National Association of Ticket Brokers

News Archive

FINAL- FOUR TICKETS (NewYorkTimesTravel)

1/4/2005

FINAL- FOUR TICKETS There are many Web sites offering tickets and packages to the Final Four of the N.C.A.A. men's basketball tournament in St. Louis on April 2 and 4. How can I determine if they are legitimate? -- K. M., Weston, Conn.

The N.C.A.A. held a public raffle for more than 10,000 public tickets last July. But the games at the Edward Jones Dome will be attended by more than 47,000, with the other tickets going to the participating schools, the local organizing committee, media members and N.C.A.A. officials.

In a statement, the N.C.A.A. said it had no relationship with a ticketing agency or broker and ''because there is no sure way for the general public to know if a ticket available on the Internet or from a ticket broker is a legitimate ticket, the N.C.A.A. does not recommend people purchase Final Four tickets from these sources.''

That said, large brokers, like the Ticket Company of Phoenix, which operates Tickco.com, buy tickets from fans and other brokers, according to Kris Farmer, director of e-commerce for the company. They set prices on speculation, betting that they will end up paying less than the price they have set. Ticko.com is offering Final Four tickets for $350 to $4,500 for both days, identifying some as a ''distant view'' or ''far corner.''

Missouri law prohibits selling tickets above face value -- but it only applies to companies operating in the state, said Jim Gardner, spokesman for the Missouri attorney general. In Connecticut, the law is similar (a $3 markup is allowed for in-state events), and your greatest peace of mind would come from finding a broker whose office is in the state, according to Richard E. Maloney, director of trade practices at the State Department of Consumer Protection.

He said his agency dealt with complaints at (800) 842-2649 or www.ct.gov.dcp, and would help with complaints to other states' attorneys general. Above all, he added, buyers should use a credit card with any purchases, giving them 60 days to dispute any charge.

A way to find a broker in your state is on the National Association of Ticket Brokers Web site, www.natb.org. It allows you to search for its members, who must have a physical office and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The group also mediates complaints, said Gary Adler, its counsel.

Mr. Farmer, of the Ticket Company, who said he provided ticket-buying tips at www.lifetips.com, noted that tickets to major events like the Final Four usually had an authenticating hologram. They also are not printed until shortly before the events.