Eye on the Esplanade: Buyer Beware – The risks of purchasing event tickets from third-party sellers

By Lauren Thomas on May 1, 2025.

Tixx.ca increasingly hears from residents who’ve had mixed experiences buying Esplanade and Co-op Place event tickets through third-party platforms. While some have been fortunate – purchasing valid tickets at face value and enjoying their event without issue – others haven’t been so lucky.

We’ve seen tickets sold above the original price, some listed in U.S. dollars for events, and in the worst cases, patrons have unknowingly bought invalid tickets. Those individuals often had to purchase tickets again at the venue to attend the event. In today’s digital age, buying tickets for concerts, theatre performances, or sporting events can be more complicated than it seems.

Looking at the ticketing controversies surrounding high-demand tours like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, even the most tech-savvy concertgoers in much bigger markets than Medicine Hat have been fooled. Online ticket scalping has evolved far beyond people hawking tickets outside venues. These days, resellers can operate from anywhere in the world, selling tickets through sophisticated online platforms.

What is ticket scalping?

Ticket scalping refers to the practice of buying tickets with the primary intention of reselling them at a higher price. While it’s not a new phenomenon, the digital landscape has changed the game entirely. Scalpers no longer need to be physically near the event – they can sell from the comfort of their homes through popular broker sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, Eventzilla, and TicketSmarter among many others.

Why does this happen?

It comes down to simple supply and demand. Event organizers must carefully calculate ticket pricing to cover production costs while attracting an audience. If prices are too high, turnout suffers. If they’re too low, events may sell out too quickly, creating a secondary market where scalpers resell tickets at inflated prices – sometimes even duplicating tickets and reselling the same seat multiple times.

Red flags when

purchasing tickets online

To avoid overpaying – or worse, being scammed – watch for these common signs that you’re on a third-party ticketing site rather than the official platform:

– No detailed seating map, only section listings with no actual seat numbers.

– Tickets listed in U.S. dollars for events at Canadian venues.

– Delayed electronic ticket delivery (e.g., “tickets will be available 48 hours before the event.”)

– Payments processed through third-party services like PayPal or Google Pay.

– Vague refund policies and fine print with loopholes in so-called “100% Fan Protection” guarantees.

How to protect yourself

If you’re planning to purchase tickets online, take a moment before hitting “buy.” Third-party ticketing sites invest heavily in search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure their listings appear first in search results. For example, a search for “Colter Wall tickets” might display a broker site above the official venue. Here in Medicine Hat, Tixx.ca is the authorized platform for all events at the Esplanade and Co-op Place. If the first result you see isn’t Tixx.ca, scroll down and look for the official link. This is the only way to guarantee that you’re purchasing legitimate tickets at the correct price.

Isn’t ticket scalping illegal?

Contrary to popular belief, ticket reselling is not illegal in Canada. Regulations vary by province, and in Alberta, the Consumer Protection Act contains provisions for ticket sales. However, current laws do little to protect consumers or penalize unethical and nefarious resellers. Until stronger legislation – such as the proposed Fan First Act in the U.S. – is adopted here, the online ticket resale market will continue to thrive.

The bottom line

Digital platforms have made it easier than ever for scalpers to profit, often at the expense of unsuspecting fans. While governments consider how best to address this growing issue, your best defense is awareness. Take your time, do your research, and remember – for Esplanade and Co-op Place events, Tixx.ca is the only ticket source that guarantees authenticity and peace of mind.

Lauren Thomas is the co-ordinator of entertainment and events at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre

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