No evidence staff ‘looted’ Ed Sheeran concert tickets: Singapore Sports Hub
The Singapore Sports Hub said on Sunday (14 May) it has found no evidence to support the allegation that a staff member had “looted” tickets to Ed Sheeren’s concert.
In a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore, the Sports Hub said it had conducted it investigations and reviewed the transactions performed.
“There were no suspicious transactions, and tickets were purchased within the respective transaction limits. The Sports Hub wishes to state that while we treat such allegations seriously, we have every confidence in the integrity of our staff and systems.”
Online scalpers
After tickets to the concert went on sale at 10am on Thursday (11 May) via Sports Hub Tix, SingPost outlets as well as the Singapore Indoor Stadium Box Office, many scalpers were spotted reselling them at exorbitant prices via Carousell and Viagogo websites.
One Facebook user, known as Aida Aretha, even posted screenshots of her correspondence with an alleged ticket reseller on Carousell. The alleged reseller had claimed that his friend was a Sports Hub staff and had obtained over 200 tickets. The reseller was selling a pair of CAT 1 tickets at $1,100, higher than the original price of $496.
“I do not know if that guy was being a troll or not, but it would be a good way to keep organisations on their toes so that in the future, they won’t allow staffs to help their friends to buy or whatsoever or for staffs to be able to buy the tickets earlier than its official selling day. I am not saying that staffs are indeed buying earlier, but I just felt that tickets and the rules should be fair to everyone,” Aida told Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore.
This will be Ed Sheeran’s second sold-out concert in Singapore. His last show in the country was in 2015, at The Star Theatre.
Minutes after tickets went on sale online at 10am on Thursday, several fans posted a slew of complaints on the Singapore Sports Hub’s Facebook page, citing long waits and losing their ticket bookings just as they were about to make a transaction.
According to Sports Hub, “The Sports Hub Tix system operated without any technical issues, and managed the high demand. The virtual waiting room – a feature used to regulate traffic on the website when there is high demand, and enabled patrons who are in process of purchasing tickets to complete their transactions – was activated.”
“The Singapore Sports Hub wishes to thank all patrons for the overwhelming response to Ed Sheeran’s concerts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in November.”
Organisers announced a second show swiftly after tickets for 11 November were sold out.
Initial response
On Saturday (13 May), the Sports Hub said it was speaking with the relevant authorities about these allegations. Ed Sheeran’s sold-out two-day concert in Singapore will be taking place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 11 and 12 November.
“The Singapore Sports Hub categorically does not condone the sale of tickets for shows held at any of our venues other than through official channels. We are conducting an investigation into, and speaking with the relevant authorities about these allegations,” it said.
“We have systems and checks in place to identify any breach of policy by staff or partners. Appropriate action will be taken against any party found guilty of offence. Sports Hub would like to reiterate that no resellers have been authorised to sell tickets for this show. Sports Hub urges the public not to purchase tickets other than through official channels as these may not be accepted at the venue,” it added.
Related story: Second day added to Ed Sheeran’s concert in Singapore
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