Astronomical black market prices for tickets in Biel

class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>

On Tuesday, EHC Biel opened the presale for the games on Sunday and Thursday. After more than two hours, the club announced that all tickets had been sold.

The match in the Tissot Arena sold out even faster. A few minutes after the virtual counters opened, they were swamped — and overloaded. Much to the chagrin of many fans who failed to get a ticket.

Many of the frustrated internet users then looked for offers on auction platforms such as Ricardo.ch. Late on Tuesday evening, prices ranged from 200 francs for a standing ticket to 990 francs for two seats. One vendor even tried to sell two standing room tickets for CHF 590.

Nothing illegal

Although this practice is of course unpleasant and not very correct, it is not punishable. The trade association of Swiss concert and show organizers (SMPA) points out on its website that “the organizers have no legal means to prevent sales through unofficial channels”.

According to the organization: “Anyone can resell a ticket at a (much) higher price. Resale is not in itself a criminal offence. While the commercial resale of tickets is often a contractual breach of the organiser’s terms and conditions, it is not a criminal offense as the Penal Code does not provide for sanctions.”

The buyer bears the risk

The SMPA also makes it clear that the buyer bears sole risk in the event of fraud. “The organizers cannot guarantee the validity of tickets, especially Print@Home tickets, if they have not been purchased through an authorized channel”.

In case of multiple sales, only one ticket gives access, the other owners are hidden. “The ticket is scanned at the entrance to the event and loses its validity,” the association explains. The first person to present a valid ticket will be admitted to the stadium. If copies of tickets are made, all subsequent persons will not be admitted to the event.”

Caution is therefore advised.

Source : Blick