SeatGeek Market Insights: Dealing with Obstructed Views at Baseball Games - Business

SeatGeek Customer Seeks Refund for Obstructed View at Baseball Game

Craig McAllister from Vero Beach , Fla. , recently attended a spring training game between the New York Mets and New York Yankees in Port St. Lucie , Fla. He purchased front - row tickets for 24 from SeatGeek , a platform known for buying and selling tickets . However , upon reaching his seat , McAllister discovered that his view was obstructed by a large ESPN cameraman , blocking 80 percent of his perspective . Despite the game being sold out , McAllister and his companions tried to watch for a few innings before deciding to stand due to the obstructed view . Eventually , they found empty seats around the sixth inning.

 SeatGeek refused to offer a refund to McAllister , claiming that the presence of the cameraman was not considered an obstruction that needed to be noted in the listing.

Feeling dissatisfied with the situation , McAllister reached out to SeatGeek , seeking reimbursement for the full cost of his tickets . He believed that he should have received better treatment or at least a warning about the obstructed view.

Resolution and Advice for Dealing with Obstructed Views at Events

In response to McAllister 's complaint , it was found that SeatGeek 's policy dictates that any ticket sold with an obstructed view must be clearly labeled on the site . However , McAllister 's tickets did not have any such warning . Despite the rareness of such incidents , obstructed views at events are more common than people think . This issue can arise due to various reasons other than cameras , leading to misrepresentation of the seats by the venues.

 If you encounter a similar problem at an event , there are steps you can take to address the issue:

- Seek assistance from event staff to resolve the obstruction.

- If possible , move to a different seat with a better view.

- Discuss the discrepancy with a manager and seek a resolution.

- Document the situation with photos and names of staff members involved.

- Consider escalating the case to the management company , venue , or reseller.

It is essential to know your rights as a consumer , as the Federal Trade Commission prohibits deceptive practices in ticket sales , and various states have laws protecting consumers from ticket fraud.

Possible Actions and Outcomes for Unmet Expectations

Considering McAllister 's case , it was challenging for him to predict the obstructed view caused by the cameraman . While SeatGeek initially declined his refund request , a 50 credit was eventually offered as compensation for the inconvenience . In hindsight , McAllister could have taken further steps by approaching the main office or appealing to SeatGeek executives for a resolution.

In conclusion , the incident highlights the importance of transparency in ticket sales and the need for effective communication between ticket platforms , venues , and consumers . It also underscores the significance of understanding consumer rights and seeking appropriate solutions when faced with unmet expectations at events.