Open Markets’ comments on X (formerly Twitter) were quoted decrying Ticketmaster’s attempts to undermine a DOJ investigation into its unfair practices.

“The Open Markets Institute said it’s ‘not surprising’ that the company ‘is trying to evade a thorough investigation into its unfair competitive practices & abuse of its near-monopoly power over event ticketing & entertainment venues,’” DC Journal quoted.

The clock may be ticking on Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment Inc., after federal investigators requested additional documents for an antitrust probe.

Bloomberg reported recently that officials from the Department of Justice have requested a trove of documents amid reports that the company has not cooperated with the investigation. Citing people familiar with the probe, Bloomberg reports that antitrust officials have been investigating the company for more than a year and have grown frustrated with Ticketmaster’s delays over the DOJ’s requests.

“Ticketmaster-Live Nation is playing a dangerous game if they think they can stonewall the DOJ forever,” said John Breyault of the National Consumers League. “Their monopoly has been built on forcing out competition by whatever means necessary. One way or another, I expect that the Justice Department will get the information they need to enforce our antitrust laws.”

The DOJ request comes as Ticketmaster fees for Super Bowl tickets reached more than $3,000 per ticket, plus a $2.95 convenience fee.

The DOJ investigation has reportedly examined claims that the company threatens retaliation against concert and event venues that do not use its promotion and ticketing services.

One reported example is the Barclays Center’s 2023 switch from SeatGeek back to Ticketmaster after only one year into a seven-year agreement with SeatGeek. After the Barclays Center signed the agreement with SeatGeek, reports indicate Live Nation promoted fewer shows at the arena.

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