Concert Delays: What Your Ticket Really Guarantees

Concerts in big cities like Calgary and New York have had major delays.

Amandeep Walia was excited to see Ne-Yo and Akon in Calgary.

Walia and his wife waited for hours to get in and for the show to start.

Walia said he didn't expect a delay that long.

The night cost Walia about $700.

Fans with good seats had to wait while the venue was set up.

Walia said it wasn't safe and people couldn't get to their seats.

The event didn't seem organized.

The concert was first set for 8 p.m., then moved to 9 p.m.

The show started very late, at 10:45 p.m.

Walia said the problem wasn't just getting home late.

Walia said the show was great, but it would have been better if it started on time.

Other big concerts have also had delays this summer.

Jay-Z's show in New York started four hours late.

Jay-Z said the delay was to keep people safe.

Harry Styles delayed his show in Mexico City due to heavy rain.

These delays make fans wonder what their ticket really guarantees.

Some artists are known for starting their shows late.

A lawyer said concert tickets don't guarantee much.

You're only guaranteed a seat and a show, maybe.

If the artist doesn't show, you get your money back.

Lawyer Kurt Dahl said ticket holders are often surprised by the fine print.

The terms of the ticket contract can change without notice.

The time on the ticket doesn't mean that's when the show starts.

The contract is written to give promoters flexibility.

This leaves consumers with little power when there's a delay.

Promoters build in extra time in case the artist is late.

Some artists are known for being late to their shows.

Dahl said artists can be unpredictable and may delay a show.

Ashish Sharma said consumers have little they can do.

Sharma thinks there should be laws to protect consumers.

Consumers should be told promptly if there's a major delay.

Sharma said it's the right thing to do, but it often doesn't happen.

The issue is important as people spend more on live events.

Live Nation made $25.2 billion in 2025, up 9% from the year before.

Concert attendance increased 5% to 159 million people.

For fans, the cost of a concert can be more than just the ticket.

Live Nation said live events are complex and things can go wrong.

Live Nation apologized for the frustration and thanked fans for their patience.

Ticketmaster also apologized and said refunds are up to the event organizer.

Ticketmaster said a late show isn't the same as a cancelled show.

Dahl said consumers may have more power through public opinion.

If an artist delays a show too much, it can hurt their reputation.

Walia said Ne-Yo and Akon's show was good, but the experience could have been better.

Walia thinks he should have gotten a rebate or credit for the next show.

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