New Hampshire Among 30 States Suing Ticketmaster Parent Company

NEW HAMPSHIRE — New Hampshire's attorney general, the U.S. Department of Justice, and 29 other states have filed an antitrust lawsuit against ticket-selling giant Live National Entertainment Inc., officials said Thursday.

The lawsuit claims that Live Nation — which also owns Ticketmaster — has illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry and engaged in anticompetitive conduct to the detriment of artists and their fans, according to officials.

Live Nation controls one of the most important parts of New Hampshire’s live entertainment industry: the BankNH Pavilion located near Lake Winnipesaukee. It's also the exclusive ticketer to some of the largest concert venues in New Hampshire, including the SNHU Arena. Ticketmaster sales data shows that these fans are subject to some of the highest markup rates in the nation when it comes to the face value of a ticket versus the actual price after fees and costs are included, officials said.

In the suit, Live Nation is accused of maintaining its monopoly in ticketing markets by locking up venues through restrictive long-term, exclusive agreements and threats that venues will lose access to Live Nation-controlled tours and artists if they sign with a rival ticketer, officials said.

It is also accused of leveraging its extensive network of amphitheaters, like the BankNH Pavilion, to force artists to select Live Nation as a promoter instead of its rivals.

"Live Nation's conduct has harmed fans through higher fees, lack of transparency, fewer consumer choices, and stifling innovation," the Department of Justice wrote. "As a result of its conduct, U.S. music fans are forced to use outdated technology while paying more for tickets than fans in other countries."

The lawsuit, which includes a request for structural relief, seeks to restore competition in the live concert industry, provide better choices at lower prices for fans, and open venue doors for working musicians and other performance artists.

"Live Nation must be held accountable," Attorney General John M. Formella said Thursday. "For too long, New Hampshire's live entertainment market has been stifled by a lack of competition, leading to exorbitant fees and limited choices for fans. This lawsuit is a step towards ensuring fair play and transparency in the industry, allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite live events without being overcharged."

Formella added: "We are hopeful that this action will lead to a more vibrant and competitive market for live entertainment, not just in New Hampshire but across the country."

Joining Attorney General Formella in the suit is a bipartisan group of attorneys general from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.