The City Council doesn’t want New Yorkers to be locked out when their favorite bands come to town.
That’s what happened in September, when Radiohead played two shows at Roseland Ballroom. Fans said they tried to buy tickets on Ticketmaster and Tickets Now, but seconds after tickets were supposed to be ready, the site said they were unavailable.
Councilman Dan Garodnick will lead a hearing Friday that will address the growing problem of the lack of availability for concert tickets, for shows ranging from Katy Perry to Bruce Springsteen.
Garodnick said automated “bots” are often programed to buy tickets the second they are released, allowing companies or individuals to resell them at a significant mark-up. Also, artists like Katy Perry withhold tickets, he said.
One idea is requiring venues like Madison Square Garden to post ticket availability, said Garodnick. Another option being considered is requiring a percentage of tickets to be purchased in person.
Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter @AlisonatMetro.
