This is a common question for ticket holders, especially for outdoor concerts and sporting events. Weather can be unpredictable, and rainy conditions may put a damper on an event you’ve been looking forward to. So what is Ticketmaster’s policy when it comes to refunds for rainy events?
Quick Answer
Ticketmaster does not offer refunds simply because it rains during an outdoor event. However, refunds may be issued if the event is canceled entirely due to severe weather. The venue and event organizer typically decide whether to call off an event due to rain.
Ticketmaster’s Stance on Rain Refunds
Ticketmaster’s official policy is that they do not offer refunds or exchanges if an event continues despite rain or other inclement weather. Their terms and conditions state that “adverse weather conditions” are not grounds for a refund. This applies to both outdoor and indoor events.
So if a concert is still held despite pouring rain, or a sporting event goes on even during a drizzle, ticket holders cannot receive a refund through Ticketmaster simply due to the weather. The event needs to be completely called off and canceled for weather-related refunds to be issued.
Are There Any Exceptions?
While Ticketmaster firmly states they do not give refunds for weather alone, there are some nuanced exceptions in certain cases:
- If an event is canceled midway through due to worsening weather, partial refunds may be issued.
- If weather creates hazardous conditions but the event is not canceled, ticket holders may be able to receive a credit for a future event rather than a full refund.
- Venues and event organizers can choose to offer refunds due to weather at their own discretion, even if Ticketmasterdoes not.
So while Ticketmaster itself does not refund for rain alone, the company is willing to work with venues and organizers to issue refunds if they opt to call off an event due to the weather.
Are Service Fees Refunded?
If an event is canceled and refunds are issued, the base ticket price is typically refunded. However, Ticketmaster’s services fees are generally non-refundable.
Service fees cover Ticketmaster’s costs for operating theirticketing platform and services. Even if an event does not happen, they still incurred costs facilitating the ticket sale. So only the base ticket price, and not the fees, would be refunded in a weather cancellation.
How to Request a Rain Refund
If an event is fully canceled due to rain, there is typically an announcement made through the venue’s website and social media channels. Ticketmaster will thencontact ticket holders directly with refund information and instructions.
If an event is stopped midway due to worsening weather, Ticketmaster will provide updates to ticket buyers on how to request a partial refund. Refund request instructionswill also be provided if a credit is being offered in lieu of a refund.
Generally, Ticketmaster will reach out directly to ticket purchasers with refund details for weather cancellations. There is typically no need to contact themproactively to request a refund in these cases.
Best Practices for Rainy Events
While you can’t request a refund strictly due to rain, there are some best practices to keep in mind to handle rainy event days:
- Check the weather forecast in advance and prepare accordingly with rain jackets, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes.
- Bring ponchos to cover yourselves and any electronic devices.
- Pack towels and plastic bags to sit on so you can stay comfortable and dry.
- Arrive early in case there are any weather-related delays getting into the venue.
- Consider purchasing rain insurance from third party vendors for high-priced events.
- Follow event and venue social media for any weather-related updates on delays or cancellations.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster for Rain Protection
While Ticketmaster does not offer any special accommodations for rainy events, there are some alternatives that provide weather protection:
Third Party Ticket Insurance
Various third party companies like Event Ticket Insurance, WeatherGuard, and RainGuardoffer ticket insurance to protect you against event cancellations due to weather. For an additional fee when purchasing your tickets, they will refund your ticket costs if the event is canceled due to rain or other causes.
StubHub’s “Weather Guarantee”
Reseller marketplace StubHub offers a “Weather Guarantee” on certain outdoor event tickets. If the event is canceled entirely due to weather, StubHub will provide a coupon valued at 120% of the ticket price. This can be redeemed on a future purchase on their site.
Vivid Seats Refunds for Rainouts
Ticket reseller Vivid Seats will issue full refunds for events that are canceled due to weather. This includes MLB, NFL, NCAA football, and various concert and festival tickets purchased on their platform.
So while Ticketmaster itself does not offer special accommodations for rainy weather, you can look into alternatives like third party ticket insurance or ticket resellers to cover you in case of a rainout.
The Venue’s Rain Policy
It’s important to note that the event venue’s rain policy may differ from Ticketmaster’s. Some venues choose to offer rain checks or partial refunds even when Ticketmaster does not.
When buying tickets, especially for expensive outdoor events, check on the official venue website for details on their rain policy. Some venues may be more accommodating with refunds, credits, or rain checks that can be used for a future event.
The venue may also choose to delay the start of an event by an hour or two if rain is expected to pass. Or they may opt to cancel entirely based on weather reports. Since it’s the venue’s decision whether or not to continue with the event, their rain policy matters most.
Sample Venue Rain Policies
To understand how venue rain policies work compared to Ticketmaster’s, here are some examples:
| Venue | Rain Policy |
|---|---|
| Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Rain checks issued if event is canceled before it begins. No refunds once event starts. |
| AT&T Stadium | No refunds for rain, but event may be rescheduled based on forecast. |
| Fenway Park | Rain checks offered if less than 5 innings are played in MLB games. |
| North Carolina Azalea Festival | No refunds for rain, but some tickets include rain insurance. |
These examples show that venues handle rain very differently from Ticketmaster’s overall policy. Check for venue-specific rain policies when purchasing tickets.
