Cornyn on bill to reform current live event ticketing system: 'The current ticketing system is riddled with problems and doesn’t serve the needs of fans, teams, artists, or venues'

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have spearheaded a bipartisan initiative to reform the current live event ticketing system. The lawmakers introduced the Fans First Act, legislation aimed at addressing issues related to ticket purchasing and price transparency for fans. According to Cornyn's office, the existing ticketing system is beleaguered by bots, unauthorized resellers, and large conglomerates.

In a press release issued on December 8, Cornyn stated, "The current ticketing system is riddled with problems and doesn’t serve the needs of fans, teams, artists, or venues." He further explained that "This legislation would rebuild trust in the ticketing system by cracking down on bots and others who take advantage of consumers through price gouging and other predatory practices and increase price transparency for ticket purchasers."

Klobuchar also commented on the issue in the release, emphasizing that attending a concert or a live sporting event has become unaffordable for many Americans. "Bots, hidden fees, and predatory practices are hurting consumers whether they want to catch a home game, an up-and-coming artist or a major headliner like Taylor Swift or Bad Bunny," she said. She added that "From ensuring fans get refunds for canceled shows to banning speculative ticket sales, this bipartisan legislation will improve the ticketing experience."

NBC News reported that Ticketmaster faced difficulties last year due to high demand for tickets to Swift’s Eras Tour. Several fans took legal action against Ticketmaster alleging anticompetitive practices and accusing the company of allowing scalpers to purchase tickets.

According to Cornyn's release, the Fans First Act aims to scrutinize ticket sales transparency, consumer protection measures, and ways to curb malicious actors. NBC News reports that U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Peter Welch (D-VT) are listed as co-sponsors of the measure. Live Nation, a key supporter of the bill, has expressed its approval for any initiative that brings positive reform to live event ticketing.