So Everton have got into bed with another third party to manage ticket sales… Ticketmaster now run the operation — and it’s frankly a joke.
I and my son are members of the “Official Membership Club”. Prior to Ticketmaster taking over, we’ve managed to get tickets with no problem. Since they’ve taken over, we’ve had nothing but problems purchasing tickets.
This culminated in us not being able to get derby tickets on Monday.
I tried for 3 hours logged into both my own and my son’s accounts. For some reason, I was placed at number 7000-odd in the new queing system. My son was placed at 5000-odd — despite the fact he logged in 30 minutes after me! We weren’t able to progress to get tickets.
I tried to call the club. After waiting an hour in a queue, I opted for a call back which was offered… I never received a call back and, after 3 hours, the site stated that the game was sold out!
I rang the Box Office the next day and was told that the system crashed and many fans had experienced the same problem. I emailed my complaint to the club and have received a reply which beggars belief.
They state that Ticketmaster have introduced a new system which means if you join the queue you are put into a place randomly — which is ridiculous. This basically means someone joining the queue after you may get a ticket and you don’t.
I suspect (know) that, on Monday, thousands of people joined the queue and obtained tickets who have never purchased tickets before.
I’m sure the club will deny this to be true but all ticket touts (for Liverpool fans) simply have to join the club then log on and hey presto they can join the queue and aquire a ticket.
It’s unfair that genuine fans have been hoodwinked and those tickets are now on sale through the black market, priced in excess of £300 a ticket!
I’ve tried to speak to someone more senior in the Box Office but everytime I call I’m told “They’re all in meetings and someone will call you back. I won’t hold my breath!
So once again, Everton let you down. So much for “The People’s Club”!
Despite my annoyance (and big dissapointment for my 15-year-old son), we’re on the coach to Brighton. Even the club’s incompetence (not to mention the recent malpractice and points deduction) can stop my love for the team.
Come on you Blues.