Yesterday, it was reported that Ticketmaster was developing a system for live music's return that would require ticketholders to verify their COVID-19 testing and vaccination status ahead of attending events. Now, the ticketing company has clarified that the plan is "still only a potential concept" in fielding concerns from fans.
At best, those who saw the plan detailed in a Billboard report were concerned about privacy and health data management. At worst, people — including noted anti-maskers Right Said Fred — began peddling the tired, conspiratorial refrain about mandatory vaccinations.
"It was widely misreported yesterday that Ticketmaster will be requiring vaccine status/test results for future events. This is not true," the company shared in a statement today.
"Ticketmaster does not have the power to set policies around safety/entry requirements, which would include vaccines and/or testing protocols. That is up to the discretion of the event organizer. We are indeed exploring these options, but it is still only a potential concept. And Ticketmaster will not be able to require such parameters — it would always be up to the event organizer."
Per the Billboard report, Ticketmaster's proposed system would require fans to verify that they have already been vaccinated, or that they have tested negative for coronavirus 24 to 72 hours prior to the event, though the length of time would be determined by public health guidelines.
Upon the test's completion, ticketholders would then have the test/vaccine distributor deliver results to their third-party health information company of choice, who would then verify the results with Ticketmaster. The ticketing company would not store or have access to concertgoers' medical records, and should a fan test positive or forego a test, they would not be granted access to the event.
Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, reported a 95 percent loss of revenue in its third quarter last week. News of the ticketing arm's proposed vaccine verification comes after the detailing of SmartEvent protocols, including contactless box offices, contact tracing, timed entries and more.
At best, those who saw the plan detailed in a Billboard report were concerned about privacy and health data management. At worst, people — including noted anti-maskers Right Said Fred — began peddling the tired, conspiratorial refrain about mandatory vaccinations.
"It was widely misreported yesterday that Ticketmaster will be requiring vaccine status/test results for future events. This is not true," the company shared in a statement today.
"Ticketmaster does not have the power to set policies around safety/entry requirements, which would include vaccines and/or testing protocols. That is up to the discretion of the event organizer. We are indeed exploring these options, but it is still only a potential concept. And Ticketmaster will not be able to require such parameters — it would always be up to the event organizer."
Per the Billboard report, Ticketmaster's proposed system would require fans to verify that they have already been vaccinated, or that they have tested negative for coronavirus 24 to 72 hours prior to the event, though the length of time would be determined by public health guidelines.
Upon the test's completion, ticketholders would then have the test/vaccine distributor deliver results to their third-party health information company of choice, who would then verify the results with Ticketmaster. The ticketing company would not store or have access to concertgoers' medical records, and should a fan test positive or forego a test, they would not be granted access to the event.
Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, reported a 95 percent loss of revenue in its third quarter last week. News of the ticketing arm's proposed vaccine verification comes after the detailing of SmartEvent protocols, including contactless box offices, contact tracing, timed entries and more.