Amandeep Walia eagerly anticipated the performances of Ne-Yo and Akon in Calgary for months. However, he and his spouse faced lengthy delays at the Scotiabank Saddledome, both to enter the venue and for the show to commence. Walia expressed surprise at the significant delay, estimating the evening’s expenses at around $700, encompassing tickets, childcare, and refreshments.
Attendees with floor and lower level seats were confined to the concourse as the venue was still undergoing setup, causing concerns for Walia about safety and organization. Originally scheduled for 8 p.m., the concert was rescheduled to 9 p.m., but the actual performance did not start until approximately 10:45 p.m.
Despite the delay, Walia appreciated the show itself but lamented the missed full experience due to the delayed start. This incident in Calgary is not an isolated case of fans enduring prolonged wait times at high-profile concerts this summer.
In another instance, Jay-Z’s final show at Yankee Stadium in New York was delayed by about four hours due to entrance closures prompted by crowds without tickets attempting to force their way in. Similarly, adverse weather conditions caused Harry Styles to postpone a concert in Mexico City, affecting the opening act’s performance as well.
The delays raise questions about what concert tickets guarantee. According to entertainment lawyer Kurt Dahl, ticket holders have limited rights, primarily ensuring the seat and a show to some extent. Dahl highlighted common fine print clauses allowing event dates and times to change without notice, providing promoters flexibility to adjust schedules.
Ashish Sharma from the Consumers Council of Canada noted the absence of statutory rights for concert delays, suggesting a need for legislation to secure customer rights akin to flight delays. As consumers increasingly invest in live entertainment, the costs extend beyond tickets to include additional expenses like transportation, accommodations, and time off work.
While concert delays may not automatically entitle ticket holders to refunds, consumers may exert influence through public pressure on artists and organizers. Walia proposed partial refunds or credits for future shows as a means to address the inconvenience experienced by attendees.