Globally, there are over one million confirmed cases of COVID-19, and unfortunately, we can expect this number to rise in the coming weeks.
To prevent the further spread of this highly contagious virus, governments and health organizations around the world are implementing measures that reduce human contact, such as social distancing, the banning or discouraging of large gatherings, and in some countries, total lockdown.
As a result, the sports and entertainment world has taken a hit. Events such as Broadway shows, Wimbledon, the Olympics and Paralympics, March Madness, countless concerts, and just about every large sporting event around the world have been abruptly canceled or postponed to a later date. So, what does this mean for ticket holders who are now on the hunt for refunds?
To ease the process, we've collected refund information from several major ticketing reseller sites. But first, here's a general rule of thumb:
If the event has been canceled, you're entitled to a refund. If the event has been postponed or you can't make the new date, then options (and policies) vary. In light of this unprecedented public health crisis, many companies have updated their refund policies - so it's always best to take a look at their refund pages to gain a clear understanding of the options on offer.
Gametime will notify you if your event has been canceled and automatically issue a credit worth 125% of the value of your original purchase, which can be put towards your next ticket order. If you prefer a refund, Gametime invites you to contact them, and they will do their best to accommodate. Tickets for postponed and rescheduled events are still valid for the new date. Gametime will get in touch with ticket holders as soon as they have updated information from the venue.
When it comes to cancellations, StubHub promises that "the ticket you have purchased on our site will get you into the event, or you will get your money back." If your event is canceled, you can choose to receive a coupon valued at 120% of the original price.
If an event has been postponed, you don't need to do anything. Your ticket will most likely be valid for the new date, and StubHub will contact you with the new event details. If you don't want to attend the event, you won't be able to get your money back - but not all hope is lost, you can resell your ticket on StubHub.
When an event is canceled, ticket holders are protected by SeatGeek's Buyer Guarantee, which states: "you will be refunded the full purchase price." Expect this process to take up to 3-4 weeks. If the event has been postponed, your tickets will most likely be valid for the new date, depending on the venue's policy. Currently, there is no need to take any action. Once SeatGeek has confirmed changes on their end, they will contact you directly via email with updates.
Vivid Seats states: "if a customer purchased tickets to an event that is canceled with no rescheduled date, they are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price, including delivery charges, per Vivid Seats' 100% Buyer Guarantee." Given these unique circumstances, Vivid Seats is offering customers the possibility of receiving credit at 120% of the original order total, instead of a refund to their original payment method. As for postponed events, much like other sites, your ticket will most likely be valid for the new date. Vivid Seats will contact you directly with updates on your event, so there's no need to take action.
As a result of the high volume of cancellations and rescheduled events, Ticketmaster has requested that customers not reach out directly with refund requests and have instead created a comprehensive information page containing the status of all impacted events. This page is updated regularly as they figure out rescheduling options and is the best place to find out up-to-date information regarding your event. As for canceled events, Ticketmaster will "automatically generate a full refund to the original point of purchase." This can take between 7-10 business days.
TicketiQ has created a comprehensive list of canceled and postponed events. They are consistently updating this page, so it's your best bet for finding event info. Much like the other sites, TicketiQ will offer customers a full refund for any event that has been canceled due to the coronavirus. As for postponed events, TicketiQ states that "your tickets are most likely still valid for the event. If you're unable to make a rescheduled date, please contact us, and we'll do our best to accommodate."
Good luck and stay safe!
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