Ticketmaster.ca Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Ticketmaster.ca serves as Canada’s primary online platform for purchasing tickets to a wide array of live events.

It acts as a digital marketplace connecting fans with tickets for concerts, sports, theater, and family shows across the country.

Reviews of Ticketmaster.ca often highlight its extensive inventory and official partnerships with venues and artists, making it a go-to source for legitimate tickets, though user experiences can vary significantly.

The platform generally provides a robust infrastructure for ticket sales, offering detailed event information, seating charts, and various delivery options.

However, like any major online service, it garners a mix of positive and negative feedback.

Patrons frequently praise its convenience and the assurance of buying authentic tickets directly from the source, especially for high-demand events.

Conversely, common criticisms revolve around service fees, dynamic pricing, and challenges with customer support when issues arise.

Understanding these facets is key to navigating Ticketmaster.ca effectively for your next event.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Navigating the Ticket Landscape: What Ticketmaster.ca Offers

Ticketmaster.ca is essentially the central nervous system for live event ticketing in Canada, offering an unparalleled breadth of inventory.

If there’s a major concert, a professional sports game, or a touring Broadway show happening, chances are you’ll find tickets here. It’s not just a reseller.

In many cases, it’s the primary ticket agent for venues and promoters, giving it exclusive access to a vast number of seats.

Event Variety and Scope

The sheer range of events available on Ticketmaster.ca is arguably its strongest selling point.

• Concerts: From global pop sensations like Dua Lipa and Shania Twain to rock legends like Coldplay and Oasis, the concert listings cover nearly every genre imaginable. You’ll find everything from stadium tours to smaller club shows.
• Sports: As the official marketplace for major leagues, you can grab tickets for NHL games like the Edmonton Oilers, MLB the Toronto Blue Jays, NBA, and MLS teams. Beyond the big leagues, there are also options for minor league teams like the Winnipeg Goldeyes and niche events like Monster Jam and PBR: Professional Bull Riders.
• Arts, Theatre & Comedy: This section is robust, featuring highly sought-after podcastals like Hamilton Touring, stand-up comedy from Weird Al Yankovic and Sarah Millican, and various dance performances including Riverdance.
• Family & Special Events: For families, there are popular children’s theatre productions like The Wiggles and PAW Patrol Live!, magic shows, and circus spectaculars like Cirque du Soleil: OVO.

Official Partnerships and Authenticity

One of the core benefits of using Ticketmaster.ca is the assurance of authenticity.

• Ticketmaster partners directly with venues, artists, and sports leagues. This means when you buy through them, you’re getting legitimate tickets, reducing the risk of counterfeits that can plague secondary marketplaces.
• For instance, it’s the “Official Ticket Marketplace” for the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS, which provides a layer of trust and reliability that other platforms often lack. This direct relationship is crucial, especially for high-demand events where ticket fraud is a concern.

The User Experience: Interface and Functionality

A critical aspect of any online service is its usability.

Ticketmaster.ca has evolved over the years, aiming to provide a streamlined and intuitive experience, though it’s not without its quirks.

Website Navigation and Search

The website’s design is generally clean and functional, allowing users to easily browse and search for events.

• The homepage features prominent “Highlights” and “Popular Near You” sections, making it easy to discover trending events.
• Events are categorized logically under “Concerts,” “Sports,” “Arts, Theatre & Comedy,” and “Family,” with “See All” options for comprehensive listings.
• The search bar is responsive and allows for searching by artist, team, venue, or city. Location-based filtering helps narrow down options, which is particularly useful in a large country like Canada.

Seating Charts and Ticket Selection

Selecting seats is a key part of the ticket-buying process, and Ticketmaster.ca provides tools to facilitate this.

• Most event pages feature interactive seating charts, allowing you to visualize the venue layout and select specific sections or even individual seats. This is a significant advantage over platforms that only offer general admission or “best available” options.
• The charts often show available seats in different colors to indicate pricing tiers, though sometimes the dynamic nature of pricing can make fixed price points less clear until checkout.
• Users can filter by ticket type e.g., standard, verified resale, VIP packages and price range, which helps manage expectations and budgets.

Understanding Ticketmaster Fees: The Hidden Costs

Perhaps the most frequently cited point of contention in Ticketmaster.ca reviews is the presence and perceived magnitude of its service fees. Sycamorebmw.co.uk Reviews

While common in the industry, these fees can significantly inflate the final price of a ticket.

Types of Fees Explained

When you buy a ticket on Ticketmaster.ca, you’ll encounter several types of fees that are added to the face value.

