Ticketmaster, the largest ticket sales agency on the Internet with sales of over $8 billion annually, was reported to have had multiple issues with their online sales of GABF tickets. According to accounts on Twitter, members trying to purchase tickets were unable to accept the terms of service, enter in their member number, and even select the “Purchase” button. The system also allowed patrons to purchase more than the allotted number of tickets.
Angry tweets flooded the Internet as members tried to purchase tickets to the wildly popular event. One Twitter user said, “Ticketmaster, I’m SERIOUSLY clicking that box. As hard as I can. Why don’t you believe me?” Another tweeted, “Anyone else having problems buying the #GABF tickets? Ticketmaster won’t let me check out. #LAME.”
Ticketmaster issued a letter of apology to the Brewers Association and its members. The letter said, “Member pre-sale for tickets to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) did not unfold as we envisioned. We apologize for any frustration and/or inconvenience this may have caused.” It went on to detail how they intended to rectify the situation, re-enforce the ticket purchase limit, and cancel tickets purchased over the limit.
After reviewing sales records, the Brewers Association determined that 21 tickets were purchased by non-members. Those tickets were cancelled and the purchasers were issued refunds.
Despite the technical issues, tickets for the Saturday afternoon members-only session sold out in less than two hours.
Tickets for the three public sessions of GABF go on sale today via Ticketmaster at 10:00 p.m. MDT. Brewers Association officials expect all three sessions to sell out in less than a day.
Sessions & Ticket Price
Thursday, October 11, 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: $65
Friday, October, 12, 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: $65
Saturday, October 13, 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: $65
Designated Driver Ticket for any session: $25
Location
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th Street
Denver, CO 80202
