TicketNetwork Succumbs to Virus-Related Layoffs

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Continued fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has prompted one of the leading secondary market ticket brokerage firms in the country to lay off nearly 150 employees from its South Windsor headquarters.

Beginning June 20, TicketNetwork plans to temporarily lay off the workers, in view of considerable business loss due to cancellation of nearly every live sports and entertainment event worldwide due to the pandemic.

Chief Executive Officer Don Vaccaro said in April the company, which employs about 500 people, was trying to avoid layoffs to keep the company primed for when live entertainment reumes.

A statement provided to Patch by company officials Thursday reads:

Due to the continued impact of the coronavirus on live events, TicketNetwork has been forced to make the difficult decision to temporarily lay off some of its valued employees.

Company leadership took many steps designed to make such action a measure of last resort. However, ongoing government restrictions on public gatherings have left the industry at a near-complete shutdown with an unclear timeline for when events will resume at anything approaching pre-COVID levels. This has left such staffing changes as the only prudent way forward.

We will continue to support clients and customers alike as we always have. The live event experience is one that people crave, and we are confident in its return as soon as authorities determine it to be safe. When that day comes, TicketNetwork will be here to serve our partners and customers once those stadium, arena, and festival gates are back open.

Patch editor Chris Dehnel contributed to this story.

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