UPDATE: Buffalo Bills fans are facing a major ticketing crisis, as one family drove over five hours to attend the game, only to find no seats waiting for them. The incident occurred on October 15, 2023, at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York, raising serious concerns about online ticket purchases.
The Barlett family purchased two fourth-row tickets through StubHub back in August, relying on the platform’s assurance that their tickets would be delivered by game time. However, when they arrived, the tickets had not been delivered, leaving them frustrated and disappointed.
“We drove all this way, and there were no tickets waiting for us,” said Dave Barlett. StubHub acknowledged that the seller failed to provide the tickets, offering alternative seating under their Fan Protect Guarantee. However, the couple opted for a full refund, citing that the replacement seats did not match the quality of their original tickets.
In response to this incident, StubHub has apologized directly to the Barletts and provided complimentary tickets for a future event of their choice. Yet, the couple remains skeptical about using the site again. “How comfortable am I going to be leaving here to drive to Buffalo to go to a game not having tickets yet?” Barlett questioned, highlighting their ongoing concerns.
Nick Giammusso, CEO of local ticket broker VIPTix, warns fans to be cautious when purchasing tickets online. He emphasizes the importance of buying from trusted sellers who have physical possession of tickets before listing them. Giammusso stated, “We never list seats unless we have the tickets in hand.”
Despite this alarming incident, a StubHub spokesperson assured that issues like this affect fewer than 0.2% of orders.
“We understand how frustrating this was—especially after a long trip—and we’re sincerely sorry for the experience they had,”
the spokesperson explained, reiterating their commitment to ensuring that fans can buy and sell tickets with confidence.
With this incident gaining traction, the Barletts are advocating for StubHub to change its policy to release tickets immediately upon purchase to prevent future disappointments. As ticketing platforms become increasingly popular, this story serves as a crucial reminder to fans about the potential pitfalls of online ticket purchases.
As the situation develops, fans are urged to approach ticket buying with caution and to consider alternative, reliable sources. The emotional impact of this incident is resonating among Bills supporters, many of whom share similar experiences of ticketing frustrations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and as the Barlett family continues to seek answers from StubHub.
