The live event industry joined forces yesterday for an initiative dubbed #TheShowMustBePaused as a part of Blackout Tuesday, but musicians are still speaking out and urging people to donate toward the Black Lives Matter movement. As a part of #TheShowMustBePaused, promoters, record labels, distributors, and executives across the industry took time throughout the day to share their solidarity with the black community following the murder of an unarmed black man last week. George Floyd was held to the ground as a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, ultimately killing him. Following Floyd’s death, protests have erupted across the globe as people fight for equality. While Blackout Tuesday brought some attention to the movement, musicians aren’t done with their support here. Jay-Z and his philanthropic company Roc Nation took out full-page newspaper ads across the U.S. to honor Floyd. The ad – which ran in papers like the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Philadelphia Enquirer – featured a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King and was signed by families of Floyd and others who have lost loved ones to police violence. Jazz powerhouse Gary Clark Jr. shared his thoughts on the matter in a nearly 10-minute black-and-white video clip . He discussed the death of Floyd, as well as the ongoing racism in the country, and called on his white allies in the music industry to stand up to those who are ignorant of the situation and continue pushing racist ideologies. The Weeknd also shared his thoughts this week, telling fans to “keep supporting our brothers and sisters out there risking everything to push for actual change for our black lives.” He donated $200,000 to Black Lives Matter Global Network, $200,000 to Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Legal Defense Initiative, and $100,000 to National Bail Out for protesters being jailed. He also reached out to some of the biggest streaming services in the world – Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, urging them to donate what they can. “To my fellow respected industry partners and execs – no one profits off of black music more than the labels and streaming services,” The Weeknd said. “I gave yesterday and I urge you to go big and public with yours this week. It would mean the world to met and the community if you can join us on this.” Multiple other artists have donated or spread awareness, while Halsey and Yungblud have been seen out in the action, protesting in the streets. Those inclined to help can donate to the family of George Floyd here , donate to the community bail funds here , and join the BLM movement here . The post Artists Speak Out, Donate To Black Lives Matter Movement appeared first on TicketNews .

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To ensure player safety upon a return to the ice, the NHL is looking to conduct daily coronavirus tests should the season resume. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly revealed that an extensive testing protocol is in the works as the league works towards its phased resume. “We will have a rigorous daily testing protocol where players are tested every evening and those results are obtained before they would leave their hotel rooms the next morning, so we’ll know if we have a positive test and whether the player has to self-quarantine himself as a result of that positive test,” Daly said via ESPN . “It’s expensive, but we think it’s really a foundational element of what we’re trying to accomplish.” The testing procedure, according to Daly, is not meant to detect cases that would result in shutdown operations but rather to be able to isolate any infected individuals before there is a chance for a wider outbreak. “You need testing at a level sufficient to be confident that you’re going to be on top of anything which might happen,” NHL Players’ Association executive director Don Fehr revealed via ESPN. “If that turns out to be daily, and that’s available, that’s OK. That would be good. If it turns out that that’s not quite what we need and we can get by with a little less, that’s OK.” Considering the league’s plan to bring 24 teams to hub locations for a modified postseason, daily testing through the entirety of playoffs would amount to millions of dollars. Commissioner Gary Bettman claims that about 25,000 to 35,000 tests would be needed at a cost of approximately $125 each. Making that investment could be a worthy one if it means that a 2020 Stanley Cup winner can be determined as Bettman plans. “I want to make clear that the health and safety of our players, coaches, essential support staff and our communities are paramount,” the commissioner said of the league’s return-to-play plan. “While nothing is without risk, ensuring health and safety has been central to all of our planning so far and will remain so.” The post NHL Plans Daily Virus Testing Once Season Resumes appeared first on TicketNews .

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The Metropolitan Opera announced a shortened concert season due to fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. This week, the Met revealed that it would push back its season by three and a half months – the latest start in the company’s 137-year history and shortest season in four decades. The $60 million in emergency gifts was able to balance out the company’s 2019-20 season budget. The Met general manager Peter Gelb told the Associated Press that “social distancing and the grand opera do not work.” “It is impossible to follow these social distancing guidelines that are in effect and presumably will be in effect certainly through the summer and into the early fall to have an orchestra situated in the pit, to have a chorus and dancers and singers in close contact with each other on the stage, to have costume, wardrobe, makeup people working intensely,” Gelb said. In addition to the pushback, four new stagings will take place in later seasons, including Michael Mayer’s production of Verdi’s “Aida,” the Barrie Kosky’s version of Prokofiev’s “The Fiery Angel,” Simon McBurney’s vision of Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” and Ivo Van Hove’s rendering of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” Gelb went on to note that various health authorities believe there will be a medical solution by December 31. If there isn’t a solution by the end of the year, Gelb said they would not reopen, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they wouldn’t open next season. He said future seasons would definitely include some changes, including a shorter number of performances. Since the start of the pandemic, the Met paused its season on March 12, cancelling 58 of the 217 originally scheduled performances. The cancellations caused a projected $308 million loss to their budget. The post Met Opera Delays Opening Due to Social Distancing Standards appeared first on TicketNews .

