Southlanders warned about overseas ticketing websites

Patrons going online to book tickets for events at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre and Rugby Park Stadium are being advised to use the official TicketDirect website, instead of overseas websites that are selling tickets to some Invercargill events at inflated prices.

Invercargill Venue and Events Manager, Kate Feaver said she had been alerted by the Manager of the Baycourt Performing Arts Centre in Tauranga, that overseas companies were buying tickets to shows in New Zealand and then on-selling them at higher prices, with large booking fees.

Not only did patrons risk paying far too much for the tickets, but in the event of the show being cancelled, TicketDirect would not refund them.

Currently The Pink Floyd Experience is being sold on the Viagogo website at inflated prices and the website states that the show at the Civic Theatre is Sold Out.

Feaver advised "this is not the case. Although the show is selling very well, it has not yet sold out."

The Invercargill City Council’s website directs people wanting to book online, to the TicketDirect website.

Feaver cautions "if you’re booking over the internet for a show or event at the Civic Theatre or Rugby Park Stadium, please ensure you’re paying via TicketDirect only.

"If you are unsure, please phone the Invercargill Ticketing Office."

A similar warning has been issued by Sarah Anderson, Director of Dunedin's Regent Theatre.

Just before Christmas, US President Barack Obama signed the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 into US law, legislation that makes it illegal to use software to purchase tickets to concerts and other events.

The bill had been passed by the US Senate and House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

The BOTS Act of 2016 defines the use of automated ticket purchasing software as an "unfair and deceptive practice" under the Federal Trade Commission Act and allows the FTC to pursue those cases. The bill also prohibit the sale of or offers to sell an event ticket in interstate commerce obtained through the circumvention of systems designed to limit purchases.

Currently there is no indication that the New Zealand or Australian Governments plan similar legislation.

Click here to contact TicketDirect via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Image: Invercargill’s Civic Theatre.

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