Secondary Ticketing for Music and Sports Events

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. zealous [ZEL-uh s] (adj.) – very eager and motivated

Example:  Many zealous fans support all the football team’s games.

2. face value [FEYS VAL-yoo] (n.) – the value or price that is printed on a coin, bill, ticket, or any other financial document

Example: The face value of the ticket was $20, but I bought it for only $18. 

3. tout [tout] (v.) – to buy tickets to an event (e.g. concert, sports game, etc.) and then resell them at a higher price

Example:  Many people are touting their extra tickets to fans who are still willing to pay even at a higher cost.

4. naysayer [NEY-sey-er] (n.) – a person who opposes or has a negative view on something

Example:  The naysayers said the new trend was impractical and would fade away soon.

5. gain ground [geyn ground] (idiom) – to progress or to succeed

Example:  The new online service quickly gained ground and became widely-used among soccer fans.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new trend in the UK called "secondary ticketing" allows sports and music fans to legally buy and sell spare tickets for games and concerts. Zealous fans used to wait outside the venue hoping to find someone with a spare ticket to sell. But now, fans can go online to authorized secondary ticketing websites to buy the tickets, although often higher than the face value. Secondary ticketing sites such as Viagogo, Get Me In, Seatwave, and Stubhub assure ticket-seekers that transactions are secured. Navine Kekane, the business operations manager of Stubhub, explains that the company provides service connecting people with spare tickets to those who want to buy them. The prices are set by sellers, who are then charged a 12% fee including taxes and other fees. Buyers can thus find tickets that are sold higher or lower their original prices. Resale of football tickets is illegal in the UK unless authorized by the organizer of the match. Stubhub has authorizations from three Premier League Clubs and has official relationships with three other sports organizations and one concert promoter. However, some critics say that secondary ticketing is nothing more than legalized touting. Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters Federation, says that fans who try to sell a spare ticket will face criminal charges. But, secondary ticketing sites are free from these charges due to the authorizations they have. Despite naysayers, Kekane believes that secondary ticketing will gain ground in the UK as consumers become more used to the concept.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you be interested in using secondary ticketing services? Why or why not?

·         Why do you think some people are still willing to buy tickets that are more expensive than the original price?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, why do some people prefer watching concerts or sports matches live instead of watching on TV?

·         Do you think spending a lot of money for such events is appropriate? Please explain your answer.

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