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Ticketmaster’s General Counsel Karen Klein has left her position at the ticketing giant amid the widespread cancellation of events due to the coronavirus pandemic. Klein, who also served as the executive vice president, joined the company in 2019. During her role, Klein led Ticketmaster’s legal, government affairs, public policy, and human resources teams and reported to President Jared Smith. She was implementing her experience with various consumer brands and helped manage and educate on complex issues. However, while the live event industry is currently halted, there have been various furloughs at ticketing companies in an attempt to cut costs due to a decrease in funds at the moment. Ticketmaster furloughed hundreds of employees at multiple offices across the country late April. Live Nation also announced cuts, including President and CEO Michael Rapino forgoing part of his salary. StubHub followed suite, furloughing 67% of its workforce . At the time, an internal email informed staff that layoffs would be expected to last until at least June. President Sukhinder Singh Cassidy also announced her resignation amid the economic struggles. Currently, the concert industry is slated to lose an estimated $9 billion due to the ongoing cancellations, with various industry experts predicting that live events will not return until 2021. The post Ticketmaster’s General Counsel Leaves Company appeared first on TicketNews .

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A British scalper was handed a six-month prison sentence for his involvement in illegal trading of tickets to last year’s Wimbledon tennis championships. Kent native Luke McKay was caught by authorities last year setting up a private Facebook group to trade black market tickets but had refused to name a comrade also suspected of taking part in the trade. McKay had directly told a judge he “would rather go to prison than be a grass” to avoid naming more suspects. A six-month sentence for contempt was ultimately granted in December though McKay was offered a period to appeal the sentence. His appeal was remotely struck down this week by Lord Justice Henderson, Lord Justice Hickinbottom and Lady Justice Simler, according to the Evening Standard . McKay’s scalping activity was first picked up in July 2017 and his Facebook account used to initiate trades – under the pseudonym Peter Raven – had been monitored by agents for the annual tennis tournament. Agents had infiltrated McKay’s online group last year and organized the delivery of tickets. “On 5 July, two individuals were found to be in possession of the tickets within the grounds and it eventually transpired that they had been purchased through a website controlled by a Spanish company which has been associated with many unauthorized sales,” Lord Justice Henderson said in McKay’s original sentencing. “In the light of this evidence, it appeared plain to Wimbledon that Mr McKay was in the business of buying tickets for the Championships, that he was well aware of the different ticket types available, and that he can only have been purchasing them with a view to their onward transfer or sale.” This week’s appeal ruling left open the possibility for McKay to have another two weeks to comply with court orders instead of surrendering to prison. The post UK Man Sentenced To Jail Over Wimbledon Ticket Resale appeared first on TicketNews .

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The US Air Force Academy is seeking a more convenient experience for football fans. Beginning this fall, Air Force football games will no longer require cash parking on game day. The move is not only meant to improve the flow of traffic and expedite fan travel into the lot but also reduce the risk of coronavirus by eliminating physical touch exchanging cash. Further benefits cited by the Academy include eliminating concerns of having parking passes lost or stolen. “We are always looking for ways to improve fan experience in our venues. We have assessed past games and events at Falcon Stadium and identified this as an area where we can improve that experience,” athletic director Nathan Pine said in a statement . “By eliminating cash handling in our parking lots we will be able to get fans in much quicker. This will also eliminate a physical touch point at Falcon Stadium and help us maintain a safe environment.” Parking will now be included in the cost of a game ticket for a $3 surcharge rather than a $10 cost onsite, via the Colorado Springs Gazette . Season ticket holders who had already paid the price of 2020 parking will be refunded the difference. Falcon Stadium has faced issues with its flow of traffic into events. When the venue hosted February’s NHL Stadium Series game featuring the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings, fan backlash ensued as traffic delays caused many to miss out on the start of the game. “In response to fan feedback and through observations of queuing during Parent’s Weekend and Army games last season and the NHL Stadium Series this winter, I’m pleased to share that we will be taking a major step to improve your game experience at Falcon Stadium this season,” Pine said. The Falcons are set to open their 2020 season September 5 against Duquesne. — Headline image via Air Force Football / @AF.Football The post Air Force Football To Include Parking In Ticket Price appeared first on TicketNews .

