Hubbub Over StubHub Deal

WeGotTickets founder Dave Newton and Association Of Independent Festivals general manager Claire O’Neill – whose organisation’s Ticket Trust site claims to be an ethical alternative to secondary ticketing – have been quick to counter what’s being described as “the concerningly upbeat voices of StubHub and the O2.”

The new deal – or re-branding of an old deal – will see StubHub become the venue’s official secondary ticketing partner.

Eight months ago Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), which owns The O2 arena, signed a long-term deal making Ebay its official resale partner.

However, Ebay – which bought StubHub for $310 million in 2007 – has subsequently shut down its UK ticket operation and moved the business to StubHub.

The collaboration will see The O2’s primary ticketing platform, AXS.com, integrate with StubHub.

“What a wonderful idea,” was Newton’s reaction.  “I’m assuming, of course, that because the StubHub and AXS systems are fully integrated then any tickets bought through AXS can then be resold through StubHub at the original face value.

“After all, wouldn’t that be the best way of treating your customers – the ones that made The O2 Arena in London the most successful venue in the world?” he said, obviously doubting that tickets will be resold at face value.

O’Neill said any actions to reduce fraud and weed out bot technology from the ticketing market are welcome and the AIF hopes that the O2 partnership with StubHub will actually achieve this – “and not be another major company attempt to profit from the secondary market.

“It remains important that there is a fair price for fans of music and entertainment, and we encourage a cap on markup on ticket prices to protect genuine fans, such as the Ticket Trust 10 percent cap,” she explained.

The AIF has issued a charter against secondary ticketing, demanding that the sites do not sell tickets to their festivals.
O2 general manager Rebecca Kane says partnering with StubHub means working with a resale marketplace that has “a proven pedigree in serving fans and providing an innovative service for our customers.”

The O2 and StubHub are both saying they’ll work together to combat ticket fraud.

StubHub general manager Brigitte Ricou-Bellan said her company gives fans access to the very best in live entertainment and provides a safe, secure platform to buy and sell up to the very last minute.