Live events have always been a popular form of entertainment, bringing people together to share unforgettable experiences. Whether singing along to your favorite artist or watching a championship live, these moments create memories that fans will remember for years. However, in recent times, the rising cost of ticket prices has made these experiences out of reach for many people.
One of the main ways fans are able to find and purchase tickets today is through platforms such as Ticketmaster. These apps are designed to make ticket buying quick and convenient; with just a few clicks, users can find the seats they like and purchase their tickets for live events.
While these services have made buying tickets more efficient, it has also contributed to the growing problem of high ticket prices. Along with prices already costing a pricey amount, services like Ticketmaster often charge extra fees, making them cost even more in the end.
Sophomore Mia Gallegos said, “I don’t get as excited about concerts anymore since I know there’s a good chance I won’t be able to go anyways.”
Concert tickets in particular have seen major price increases. Bigger artists typically perform at bigger venues with high production costs, which include lighting, sound system, stage design, and more, affecting the overall price of the ticket. And on top of that, the demand also plays a huge role. When there are hundreds of thousands of fans trying to purchase tickets for the same event, it is natural that the ticket prices will increase.
Freshman Annabelle Rodriguez said, “I really wanted to watch the World Cup since it’s being hosted here this year, but those tickets are like a thousand dollars.”
Sports events are no different. They can actually be more expensive, especially for high-profile games like the FIFA World Cup. Naturally, global events like this tend to capture a lot of attention, which makes tickets valuable. However, for the majority of the games, the cheapest ticket prices cost $1,000. For an average fan, this makes attending events like these nearly impossible without spending a significant amount of money.
Another major factor in the increasing prices is ticket resale. Many tickets are bought by resellers who list the tickets again, but for a higher price. This reduces the amount of tickets available at the original price and forces fans to pay even more if they still want to attend.
Fees add another layer to this problem. Charging for the service, processing fees, and other hidden costs can significantly raise the price of the final cost. A ticket may seem affordable at the first glance but by the time you’re purchasing it, it is much more expensive due to all the charges that are added.
Live events are becoming less accessible, and what used to be a fun, relatively affordable activity, is now often seen as luxury. While technology has made purchasing tickets much more accessible, it has made them less affordable. With a combination of high demands, added fees, and resale has made attending live events often coming with a high price tag.