The promoters behind the IndyCar Firestone GP of St. Petersburg "defended their decision to issue credits, but not refunds, to those who bought tickets to this weekend’s canceled race," according to Josh Solomon of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. Green Savoree Racing Promotions in a statement yesterday said the credit offer extends “beyond the policy” that ticket-holders “accepted and agreed to at the time of purchase.” That policy, the statement said, is that sales are "final and there will be no refunds." The statement "included language lifted from the back of each ticket, which makes clear ticket-holders are not entitled to refunds even if the race is canceled." The statement said the language is "customary and standard" in the industry (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/16). Ticket purchasers "may elect to receive a credit for the full amount paid plus an additional" 10% to "apply toward admission to three other races still on this year’s schedule that are promoted by Green Savoree" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/16).
IT'S A START: In Pittsburgh, Jason Mackey wrote the Pirates' plan to "compensate ticket buyers" of Spring Training games. Season-ticket holders "have the option of getting their money back or credit" toward '21, while single-game tickets will "net a refund to the original purchaser." Tickets bought on the secondary market "cannot be refunded" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 3/14). In Philadelphia, Marc Narducci wrote the 76ers sent a letter to season-ticket holders, but the team did not "offer a definitive plan at this early stage." The 76ers said that if a game is "canceled, or played in an empty arena, fans will receive direct communication from the team that will provide information on ticket options" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/14).
ALL OVER THE PLACE: In N.Y., Ortiz & Jacobs wrote customer service departments around the country are "currently slammed as they handle the fallout of the epidemic." Some who have requested refunds have "found it easy to get a refund or rebook their tickets, while others have waited for hours on the phone, receiving confusing and inconsistent information." When it "comes to ticket events like concerts and sports games, several organizations have indicated that customers will receive refunds, or have offered details on new dates for their events." However, some of the refunds "could take weeks to get to you, and might not include service fees." The NCAA said March Madness refunds, except applicable fees, “should be received within 30 days after the date of cancellation" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/15).
