TPAC Takes Over Ticketing

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center has ended its relationship with Ticketmaster after 29 years and is now handling its own ticket sales as of July 1.

TPAC exec Brent Hyams said the decision was strictly business and had nothing to do with Ticketmaster’s service.

“The new model supports direct relationships between TPAC and its customers, who will pay less handling fees and communicate directly with our staff during transactions,” Hyams said.

TPAC officials’ decision follows a trend that other PACs, such as Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, have followed by installing arts-specific, in-house ticketing software to reduce fees added to the ticket price and build a closer relationship with patrons, according to the Tennessean.

Ticketmaster will still handle tickets for some performances already on sale along with the venue’s box office and other outlets, according to a statement.

TPAC previously owned the Ticketmaster Nashville franchise but sold it in 1996.