• Service Fee: This is the most substantial fee, applied per ticket, and is intended to cover Ticketmaster’s operational costs, including maintaining the ticketing platform, customer service, and marketing. It can range from 10% to 25% of the ticket’s face value, sometimes even higher. For example, if a $100 ticket has a 20% service fee, you’re paying an extra $20 right off the bat.
• Order Processing Fee: A flat fee applied per transaction, regardless of the number of tickets purchased. This covers the cost of processing the order, including payment gateway fees and administrative overhead. It’s usually a few dollars, like $5-$10.
• Delivery Fee: Varies based on the delivery method chosen.
  • Mobile Entry/eTickets: Often free or a minimal charge, as it’s the most common and cost-effective method.
  • Print-at-Home: Typically free or low cost.
  • Mail: Can incur a higher fee for physical ticket delivery.
  • Will Call: May have a small fee for picking up tickets at the venue.
• Facility Charge: Sometimes referred to as a “venue fee” or “convenience charge,” this fee is imposed by the venue to cover operational costs, maintenance, and capital improvements. Ticketmaster collects this on behalf of the venue.

Transparency and Impact on Price

Ticketmaster has faced criticism for the lack of upfront transparency regarding fees, often only displaying the full breakdown at the final stage of checkout.

• While the base ticket price is shown initially, the significant add-on fees can lead to “sticker shock” for consumers. A ticket advertised at $50 might end up costing $70 or more after all fees are applied.
• This practice, often termed “drip pricing,” has been a point of contention with consumer advocacy groups and government regulators. While Ticketmaster has made some strides to display total prices earlier in the process, the issue remains a prominent theme in negative reviews.
• For instance, in a 2022 survey, over 60% of consumers expressed frustration with hidden fees in online ticket purchases, directly impacting their perception of value.

Customer Support and Problem Resolution

The effectiveness of customer support is a major differentiator for any service, and Ticketmaster.ca’s support system frequently comes under scrutiny in user reviews.

Experiences can vary widely, from seamless resolutions to prolonged frustrations.

Common Customer Service Issues

Users typically reach out to customer service for a range of issues, including:

• Ticket Delivery Problems: Tickets not appearing in accounts, incorrect delivery methods, or delays.
• Event Cancellations/Postponements: Questions about refunds or rescheduled dates. This became a particularly hot topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many events were cancelled or deferred, leading to an unprecedented volume of inquiries and, for a time, a policy that only offered refunds for outright cancellations, not postponements.
• Payment Issues: Credit card errors, duplicate charges, or problems with payment processing.
• Account Access: Difficulty logging in, password resets, or account security concerns.
• Transferring/Selling Tickets: Queries related to their Fan-to-Fan Resale program.

Support Channels and Responsiveness

Ticketmaster.ca offers several avenues for customer support, though their effectiveness is often debated.

• Online Help Center/FAQs: The first line of defense, offering a comprehensive database of frequently asked questions and guides. Many common issues can be resolved here without direct contact.
• Virtual Assistant/Chatbot: An automated tool designed to answer basic questions and direct users to relevant resources.
• Email Support: Users can submit inquiries via an online form, typically expecting a response within 24-72 hours. However, during peak times e.g., major onsale events or mass cancellations, response times can be significantly longer.
• Phone Support: Often the most direct method, but wait times can be extensive, especially during high-demand periods. Many reviews indicate frustration with long hold times or difficulty reaching a live agent.
• Social Media: Ticketmaster sometimes provides support through its official social media channels, though this is usually for general inquiries rather than detailed account-specific issues.

Resale and Secondary Market: Fan-to-Fan & Verified Resale

Ticketmaster.ca isn’t just about primary ticket sales.

It also plays a significant role in the secondary market through its “Fan-to-Fan Resale” and “Verified Resale” programs.

This allows ticket holders to legally resell their tickets, often at face value or with some premium, through a platform that verifies authenticity. Return.me Reviews

How Verified Resale Works

The Verified Resale program is designed to provide a safe and legitimate channel for reselling tickets, distinguishing it from unregulated third-party sites.

• Authenticity Guarantee: When you buy a “Verified Resale” ticket on Ticketmaster.ca, it’s guaranteed to be authentic. Ticketmaster cancels the original barcode and issues a new, unique one to the buyer, eliminating the risk of counterfeit tickets that can plague other resale platforms.
• Pricing: Sellers can set their own price, often at or below face value, but sometimes above, especially for high-demand events. Ticketmaster takes a commission from both the buyer and the seller on these transactions, which covers the platform’s verification and processing costs.
• Integration: Resale tickets are seamlessly integrated into the primary ticketing interface, making it easy for buyers to find available tickets from both original sales and verified resales in one place.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Resale on Ticketmaster

While the system aims to be beneficial, it has pros and cons for both buyers and sellers.

