In an effort to combat high and exploitative ticket pricing for live entertainment events, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Peter Welch (D-VT) have introduced the Fans First Act. This act aims to increase transparency in ticket sales, protect consumers from fake or overpriced tickets, and hold bad actors accountable.

The current live event ticketing system has been plagued by several issues since it moved online. Scalpers and bots have taken advantage of the system, quickly acquiring thousands of tickets and reselling them at astronomical prices. As a result, fans have been forced to pay exorbitant amounts of money to attend concerts and other live events. The situation reached a boiling point in 2022 when tickets for tours by Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift went on sale, causing prices to skyrocket.

However, the efforts of ticket retailers like Ticketmaster, as well as other outlets, to control the situation have only been partially successful. Recognizing the need for further action, the bipartisan group of senators have introduced the Fans First Act, which aims to address various flaws within the ticketing system.

One of the key provisions of the act is the requirement for ticket sellers and resellers to disclose the total cost of the ticket, including fees, at the beginning of a transaction. This pricing transparency will help consumers make informed decisions and avoid hidden fees. Additionally, sellers and resellers will need to provide a breakdown of the ticket cost, clear terms and conditions of purchase, and information about the seat or section being sold to avoid misrepresentation.

The act also strengthens the existing Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, which was signed into law in 2016. It further prohibits the use of bots to purchase tickets online and requires sellers and resellers to provide proof of purchase to consumers within 24 hours. Furthermore, if an event is canceled, sellers and resellers will be required to refund consumers the full cost of the ticket.

To enforce these regulations, the act imposes civil penalties on resellers engaging in illegal ticket sale practices. It also establishes a reporting website for fans to file complaints and assigns the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general with the task of enforcement. The act prohibits the sale of speculative tickets, where the reseller claims to possess a ticket they actually do not have. It also prevents the use of deceptive websites and aims to crack down on bad actors masquerading as legitimate sellers. Reporting of BOTS Act violations from ticketing companies to the FTC will be required, and the FBI will share information on ticketing violations.

The Fans First Act has garnered support from various entities and organizations in the live event industry, including the Fix the Tix Coalition, National Independent Venue Association, Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Eventbrite, and more.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the need to rebuild trust in the ticketing system and crack down on predatory practices, stating that the act seeks to address these concerns. Senator Klobuchar added that the legislation aims to improve the ticketing experience by addressing issues such as bots, hidden fees, and predatory practices.

Ticketmaster owner Live Nation has welcomed the move, expressing support for positive reform in live event ticketing and advocating for stronger reforms and enforcement.

The Fans First Act follows a similar action approved by the House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee, which focuses on pricing transparency and speculative selling. With bipartisan support and endorsements from various industry organizations, the act holds promise for addressing the flaws in the current ticketing system and providing a better experience for fans of live entertainment.