Boston — The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday that Ticketmaster will honor refund requests for fans who purchased tickets to Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour concerts at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 25 and 26. The decision follows a wave of more than 170 consumer complaints filed after the concert’s opening acts were dramatically altered.
Attorney General’s intervention
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued a media release stating that her office sent Ticketmaster a formal letter demanding a revision of the company’s standard policy on changing or canceling opening performers. The letter argued that “changing nearly all of the acts and performers at the same time constitutes such a dramatic change in the service that Ticketmaster’s reliance on the purchase policy appears unfair.”
Ticketmaster responded that event organizers have agreed to allow refunds for the two September shows in Foxborough, provided requests are submitted at least 24 hours before the performance. Fans can contact Ticketmaster Customer Service at 1‑800‑653‑8000 or use the online refund portal linked in the company’s announcement.
Background to the lineup changes
The controversy began when rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft organized a boycott in response to Macklemore’s public remarks supporting the Palestinian cause. Following the boycott, several other supporting acts also withdrew, prompting the massive reshuffling of the concert’s lineup.
Ed Sheeran issued a statement expressing disappointment over the situation, and a protest is scheduled outside Gillette Stadium on Saturday, reflecting the community’s strong reaction to the perceived censorship of artistic expression.
Consumer protection and local impact
The Attorney General’s swift action underscores the state’s commitment to protecting consumers from unfair business practices. By securing refunds, the office aims to restore confidence in ticket‑sale platforms and ensure that Massachusetts residents are not penalized for changes beyond their control.
Local businesses near the stadium anticipate a continued influx of concert‑goers, and the refund process is expected to be straightforward for ticket holders who act promptly. The AG’s office encourages anyone with questions to reach out directly for assistance.
What fans need to know
- Refund requests must be made at least 24 hours before the show’s start time.
- Contact Ticketmaster via phone (1‑800‑653‑8000) or the online refund portal.
- The protest scheduled for Saturday will take place outside Gillette Stadium; attendees are advised to follow local law‑enforcement guidance.
NBC10 Boston has reached out to Ticketmaster for comment on the refund announcement.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
