Promoters feel sting in change of concert venue

Sting

Tickets to British singer-songwriter Sting’s concert on Dec. 9 were “almost sold out” when the pop star changed the venue from the Mall of Asia Arena (MOAA) to Smart Araneta Coliseum, according to an officer of MOA Arena.

“Not fully sold out, but close” Arnel Gonzales, MOAA general manager, told the Inquirer by phone on Wednesday, adding that their main concern now was “to manage the expectations of the patrons who have already bought tickets.”

Sting demanded a change of venue to express his sympathy for environmentalists protesting the “balling” of pine trees in Baguio City by SM, which also owns MOAA.

SM, however, said Sting was misinformed.

Sting’s official website, sting.com, posted this announcement on Oct. 19: “Fans who have previously purchased a reserved seat ticket will receive a reserved ticket for the new venue. Reserved seat tickets have been carefully reassigned so that fans who have a reserved ticket at the MOAA will receive a comparable reserved ticket in the new venue.

“Beginning Thursday, October 25th, there will be a special window at the Ticketnet Office located at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that will handle all ticket exchanges. Fans may exchange their tickets on the show date, but we recommend that this be done in advance, to avoid lengthy queues.”

“If a refund is required due to the change in venue, these tickets must be refunded at SM Tickets no later than Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012.”

However, Gonzales said his office was still discussing with concert promoter Ovation Productions the details of a system that would ensure hassle-free exchange of previously purchased tickets sold for new ones.

Renen de Guia, head of Ovation, said he would make an official announcement in the next few days regarding this.

Gonzales assured all ticket holders that they would be assigned proper corresponding seats in the new venue.

“We have some adjustments to make,” he admitted, “since the Arena has more premium seats in the lower box section and fewer seats in the general admission section.”

For a clearer picture, Gonzales noted: The Arena has a seating capacity of more than 10,000 for concerts; the Smart Araneta Coliseum can accommodate more than 9,000 but can make room for more, should ticket sales require it.

To clarify transfer matters, the public is advised wait for further announcements or call SM Tickets (tel.470-2222) or Ticketnet (911-5555).