DOJ lawyer says concert ticket industry broken because of Ticketmaster

Justice Department Takes Ticketmaster to Court Over Alleged Monopoly

By LARRY NEUMEISTER

In a civil antitrust trial, a U.S. Justice Department lawyer argued that Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment have monopolized the concert industry, leading to higher prices for consumers. However, the companies deny these allegations.

David Dahlquist from the Justice Department’s antitrust division stated that the government is seeking to end the monopoly and create a competitive marketplace that benefits artists and consumers.

On the other hand, David Marriott, representing the companies, refuted the claims of having monopoly power, stating that the numbers speak for themselves.

The trial, which will span six weeks, will determine whether Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated antitrust laws as alleged in a lawsuit filed in 2024.

One of the key points raised is Ticketmaster’s controversial practices, including a site crash during a Taylor Swift presale event in 2022, which led to congressional hearings and calls for consumer protection.

Live Nation’s alleged anti-competitive tactics, such as long-term contracts and exclusive ticketing agreements, have also come under scrutiny.

Despite the legal battle, Live Nation emphasizes its role in supporting artists and bringing joy to millions of fans through live concerts.