• For Buyers:
  • Benefit: Access to tickets for sold-out events, guaranteed authenticity, and the convenience of a single platform.
  • Drawback: Prices can be significantly higher than face value for popular events, and the same service fees apply to resale tickets.
• For Sellers:
  • Benefit: A secure and legitimate way to recoup costs if you can no longer attend an event, wide audience reach, and Ticketmaster handles the transaction and transfer.
  • Drawback: Ticketmaster takes a percentage of the sale, reducing the amount the seller receives. Sellers must also adhere to Ticketmaster’s pricing rules, which can vary by event or jurisdiction. For example, some events may restrict resale to face value or less.

Accessibility and Inclusivity on Ticketmaster.ca

Ensuring that live events are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, is a crucial aspect of Ticketmaster.ca’s service.

The website aims to provide information and options for purchasing accessible seating.

Purchasing Accessible Seating

Ticketmaster.ca typically provides specific procedures for purchasing accessible seating.

• Dedicated Filters/Sections: On event pages, there is often a filter or a specific section for “Accessible Seating” or “Wheelchair Accessible Seats.”
• Contacting the Venue: For more complex accessibility requirements or specific questions about the venue’s accommodations, Ticketmaster often advises contacting the venue directly. This is because venues are ultimately responsible for managing their accessible seating inventory and services.
• Types of Accessible Seating: Includes wheelchair accessible spaces, companion seats, limited mobility seating, and seats for those with visual or hearing impairments. These seats are typically reserved and sold under specific terms to ensure they are available for those who genuinely need them.

Challenges and Improvements

While efforts are made, there are still areas where accessibility can be improved, as highlighted by user feedback.

• Inventory Transparency: Sometimes, the exact location or type of accessible seating available isn’t fully clear until deep into the purchase process.
• Online System Limitations: For very specific needs, the online system might not always accommodate all requests, necessitating phone calls or direct contact with the venue, which can be less convenient.
• Education for Staff: Reviews sometimes point to a need for better training among customer service representatives regarding accessibility guidelines and available options. Organizations like the Access to Tickets Working Group often advocate for clearer online processes and more consistent information across all ticketing platforms.

Regional Focus: Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Beyond

Ticketmaster.ca serves a vast geographic area, and its localized approach to major Canadian cities significantly enhances its utility for residents in those regions.

By offering specific city-based guides and searches, it streamlines the discovery process for local events.

Major City Hubs

The website explicitly features dedicated sections for major metropolitan areas, recognizing that these are the epicenters of live entertainment in Canada.

• Montreal Concert Tickets: This section provides a direct gateway to all major podcast events in Montreal, including schedules, venues, and seat availability. Montreal, known for its vibrant podcast scene and festivals like LASSO Montreal and Ottawa Bluesfest though Ottawa is a separate hub, many Montrealers travel for it, benefits from this localized focus.
• Toronto Concert Tickets: As Canada’s largest city, Toronto boasts a packed calendar of events. The Toronto hub on Ticketmaster.ca helps users navigate the multitude of concerts, sports, and theatre productions, making it easier to find tickets for venues like the Scotiabank Arena or Massey Hall.
• Calgary Concert Tickets: Calgary’s page caters to its unique blend of country, rock, and sports events. Given its connection to the Calgary Stampede, this section is particularly useful for finding events in the city.
• Ottawa, Edmonton, and Winnipeg: These cities also have dedicated sections, reflecting their status as significant cultural and sports hubs. This regional breakdown demonstrates Ticketmaster.ca’s understanding of localized demand and event patterns.

Localized Event Discovery

These regional hubs are not just about showing a list of events. Laceandfavour.com Reviews

They often curate content relevant to the local scene.

• Specific Venue Information: While general, these pages often link directly to events at prominent local venues.
• Local Highlighted Events: Sometimes, these city pages will feature specific local promotions or highly anticipated events for that region.
• Enhanced User Experience: For users in these cities, having a quick link to “Montreal Concert Tickets” or “Calgary Concert Tickets” saves time and makes the event discovery process more efficient, aligning with how users typically search for local entertainment. This tailored approach enhances the overall user experience and reinforces Ticketmaster.ca’s position as a local authority in ticketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ticketmaster.ca?

Ticketmaster.ca is the official Canadian branch of Ticketmaster, a global leader in live event ticketing.

It serves as the primary marketplace for purchasing tickets to concerts, sports, arts, theatre, and family events across Canada.

How do I search for events on Ticketmaster.ca?

You can search for events on Ticketmaster.ca using the search bar by entering an artist, team, venue, or city.

