Stung by ticket exchange

Photo by Elvira Mata

MANILA, Philippines – A long line greeted even early birds among those who trooped to the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Saturday to have their Sting concert tickets replaced following a recent venue change.

From SM Mall of Asia Arena, the British artist’s concert was moved to the Big Dome, reportedly the result of his disapproval of SM management’s environmental record.

Saturday was the first day of exchange. Those who lined up had bought their tickets from the Arena.

One irate holder of two P10,000 tickets found the procedure “far fom organized.”

The ticket holder texted Philippine Daily Inquirer from the queue: “There is a concert tonight and the ticket buyers are in the same line as the exchangers.”

The ticket booths opened at 10 a.m. At 3 p.m., the texter was still there. “People here have started posting pics and comments on Facebook and Twitter.”

A spokesperson for the concert promoter, Ovation Productions, said the company’s staff was “out of town for the Don Moen shows in Tagbilaran and Butuan and will be back Monday.”

A “direct exchange” system was followed, meaning, a ticket holder will get the same seat number at Araneta that he purchased for Arena – which also meant the ticket holders did not have to all go Saturday.

Tickets will be replaced until November 20.

A fan who got her ticket replacement after four and a half hours quipped: “Well, that took longer than any recorded Sting concert.”

The Manila leg of the British singer-songwriter’s “Back to Bass” tour is on December 9.