WISCONSIN (NBC 26) -- Many concerts, theatre performances, sporting competitions, and other events are beings canceled or rescheduled due to coronavirus concerns. But what if you're someone who bought a ticket to the event?
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has tips and resources available for Wisconsin consumers looking for a ticket refund or information on rescheduled events.
According to DATCP, under Wisconsin law, consumers are protected from losing money on most admission fees for entertainment and sporting events held in Wisconsin. This means, when most events are canceled or rescheduled, those putting on the event are required to refund the admission price.
DATCP says this law does not cover competitive sports activities between school teams or within established sports leagues. Although, many of these events proactively post refund policies on their website so buyers know what to expect.
Here are the steps DATCP says people should take to get a refund, depending on if the event is canceled or rescheduled.
For refunds on canceled events, the person who bought the ticket must give their ticket to the event promoter no later than 90 days after the event is canceled. The promoter then has to make a refund no later than 60 days after you present your ticket.
DATCP reminds people that the promoter is who is putting on the event may be different from the person or company you originally bought the ticket from.
For refunds on rescheduled events, the ticket holder needs to present the tickets to the promoter no later than 30 days after the original event date was scheduled to be held. From there the promoter must provide a refund no later than 60 days after you give them the tickets. You should check with the promoter to see if they will honor the original ticket or are offering something else in exchange.
DATCP says there are some item exceptions that may not be refundable, such as handling or service charges, charges for services like parking, and any portion of the ticket price that's considered a nonrefundable charitable donation.
Anyone with questions or issues related to ticket refunds can contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at (1-800) 422-7128, by emailing DATCPhotline@wisconsin.gov, or filing a complaint online at the LINK HERE.
