Amandeep Walia had been eagerly anticipating the performances of Ne-Yo and Akon in Calgary for months. However, he and his wife faced lengthy delays at the Scotiabank Saddledome, first to gain entry and then for the show to commence. Walia expressed surprise at the significant delay, estimating the total cost of the night at around $700, including tickets, babysitting, and refreshments.
Attendees with floor and lower level seats were confined to the concourse as the venue was still undergoing setup. Walia voiced concerns about the lack of organization and potential safety hazards due to the delays. The concert, initially scheduled for 8 p.m. on Jun. 20, was rescheduled to 9 p.m., with the performance finally starting at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Despite the delayed start, Walia acknowledged the show’s quality but lamented missing out on the full experience due to the late commencement. This incident in Calgary is not isolated, as other high-profile concerts this summer, like Jay-Z’s final Yankee Stadium show and Harry Styles’ performance in Mexico City, also experienced significant delays.
Entertainment lawyer Kurt Dahl explained that concert ticket holders have limited rights, primarily ensuring a seat and a show to some extent. The fine print on tickets often includes disclaimers about potential schedule changes, leaving consumers with little recourse in cases of extended delays. Dahl noted that promoters factor in flexibility to accommodate unpredictable artist schedules, citing past instances like Madonna’s delayed show.
Ashish Sharma from the Consumers Council of Canada highlighted the lack of statutory rights for customers in the event of concert delays. He emphasized the importance of prompt communication regarding major delays, considering the impact on attendees making travel and accommodation arrangements.
As fans invest more in live entertainment, the cost of a delayed concert extends beyond the ticket price to additional expenses like parking, food, lodging, and time off work. While Live Nation and Ticketmaster acknowledged fans’ frustrations, they clarified that a delayed performance does not automatically warrant a refund, leaving the decision to event organizers.
Dahl suggested that consumers may have more influence through public pressure than through legal means in addressing concert delays. He emphasized the significance of artists maintaining their reputation by addressing delays promptly. Walia urged for compensation in the form of rebates or credits for future shows to offset the inconvenience caused by the delayed concert experience.