Ticketmaster is the go-to place for fans looking to catch their favorite artists and sports events from prime seating. The American ticket sales and distribution company was founded on October 2, 1976, in Arizona by Albert Leffler, Peter Gadwa, Gordon Gunn, Charles H. Hamby Jr., and George Hamby. With founders from various backgrounds such as computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship, Ticketmaster quickly established itself as a leader in the ticketing industry.
In 2009, Ticketmaster was acquired by Live Nation Entertainment for $2.5 billion, forming a multinational entertainment company. Live Nation is known for promoting and managing ticket sales for live entertainment both in the United States and internationally. Ticketmaster has expanded its operations to countries like Canada, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, and Australia, solidifying its position as an industry giant.
Ticketmaster not only sells tickets to major music artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Guns N’ Roses but also offers the best seats for a variety of sports events, from football and baseball to basketball games and more. Additionally, Ticketmaster has acquired several companies since its merger with Live Nation, including music festival ticketing service Front Gate Tickets and DIY ticketing platform Universe.
However, Ticketmaster’s dominance in the live performance industry has led to scrutiny. In 2024, the US Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Live Nation, alleging that the company violates antitrust laws and maintains a monopoly. Thirty US states have joined the DOJ in suing Live Nation, raising questions about the company’s practices and market control. As the lawsuit unfolds, the future of Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s ownership remains uncertain.
