Oasis fans who purchased tickets for the band’s highly anticipated Manchester reunion shows are expressing outrage over a new ticketing system. Ticket holders are required to enter a ballot for access to the front standing area at Heaton Park, despite having already paid substantial sums for their tickets.
An email from Ticketmaster to ticket holders explains that a safety advisor mandated a two-tiered system: general admission and a designated front standing zone, each requiring a separate ticket. Fans have until Friday to enter the ballot for the front zone.
This has sparked considerable backlash on X, with one fan questioning whether Ticketmaster is “actively trying to ruin it.” Ticketmaster’s response reiterated the information provided in the email.
The email to ticket buyers stated that the tiered system aims to “ensure fan safety and improve the fan experience while entering the site.” Ticketmaster added that if demand for front-zone tickets exceeds availability, a random allocation will be implemented.
The response on X has been overwhelmingly negative. One user, @dumbsaints, preferred the uncontrolled crowd at a previous Oasis concert to this system, deeming the ballot “absolute nonsense.” Another, @Ste106956, expects a guaranteed front-area pass given the premium ticket price.
This controversy follows March’s announcement by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that Ticketmaster may have misled fans regarding the value of “platinum” tickets for the same tour.
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