Live Nation Draws Backlash After Banning Personal Chairs, Charging $15 for Venue Rentals
Live Nation's controversial move to ban personal lawn chairs at their venues while offering rentals for $15 has sparked significant backlash from concertgoers. This policy affects 31 out of 37 Live Nation amphitheaters nationwide.
Empty folding chairs in outdoor venue
The six venues still allowing personal chairs require seat bottoms to be no higher than nine inches off the ground. While Live Nation claims this policy enhances security and speeds up entry, many customers view it as another revenue-generating tactic.
At Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the policy only applies to Live Nation events. SPAC-produced shows, including the Saratoga Jazz Festival and performances by New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra, continue to allow personal lawn chairs, blankets, and outside food and beverages.
The chair rental policy has led to calls for boycotts, particularly after SPAC adopted Live Nation's dynamic pricing model for non-Live Nation events. This controversy comes amid an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, alleging illegal monopolistic practices that harm both competitors and consumers.
Social media users have expressed frustration over mounting costs, with one Facebook user noting: "Live Nation concerts charge for parking, overpriced tickets, up the prices on drinks, and now we can't bring in a lawn chair but can rent one for $15!"
Photo Credit: Nick Fewings