UPDATE: Buffalo Bills fans are facing urgent ticket troubles as a family drives for hours only to arrive at Highmark Stadium without seats. The Barlett family, who traveled five hours for the game this past Sunday, October 15, 2023, discovered their tickets had not been delivered, leaving them in a frustrating situation.
The Barletts purchased two fourth-row tickets through StubHub back in August, expecting timely delivery. However, upon arrival, they learned that the seller failed to provide the tickets. StubHub, a popular ticket resale platform, initially promised delivery by game time, raising concerns among fans about the reliability of online ticket purchases.
Despite the long journey, Dave and Michelle Barlett decided to make the trip, trusting that their tickets would be waiting for them. When they found out otherwise, they were left disappointed. StubHub has since acknowledged the error, stating that the couple was offered alternative seating under their Fan Protect Guarantee. However, the replacement seats were inadequate compared to their original tickets, prompting the couple to opt for a full refund instead.
“This was incredibly frustrating after such a long drive,” said Dave Barlett, expressing his concerns about the ticket buying process. He added that he is now hesitant to use StubHub again, fearing the same situation could arise with future purchases. In response to the incident, StubHub reached out to the Barletts directly, apologizing for the mishap and offering them complimentary tickets to a future event of their choice.
Dave Barlett urged StubHub to reassess their policies, suggesting that tickets should be released immediately upon purchase to avoid future complications. Local ticket broker VIPTix CEO Nick Giammusso echoed these concerns, advising fans to buy from trusted sellers to prevent similar issues. Giammusso emphasized that his company only lists tickets they physically possess, providing additional peace of mind for buyers.
A spokesperson from StubHub stated that such issues affect fewer than 0.2% of orders, reinforcing their commitment to customer satisfaction. The spokesperson said,
“We understand how frustrating this was—especially after a long trip—and we’re sincerely sorry for the experience they had.”
As the Bills season continues, fans are encouraged to be cautious while purchasing tickets online. The Barletts plan to utilize their complimentary tickets, but they remain skeptical about using StubHub in the future. With growing concerns over online ticket sales, this incident highlights the need for reliable ticket purchasing methods.
Fans are urged to share their experiences and remain vigilant when buying tickets, especially for high-demand events. As the story develops, it serves as a crucial reminder of the potential pitfalls in the online ticket marketplace.
