THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, May 27, 1996 TAG: 9605220008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 30 lines
I was disappointed when I was informed by TicketMaster via a phone message that the June 21 performance of Tommy at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater has been canceled. My disappointment quickly changed to irritation when I was told that I would be refunded the cost of the tickets I purchased minus $2 - no explanation given. I would be refunded the amount after I made copies of the tickets and returned them to TicketMaster.
My irritation turned to all-out anger upon reading in The Pilot on May 15 about the outrageous prices being charged for food and chair rental at the amphitheater.
I realize that the amphitheater and TicketMaster probably suffered some financial loss due to the cancellation of the show, but to have the loss swallowed by the patrons is very poor business practice. Certainly the amphitheater should be able to handle the fiscal loss of one performance cancellation (which was probably canceled due to low ticket sales anyway) by charging $4 for a cup of beer and $4.50 for french fries, not to mention $4 lawn-chair rentals!
The amphitheater and TicketMaster need more than good acts to bring business to the Beach; they need a lesson in good customer relations. I strongly doubt I shall do business with TicketMaster or the amphitheater again.
MARTHA de CARBONEL PATTERSON
Virginia Beach, May 17, 1996 by CNB