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2019 in review: December

It was a good end to the year for Live Nation, which came to an agreement with the US authorities after suggestions it could face punishment over its actions within the ticketing sector.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) agreed to extend and clarify the consent decree that allowed Live Nation to merge with Ticketmaster in 2010.

The consent decree allowed Live Nation and Ticketmaster to combine but required them to follow a range of conditions in order to keep consumer prices in check by preserving competition in the industry. However, a DOJ investigation recently found that the live entertainment giant had repeatedly infringed the existing agreement.

Under a proposed amended agreement, the decree, set to expire in July 2020, would be extended to the end of 2025. Live Nation was also ordered to reimburse the DOJ for its costs in enforcing the regulations, though no fine was imposed.

Football fans looking forward to the new year and Euro 2020 were given a boost when UEFA announced a series of fan experience initiatives, starting with the implementation of digital ticketing for specific target groups at every game.

A range of digital services via an app are designed to help fans plan their trips, whether attending the match, organising their travel and accommodation, or sampling what each host city has to offer, will complement the digital match ticket.

UEFA Events SA chief executive Martin Kallen, said: “For UEFA Euro 2020, we are creating a new experience driven by the fans. Combining fan insight and the latest in digital technology, our focus is to deliver a personalised experience for every fan.”

With Euro 2020 on the horizon, the Scottish Government passed new legislation in December that will see touts fined up to £5,000 ($6,175/€5,636) if caught reselling tickets for the tournament.

The UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill criminalises touting for profit, either in person, on the secondary market or privately.

Scotland’s Europe Minister Ben Macpherson said: “It’s great that Parliament has unanimously passed this Bill, which will prevent unfair ticket touting, help deliver four successful Euro 2020 matches at Hampden Park, create a fan zone in the centre of Glasgow throughout the tournament, and further enhance Scotland’s excellent reputation for hosting major sporting events.”

Finally, MyTicket owner Deutsche Entertainment AG (DEAG) expanded its footprint in the UK by acquiring a 75-per-cent stake in independent ticketing agency Gigantic.

DEAG is purchasing the UK firm – which sold almost one million tickets last year – through its British subsidiary MyTicket Services.

Founders Mark Gasson and James Woodward will remain shareholders and continue to manage Gigantic on a long-term basis.

The pair said in a statement: “We are extremely proud that we have established and maintained consistent growth for Gigantic in a competitive marketplace. We now look forward to continuing this growth alongside the committed team at MyTicket.”

Click here to see the November 2019 review.

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