A disappointed Coldplay fan successfully sued Ticketmaster in the Small Claims Court after being sold tickets with a restricted view for the band’s Croke Park concert, which left him and his wife unable to see the performance.
When the Coldplay tour was announced, James McGetrick purchased two pre-sale tickets through Ticketmaster for the Dublin concert on the 29th of August 2024, paying a total of €332. Excited for the event, he described the purchase as “over the moon,” a feeling that quickly turned to disappointment on the night of the concert.
Upon arrival at Croke Park, Mr McGetrick and his wife were directed to the fourth row from the back of the lower Hogan Stand. From these seats, they could not see the stage properly. The stage was elevated, and the overhang from the upper stand obstructed their view. Audience members seated in front of them stood up, forcing the couple to do the same, but they still struggled to see the band.
As the concert continued, people seated behind them, with even worse views, began crowding the aisles. Mr McGetrick approached a steward to complain, but reported that the steward seemed more interested in the concert than in resolving the issue. Later, when stewards returned and instructed those in the aisle to return to their seats, the situation worsened. Those affected blamed Mr McGetrick, and the couple experienced hostility, including popcorn and litter being thrown at them.
The following day, Mr McGetrick contacted Ticketmaster, who referred him to the concert promoter, MCD. He initially filed a Small Claims case against the promoter, but the court ruled that Ticketmaster was the correct defendant. Ticketmaster offered €190, but Mr McGetrick rejected this, seeking a full refund of €332, arguing that he had not been informed that the tickets were for a restricted view.
Ticketmaster did not attend the hearing. With Mr McGetrick’s evidence uncontested, the court awarded him the full €332. The judgment found that Ticketmaster failed to disclose a material fact — the restricted view of the seats — which constituted a breach of contract. Had the restriction been properly disclosed at the time of purchase, Ticketmaster would not have been required to refund the ticket price.
This case highlights the importance of transparency in ticket sales and serves as a reminder that sellers must disclose any limitations that could affect a customer’s enjoyment of an event.
James McGetrick v Ticketmaster Unlimited Company, Dublin District Court (Civil) (His Hon. Judge Peter White) 21 May 2025.
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