Yahoo News Ticketmaster issues new statement over Take That's AO Arena gigs as fans hit out
Ticketmaster has emphasised that refunds are available for Take That ticketholders after the band’s Manchester gigs were forced to move venues. Fans have claimed that they have struggled to obtain refunds on the Ticketmaster website.
Last week, the new Co-op Live venue had to cancel several concerts due to a ‘technical issue’. At the end of April, Peter Kay’s performances were postponed, before A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s gig on the re-arranged opening night on Wednesday (May 1) was called off at the last minute.
Thousands of fans had queued up outside when the news broke at 6.40pm. It was then revealed it was due to a piece of an air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling.
READ MORE: Train operators issue travel warnings ahead of Take That gigs in Manchester
In light of the cancellations, all five nights of Take That gigs were relocated to the AO Arena. The group will perform there on May 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
However since the change was announced fans have complained about being assigned seats which do not match what they originally purchased, claiming that the seats are ‘far worse’. Many fans, especially those who’ve purchased VIP tickets, have demanded refunds, although some have struggled to obtain them on the Ticketmaster website.
Fans took to X to share their frustrations. User @SassySassySas wrote: “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 said: “@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 added: “How do I go about getting a refund ? I’m not driving 3 hours to Manchester to sit in the greyed out part - would have been happy anywhere - but that’s a joke.”
Ticketmaster has reiterated that refunds are available for ticket holders and that anyone who requests a refund will be given one. Ticketmaster 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.”
AO Arena general manager Jen Mitchell 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.”
