolized the live events industry. The company has reached a settlement with the US Justice Department, which will cap fees at its amphitheaters at 15%. However, a group of state attorneys general will continue to litigate the case against the company.