Steps for Getting a Rain Refund from the Venue
If the venue does offer rain refunds that Ticketmaster does not, here is the general process to request one:
- Check the venue website and social media for any announcements of refunds due to weather.
- Follow the refund instructions provided for the specific event.
- Email or call the venue box office directly if no information is provided online.
- Provide details on the event date, tickets purchased, and request a rain refund.
- Allow sufficient processing time for the venue to issue the refund.
Ensure you follow the venue’s specific steps for obtaining a weather-related refund. This may differ from the Ticketmasterrefund process.
Contacting Ticketmaster Customer Service
If an event was canceled due to rain and you have not received refund details, you may need to reach out to Ticketmaster directly. Here are some tips for contacting customer service:
- Call Ticketmaster customer service at 1-800-653-8000.
- Reach out on Ticketmaster’s contact form.
- Direct message Ticketmaster’s Twitter or Facebook page.
- Chat with an online representative on Ticketmaster’s website.
When you contact them, provide the order number, event details, and inquire about rain refunds. But note that they will likely refer you to the venue’s policy if they did not issue a cancellation notice.
Pursuing Further Action for a Refund
If Ticketmaster is not issuing refunds for a clearly weather-canceled event, and you are unable to obtain a refund directly from the venue, you may need to pursue further action. Here are some options:
- File a chargeback – Contact your credit card company to dispute the charge if services were not rendered.
- Complain on social media – Post on Twitter and Facebook to get Ticketmaster’s attention to process your refund.
- Report them – File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your state’s attorney general.
- Threaten small claims court – Send a formal demand letter threatening to take them to small claims court over the refund.
Be sure to document your purchase details, the weather conditions, and all communication attempts when pursuing further action. This evidence will help support your case.
Preparing for Rain When Buying Tickets
Since Ticketmaster and venues do not guarantee refunds for rain alone, it’s smart to be prepared when purchasing tickets:
- Check weather forecasts to assess rain risk before buying tickets.
- Opt for covered seating areas rather than general admission tickets.
- Purchase rain insurance from third parties when available.
- Understand the venue’s specific rain check or refund policy.
- Look at Ticketmaster’s purchase guarantees or protections.
- Avoid buying paperless tickets, which cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Taking these precautionary steps when buying your tickets can help protect youfrom rainouts.
Does Rain Affect Ticket Resales?
Rain can also impact ticket resales on sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats. Sellers still are not required to offer refunds strictly due to rain. But if an event is fully canceled, reputable resellers will refund the purchase. Be sure to review resale site policies before buying.
Rain could also drive down prices as demand decreases on the secondary market. Some savvy buyers look for rain in the forecast to score last minute deals. Sellers may lower prices just to recoup some costs.
However, be cautious of buying right before an outdoor event on a rainy day. There is a risk the event could be canceled last minute with no recourse to get your money back.
Contesting Credit Card Charges for Rainouts
As a last resort, you can contest the credit card charge with your bank or card issuer if an event was clearly canceled due to weather but you cannot obtain a refund. Reasons to dispute the charge include:
- The event was canceled before it started.
- Refunds were promised but not delivered.
- The merchant (Ticketmaster) did not provide the purchased services.
- The venue policy states refunds are offered for weather cancellations.
When filing your dispute, submit any evidence you have, including the weather forecast, venue policy, event announcements, and documentation of your refund request. Your credit card company will then investigate the claim and issue a refund if warranted.
Is Travel Insurance an Option?
For expensive events that involve non-refundable travel costs like flights and hotels, standard ticket insurance may not be enough. In these cases, you can consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that covers cancellations due to weather.
Travel insurance providers like Allianz, Travelex, and Seven Cornersoffer policies that reimburse prepaid travel expenses if an event is canceled due to weather. This provides protection for all the costs surrounding the event.
Just be sure to read the specific coverage terms, as weather-related claims are often limited to complete cancellations rather than delays or postponements.
Should Tickets Be Refundable for Rain?
The question of whether or not ticket providers like Ticketmaster should offer rain refunds brings up some debate:
Arguments For Rain Refunds
- Weather is unpredictable and out of consumers’ control.
- Fans take on financial risk buying tickets for outdoor events.
- pouring rain can ruin the event experience and enjoyment.
- Some venues do provide rain refunds at their own discretion.
Arguments Against Rain Refunds
- Forecasts are readily available so rain risks are known ahead of time.
- Providing refunds for rain would be an unsustainable policy and drive up costs.
- Covered seating and rain gear can still allow enjoyment despite rain.
- Rain could become an excuse for buyers’ remorse for a disappointing event.
There are good points on both sides of this issue. Ultimately ticket buyers need to manage rain risks on their own. But some accommodation from venues on a case-by-case basis seems reasonable for dangerous or fan-ruining downpours.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster does not offer refunds solely due to rain or bad weather for events. However, full refunds are provided if an event is completely canceled due to severe or dangerous weather conditions. It is at the discretion of venues and event organizers whether to call off an event because of rain.
Ticket holders should prepare for the possibility of rain when buying tickets and not expect a refund based on weather alone. But in cases of extreme weather leading to unavoidable cancellations, Ticketmaster will work with venues to provide refunds to ticket buyers.