As sporting events and concerts are being cancelled or postponed worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, local ticket brokers are starting to feel the pinch.
A representative from StubHub, who did not want to be named, told the Chicago Sun-Times the ticket brokering service has seen a “decline” in concert and theater ticket sales as the fears over the spread of the virus has increased over the past few weeks.
“We’ve seen a drop in sales, while [some other] customers can’t wait to go to the events that have not been cancelled,” the source stated.
Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, StubHub’s president, released a statement on the company’s website saying, “Given the unique circumstance surrounding coronavirus, we’re offering an alternative option. If an event is canceled, you have the option to receive a StubHub coupon, valued at 120% of your original purchase, so you can enjoy an event of your choosing in the future.”
On Wednesday the World Health Organization classified coronavirus as a pandemic.
Earlier this week, Pearl Jam announced the postponement of the North American leg of its Gigaton world tour due to coronavirus fears.
While some ticket brokers are seeing a decline concert/theater ticket sales, others are biding their time. Max Waisvisz, co-owner of Gold Coast Tickets, says he plans to employ a “wait and see” approach regarding a reported drop in ticket sales. He noted March is historically a “slow time of the year” for ticket sales.
“If anything happens, the customer will get a full refund from us as long as the event isn’t postponed,” Waisvisz said. “We’re going to try to survive and hope we’re still in business. ... We’re just seeing a reaction of what we’re seeing in the news. So far, we haven’t heard any of our events being cancelled.”