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Researchers in Israel are currently testing a tunnel disinfectant technology that will spray visitors before they enter a stadium in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus. According to The Times of Israel , the industrial firm RD Pack in Karmiel crated the disinfectant out of water and applied it to a tunnel structure, while Dr. Eran Avraham, Dr. Izaak Cohen, and professor Doronn Aurbach developed the method. The tunnel is reportedly made out of an aluminum and polycarbonate frame, and the disinfectant – hypochlorous acid – is not harmful to human skin or food, The Times reports. During a demonstration this week, RD Pack’s business development manager Eran Druker told The Times that “when people walk through the tunnel, their whole body gets sprayed with the disinfectant, which works fast and efficiently, and proves the complete sterilization of a person.” Currently, the method is being tested at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, as soccer games are expected to return to the stadium – without fans. Druker said that the tunnel will likely be used for public and private events like games, concerts, airports, schools, and busses amid the pandemic. This will likely be a new norm in the industry, at least for the time being. Concert promoters and venues across the globe are considering how to move forward during this time – either by implementing crowdless events or drive-in concerts and festivals. The post Stadium Testing Disinfectant Tunnel To Ensure Safety appeared first on TicketNews .

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Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has offered good news for local football fans itching to catch a college game this fall. During an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Hutchinson said that Razorback Stadium will have fans in the crowd for University of Arkansas football games. However, the exact capacity remains a question as live events continue to focus on social distancing measures. “We’re counting on it,” Hutchinson said of expecting fans in attendance. “The size of the crowd will be a debating point.” Hutchinson is the latest governor to address the possibility of staging sports games with fans in attendance. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and California Gov. Gavin Newsom each gave the green light for professional sports games to return behind closed doors, though NFL officials are hoping to fill stadiums come September. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had also approved for pro leagues to return with no fans, though he recently updated his order to allow outdoor venues to stage professional sporting events at 25 percent capacity. While those orders don’t acknowledge the possibility of a college football season, governors like Oregon’s Kate Brown and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer have said advised against filling their universities’ stadiums to full capacity in the coming months to mitigate the virus’ spread while health experts fear a second wave of cases could be possible. Hutchinson has already used his authority in keeping natives safe during live events. Last month he ordered the postponement of a concert scheduled to take place before the state’s restrictions on venues was lifted. Its rescheduled date ushered in a new era for live events amid a pandemic with heightened safety measures in place. — Headline image via Arkansas Razorback Football / @RazorbackFootballUA The post Arkansas Governor: Football Fans Will Be In Stadiums This Fall appeared first on TicketNews .

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While the NBA’s season suspension approaches the three-month mark, officials may have an official restart date in the cards. League executives are reportedly gearing up to finalize details of the season’s resumption this week. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski , the NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to vote on the league’s proposal to return Thursday, which would aim for a July 31 start date and potentially run as late as October 12. Details of of the league’s reported plan include using a 22-team playoff format which would find the eighth side in each conference decided by a play-in tournament. Wojnarowski reports that the Pelicans, Blazers, Spurs, Kings, Suns and Wizards are each within six games of the No. 8 seed and therefore be invited to resume play. Other logistics include staging the games behind closed doors in Orlando , specifically at the Disney-owned ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Teams invited to play would likely need to reduce their personnel as part of mitigating virus risks, among other measures. Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly instilled confidence in officials about the league’s return in a recent call regarding how the NBA will navigate coronavirus testing and treatment should personnel contract the virus. If the postseason plan comes to fruition following approval from executives and players alike, an October finish would seemingly push back the start of the 2020-21 season. NBA officials have floated the idea of a December start for the following season not only to accommodate for the pandemic-induced suspension but also provide leeway for venues to admit fans into games safely. The NBA would follow the NHL if they provide a return-to-play plan while Major League Baseball remains in negotiations with players about its possible 2020 season. The post NBA Reportedly Considering July Start Date And Playing Through Fall appeared first on TicketNews .

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Australia’s extremely remote Birdsville Big Red Bash music festival had to cancel its 2020 edition, though next year’s rescheduled dates have already sold-out. Originally, the festival was set to run from July 7 to 9, 2020, however, amid the coronavirus pandemic, organizers had to call-off the event. They announced that next year’s edition would run from July 6 to 8, 2021. Organizers offered refunds for the 2020 event on Tuesday at 9 a.m., and within five minutes, the 2021 event was sold out with 10,000 tickets. Since the 2020 headliners – Paul Kelly, Tim Finn, John Williamson, Kate Ceberano, and others – have been approved to play the fest in 2021, only ten percent of ticketholders asked for refunds. Big Red Bash Founder and organizer Greg Donovan told Daily Mail that the demand was so strong that the team had to spend the rest of the day answering messages from fans who missed out. Due to its success, 1,000 more tickets were made available. “We’re relieved and grateful, and hope that this is a sign of things to come for other event organizers,” Donovan said. “It’s certainly a great litmus test on the appetite for travel within Australia, and fantastic to see so many people jumping on-board so quickly to support outback travel.” This will be the first sold-out festival in Australia following the COVID-19 lockdown. Fans can look forward to experiencing the family-friendly event, dubbed the “most remote festival in the world,” next summer in front of ‘Big Red’ – the 40-metre high sand dune in the Simpson Desert. The post Australia Books First Sold-Out Festival Post-Lockdown appeared first on TicketNews .