Ticketing policies can often be confusing, especially when it comes to refunds for cancelled or postponed events. Playoff games bring an added layer of complexity due to their unique nature. So what happens if you buy tickets to a playoff game that ends up not being played? Does Ticketmaster provide refunds in this case?
The Short Answer
In most cases, yes Ticketmaster will provide refunds for playoff games that do not end up happening. However, the specifics depend on the reason for the cancellation and the policies in place for that particular event.
Examining Ticketmaster’s Refund Policies
Ticketmaster has some general policies regarding refunds that provide a framework for how they handle cancelled or rescheduled events. However, the specifics can vary based on the event promoter, league policies, and other factors.
In general, if an event is cancelled entirely with no postponement or rescheduling, Ticketmaster will provide a full refund of the ticket price and fees. This would apply to something like a playoff game being cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If an event is rescheduled, fans are often given the option to use their original tickets for the new date. If they cannot attend the new date, they can typically request a refund within a certain window of time. Policies vary on how far in advance of the new date refund requests must be made.
For postseason games like playoffs or championships, there is often more flexibility on refunds if the event ends up not needing all of the games that were originally scheduled. For example, if a playoff series ends early due to a sweep, fans may be offered refunds for unused tickets.
League and Team Policies
In addition to the Ticketmaster policies, the specific sport league and teams involved will also have refund policies in place that apply to playoff games.
Most leagues require tickets to be refunded if a playoff game is not played for some reason. However, fans are often encouraged to exchange tickets for a future game rather than request an outright refund.
The team policies generally align with the league rules. Teams want to maintain positive fan relations to encourage future ticket sales. Issuing refunds for unplayed games helps accomplish that goal.
Situations Where No Refund Is Given
In some rare cases, refunds are not issued for playoff games that do not get played.
If a game is delayed but will be made up at a later date, refunds are generally not provided right away. Fans must wait until after the make-up date has passed to request a refund if they cannot attend the new game time.
If a fan violates the stadium policy and gets ejected from a game, they forfeit any refund on the ticket for that game.
If the game is played but the fan does not use their ticket for any reason, a refund is typically not provided in that situation.
Factors Impacting Playoff Refund Policies
There are a few key factors that come into play when determining if tickets will be refunded for a playoff game that does not get played:
Reason for Cancellation
The reason that the game was cancelled plays a big role in whether refunds are issued. If the cancellation is due to weather, safety issues, or other problems with the venue, then full refunds are generally provided. Other unforeseen circumstances would also prompt refunds.
If the game is cancelled prematurely due to a sweep in the playoff series, fans are often given the option to exchange unused tickets or request a refund.
Timing of Cancellation
When the game is cancelled relative to the originally scheduled start time can also impact refunds. Last minute cancellations typically result in refunds being issued quickly and without hassle.
If a game is postponed well in advance of the start time, refunds may not be immediate since the game could potentially still be played at a later date.
Existing Ticket Policies
The language used in the ticket terms and conditions will dictate if refunds are required in different situations. Things like act of God provisions, game guarantees, and other policy specifics will outline the refund rules.
League Rules
The governing league will have a framework for playoff game cancellations and the requirement to provide refunds to fans. This provides consistency across playoff games regardless of which teams are participating.
How to Request a Refund for a Playoff Game
The process for requesting a refund for a playoff game that did not happen will depend on where and how you purchased the tickets.
Tickets Bought Directly from Ticketmaster
If you purchased tickets directly through Ticketmaster online or by phone, then you can request a refund online through your Ticketmaster account. There will be an option to fill out a refund request form for the specific event.
Tickets Bought from a Third-Party Seller
If you purchased through a secondary marketplace like Stubhub, Vivid Seats, or similar sites, you will need to request your refund directly through that third party.
The third-party seller processes refunds per their own policies and schedule. But they should provide refunds on any tickets for games that do not occur.
Tickets Bought at Venue Box Office
For box office purchases, you will need to go back to that original point of sale location with your ticket to receive a refund. The venue’s box office will handle refunds on any unplayed games.
Tickets Received as a Gift
If the tickets were given to you as a gift, the original purchaser will need to handle requesting the refund since all the purchase details are connected to their account.
How Quickly are Playoff Game Refunds Issued?
The speed of receiving a refund depends on a few factors:
- How the purchase was made – online vs. phone vs. box office
- Reason for cancellation – unexpected vs. known in advance
- Timing – last minute vs. far in advance
- Volume of refunds being processed
In the best case, refunds will be issued immediately back to the original method of payment, especially for online purchases. For box office purchases, waiting for the venue to mail a refund check will add time.
For a last-minute cancellation, Ticketmaster tries to issue online refunds within 3-5 business days. Longer delays up to 90 days are possible if there is high volume.
Options in Lieu of Refund
In some cases, you may be given options other than a straight refund when a playoff game is cancelled:
Ticket Exchange
Exchanging your ticket for a future game is often the preferred option over a refund. This allows you to attend another event while still using the money already spent.
Account Credit
Some ticket sellers will offer account credits equal to the refund amount that can be used for future purchases instead of an immediate cash refund.
Donate to Charity
You may have the option to donate the value of the refund to a specified charity organization supported by the team or league.
Factors That Delay Refund Processing
While Ticketmaster and other sellers aim to issue refunds quickly, there are some potential factors that can result in delays:
- High volume of refunds to process
- Difficulty confirming original method of payment
- Waiting for funds from original source (e.g. bank)
- Mail delays for box office refund checks
- Unclear policies on who can request refund
Contacting the ticket seller promptly can help expedite a delayed refund. They may request additional information to help verify and process the refund request.
Recapping the Key Points
To summarize the key points on whether Ticketmaster issues refunds for unplayed playoff games:
- Full refunds are typically issued if a game is completely cancelled
- Team, league, and Ticketmaster policies dictate refund rules
- Reason and timing of cancellation affect refund handling
- Refund method depends on original purchase method
- Advanced exchanges and account credits may be options
- Many factors like volume can delay refund issuance
Conclusion
Ticketmaster and other major ticket sellers want to maintain a positive reputation with sports fans and teams. This means they will typically issue refunds in a timely manner if a playoff game ends up not being played for any reason. Fans who are unsure of the refund policy for a specific playoff game should check in advance with the seller to understand their options in the rare event the game does not happen as planned.
