A Kansas City Council Committee has approved a contract extension of up to five years for California-based company Ticketmaster to continue to ticketing for events at city-owned convention and entertainment facilities.
McGaskey, executive director for the venues, says one factor that set Ticketmaster apart from two competing bidders was a $45,000 annual Ticketmaster allowance for advertising to help promote events. He said the assistance is a “nice incentive” to offer some event sponsors.
In addition, McGaskey said Ticketmaster was the only bidder that operates a local office and can provide local technical support. The support, he said, is critical to facilities operations and the city likes to do business with firms that actual employ people in Kansas City.
McGaskey says the typical “convenience fee” for a concert ticket will remain at around $8.45, with fees ranging downward to $2.70 for some convention center exhibits.
He says the fees can be avoided by purchasing tickets at the box office at the facilities.
Currently about 38 percent of ticket sales for events at city facilities are through Ticketmaster.
Steve Bell is afternoon news anchor and business news reporter for KCUR 89.3. He may be reached at 816-235-5173 or at steveb@kcur.org