You can also browse by category Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theatre & Comedy, Family or by popular events listed on the homepage.

Are tickets purchased on Ticketmaster.ca legitimate?

Yes, tickets purchased directly from Ticketmaster.ca are legitimate.

Ticketmaster is often the primary ticket agent for venues and promoters, ensuring that tickets bought through their platform are authentic and valid.

What types of events can I find on Ticketmaster.ca?

Ticketmaster.ca offers tickets for a wide variety of events, including major concerts pop, rock, country, professional sports NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS, Broadway podcastals, comedy shows, family entertainment like Cirque du Soleil and children’s theatre, and festivals.

What are the common fees associated with Ticketmaster.ca purchases?

Common fees include a “Service Fee” per ticket, an “Order Processing Fee” per transaction, and a “Delivery Fee” varies by method. A “Facility Charge” may also be added by the venue.

These fees are added to the face value of the ticket. Prestige.co.uk Reviews

Why are Ticketmaster.ca fees so high?

Ticketmaster.ca states that its fees cover operational costs, including maintaining the ticketing platform, customer service, marketing, technology development, and payment processing.

While common in the industry, the magnitude of these fees is a frequent point of consumer criticism.

Can I get a refund if an event is cancelled or postponed?

Yes, if an event is officially cancelled, you are typically eligible for a full refund, including fees.

For postponed or rescheduled events, your original ticket is usually valid for the new date, but refund policies can vary.

Ticketmaster will communicate the specific options available.

How does Ticketmaster.ca’s “Verified Resale” work?

“Verified Resale” allows fans to sell tickets they can no longer use through Ticketmaster’s platform.

These tickets are authenticated by Ticketmaster, and a new barcode is issued to the buyer, ensuring legitimacy and reducing fraud risk.

Sellers set the price, and both buyer and seller typically pay a commission.

Is it safe to buy resale tickets on Ticketmaster.ca?

Yes, buying “Verified Resale” tickets on Ticketmaster.ca is generally safe because Ticketmaster authenticates the tickets and guarantees their validity, unlike many unregulated third-party resale sites.

What are the delivery options for tickets purchased on Ticketmaster.ca?

Common delivery options include Mobile Entry via the Ticketmaster app, eTickets Print-at-Home, standard mail, and Will Call pickup at the venue box office. Availability of options may vary by event. Furnishmycrib.co.uk Reviews

Can I transfer my tickets to another person on Ticketmaster.ca?

Yes, for many events, Ticketmaster.ca allows you to digitally transfer tickets to another person through your account, providing a secure and convenient way to share tickets.

How do I contact Ticketmaster.ca customer service?

You can contact Ticketmaster.ca customer service through their online Help Center/FAQs, virtual assistant/chatbot, email submission forms, and sometimes via phone support. Response times can vary.

Does Ticketmaster.ca offer VIP packages?

Yes, Ticketmaster.ca often offers various VIP packages for certain events, which can include premium seating, merchandise, exclusive access, or meet-and-greet opportunities.

What is a pre-sale code and how do I get one?

A pre-sale code allows early access to tickets before they go on general public sale.

These codes are often distributed by artist fan clubs, credit card companies, or venue newsletters.

You typically need to sign up for specific alerts or memberships to receive them.

Why did I get a “browser not supported” message on Ticketmaster.ca?

This message indicates that your web browser is outdated or incompatible with Ticketmaster.ca’s current security and functionality standards.

For the best experience, it’s recommended to use supported browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

Can I sell tickets on Ticketmaster.ca if I bought them elsewhere?

Generally, you can only sell tickets through Ticketmaster’s “Verified Resale” program if you originally purchased them through Ticketmaster.

Some exceptions may exist for specific partnerships or events. Printingproxies.com Reviews

How do I find accessible seating on Ticketmaster.ca?

Look for specific filters or sections labeled “Accessible Seating” on the event page.

For more complex needs, or if you can’t find appropriate options online, Ticketmaster often advises contacting the venue directly for assistance.

Are there any discounts or deals available on Ticketmaster.ca?

Ticketmaster.ca occasionally lists “Ticket Deals” or special offers, which can be found in a dedicated section on their website.

These are typically limited-time promotions for specific events.

Does Ticketmaster.ca have a mobile app?

Yes, Ticketmaster.ca has a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices.

The app allows you to search for events, purchase tickets, access your mobile tickets, and transfer them.

What happens if my event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances e.g., natural disaster?

If an event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, Ticketmaster’s standard cancellation policy usually applies, entitling you to a full refund.

Specific communications regarding such events will be sent to ticket holders.

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