It seems ticket scalping is alive and well in Maine. Thanks to a big loophole in the state law against ticket scalping, some sites are offering “verified resale tickets” at exorbitant prices.
An example: The Press Herald’s MaineToday Magazine insert (September 8, page M5) lists Stevie Nicks as appearing Sept. 22 at the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, with tickets ranging from $49.50 to $199.50. The website of Waterfront Concerts, the concert promoter, also lists $49.50 as the starting price available. It looks good!
The potential viewer is redirected to Ticketmaster, where they quickly discover that standard tickets are not available, and the only tickets available are “verified resale tickets”. Prices range from $103 plus $17.50 fees to $1,600 plus $272 fees. You read correctly. How can they do that? The law states that it is illegal to resell or sell tickets at an inflated price, but it is legal if the site or place of entertainment allows it.
I would like to know who is buying all the tickets shortly after the event registration and where all the money goes. I think the City of Bangor, which owns the amphitheater, and the Maine Savings Bank, whose name is on it, would also like to know.
Karen M. Martel
saco
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