More than 1,300 people have signed a petition calling on the Vancouver Whitecaps to refund their tickets after international superstar Lionel Messi failed to show up to a much-hyped game last week.
The petition on Change.org says Messi, along with two other players — Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets — were used by the Whitecaps in promotional material in the lead-up to the game against Inter Miami FC, “leading to increased ticket demand and premium pricing.”
The petition organizer, Rachel Renzi, says the Whitecaps engaged in “misleading promotions.” The petition says the use of the star players “mislead” fans to believe that they would see the three play, “leading to significantly higher ticket prices.”
“Unjustified Premium Pricing: Ticket prices ranging from $300 to $600+ are not justified without these star players. (These prices were set by Ticketmaster/Whitecaps and are NOT resale prices). Typically, Whitecaps tickets are around $30, and the upper bowl of the stadium is rarely open,” the petition further stated.
Despite the Whitecaps’ offer to game-goers a 50 per cent discount on food and beverage at the game, along with a free ticket to another soccer game in the city, the petition organizer believes that compensation is “inadequate.”
“A 50% discount on food and beverages is not sufficient compensation. Fans have spent significant amounts of money expecting to see these stars, and the value of the match without them does not justify the current pricing.”
Signatories are now calling for a full refund of ticket prices, or a “substantial partial refund” to reflect the actual value of a game without the three stars.
“Adjust future ticket pricing to ensure it reflects the actual players who will be participating. If the presence of star players cannot be guaranteed, prices should remain similar to typical rates.”
More to come