Ticketmaster update as fans hit out over Take That AO Arena gigs

Ticketmaster has issued a fresh statement over Take That's AO Arena gigs, after some fans expressed dissatisfaction over seat allocations.

The company has reiterated that refunds are available for those who bought tickets to the band's Manchester concerts, which were forced to change venues following chaos at the Co-Op Live Arena that was due to open last month.

However, fans have reported difficulties in securing refunds via the Ticketmaster website. Last week, several shows at the new venue had to be cancelled due to a 'technical issue'.

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Peter Kay's performances scheduled for the end of April were postponed, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's gig on the re-arranged opening night on Wednesday (May 1) was cancelled. The cancellation announcement came at 6.40pm, leaving thousands of fans who had queued outside disappointed.

It was later revealed that the cancellation was due to a piece of an air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling, reports the Manchester Evening News. Following these cancellations, all five nights of Take That concerts were moved to the AO Arena. The band is set to perform there on May 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12

However, since the venue change was announced, fans have voiced complaints about being allocated seats that they say do not correspond to their original purchases, with many claiming that the new seats are 'far worse'. Particularly disgruntled are those who purchased VIP tickets, many of whom have demanded refunds but have encountered difficulties obtaining them through the Ticketmaster website.

Concertgoers aired their grievances on Twitter following seat changes at the sold-out concerts.

@SassySassySas said: "My tickets are FAR from 'like for like'. I had Row 1 at the @TheCoopLive arena + you've given me row T at the @AOArena - that's 19 rows difference! Then you've said I've got less than 24-hrs to decide if I want a refund, awful! I'm gutted. Live chat is a bot with bad options."

@MByrne31 wrote: "@TicketmasterUK @takethat venue moved from @TheCoopLive to @AOArena 7 May - new seats are not acceptable, as no view of stage - can't get a response on your webchat for my refund. I expect better customer service than this."

@polar_bae_rach asked: "How do I go about getting a refund? I'm not driving three hours to Manchester to sit in the greyed out part - would have been happy anywhere - but that's a joke."

Ticketmaster responded by reinforcing their refunds policy. A spokesperson said: "With Take That's shows moving to a new venue with a different layout, our team has worked with the event promoter to move fans to a location as similar to their original booking as possible.

"However, some seating locations will vary. We appreciate fans' understanding, and reiterate that refunds are available through their Ticketmaster account."

Jen Mitchell, the general manager of AO Arena, expressed her sympathy for fans. She said: "We completely sympathise with the fans over the past few weeks. Ticketing providers are working incredibly hard to do what they can to allocate the best appropriate equivalent seats for upcoming shows, and to make sure fans are as well located as they can be based on original bookings.

"As a venue we don't manage ticketing. Our responsibility is to make sure everyone gets in and has a great, safe time on the night.

"And of course, we're really pleased to be able to host these shows at AO Arena and keep them in Manchester for fans over five massive nights. We advise fans to contact their ticket provider with any queries or issues."

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