Ticketmaster responds as NC Attorney General investigates Stanley Cup final ticket complaints

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Complaints continue to pour into the North Carolina Attorney General's Office from frustrated Carolina Hurricanes fans who say they had major problems buying tickets for the Stanley Cup Final.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson confirmed to ABC11 that Ticketmaster has acknowledged receiving his letter seeking answers and plans to respond by his deadline at the end of this week.

"We got complaints from a lot of folks who spent hours online waiting to get their tickets," Jackson said.

So far, AG Jackson's office says it received twenty complaints against Ticketmaster related to Stanley Cup Final ticket sales at Lenovo Center. Many of the complaints come from season ticket holders who say they were unable to purchase tickets despite receiving presale access codes.

One complaint alleges that more than 24,000 people were ahead of a season ticket holder in the virtual queue, leaving them unable to buy seats. Other fans questioned whether bots may have scooped up tickets before legitimate buyers had a chance.

Several complaints focus on soaring resale prices. One fan reported paying more than $2,600 for three upper-level seats after being forced into the secondary market. "We are hearing a lot of frustration, particularly from season ticket holders, that they were forced into the resale market," Jackson said. "Instead of having the option they thought they had, all of a sudden now it's two times, three times, even ten times the price."

In a letter sent to Ticketmaster last week, Jackson requested information about presale queues, reported technology issues, and the company's efforts to monitor and prevent bots and other bad actors from disrupting ticket sales. "We just spoke with Ticketmaster today, and they said, 'We got your letter. We are going to answer all of your questions,'" Jackson said.

Ticketmaster did not provide ABC11 with a statement, but in an email said that most Stanley Cup Final tickets were sold to Carolina Hurricanes season ticket holders. The company also stated that each round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Finals, went as planned and without incident or technical issues.

Some fans have also questioned whether the high resale prices violate North Carolina's price gouging laws. However, Jackson says those laws do not apply in this situation.

"In North Carolina, the attorney general has special power over price gouging, but only once a state of emergency has been declared," Jackson explained. "While this was very frustrating, it does not count as an official state of emergency."

Fans who experienced problems purchasing Stanley Cup Final tickets can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office. Jackson's office expects Ticketmaster's formal response by the end of the week as the investigation continues.

ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson also reported on ticket scams targeting Hurricanes fans. One Carolina Hurricanes fan lost $1,000 to a scam.

Anyone searching for tickets online, especially through social media, should use caution and verify sellers before sending money.