Internal Slack messages from Live Nation regional directors revealed a pattern of mocking NFL fans while hiking prices. These messages from 2021 to 2023 show staff laughing about overcharging for basic services at events.
One director, Ben Baker, wrote to colleague Jeff Weinhold about high costs. Baker stated, “These people are so stupid. I almost feel bad for taking advantage of them” in the chat.
Ticketmaster directors were caught bragging in internal messages about ‘robbing [fans] blind’
The messages:
• ‘These people are so stupid. I almost feel bad for taking advantage of them’
• ‘Robbing them blind, baby. That’s how we do it’
• Charging ‘$50 to park in the… pic.twitter.com/Z2kXwC2RSC
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) March 12, 2026
The messages surfaced during a major legal battle. Baker also sent a message saying, “Robbing them blind, baby. That’s how we do it” when discussing venue revenue.
The directors joked about specific fees. They bragged about charging $50 to park in the grass. They also charged $60 for closer grass parking at certain events.
Fans also paid $100 for oversized parking. These spots had no hookups. Fans had to walk nearly 1 mile to reach the venue entrance after paying. The DOJ recently reached a deal with Live Nation.
NFL ticketing scandal
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans outside the stadium prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
This settlement allows the company to avoid a total breakup. The government had previously alleged the firm ran an illegal monopoly.
More than 24 state attorneys general are unhappy with the federal deal. Many states plan to keep fighting in court. They want more competition and lower prices for all consumers.
The NFL currently uses Ticketmaster for 29 of its 32 teams. League owners are now weighing big changes to their ticketing system to gain more control.
NFL and Ticketmaster partnership covers 29 teams
The NFL currently works with Ticketmaster to sell tickets for 29 teams. Only 3 teams do not use Ticketmaster. These NFL teams are the Cowboys, the Saints and the Cardinals. They use SeatGeek for their primary ticket sales.
A new deal with the DOJ changes how fees work. Service fees are now limited to 15 percent for some venues. This helps keep costs lower for fans.
Venues also have more freedom now. They can give up to 50 percent of their tickets to other sellers. This means Ticketmaster will not have all the tickets.
The league is looking at new options for the future. It might build its own ticketing system. This would help the NFL avoid paying high fees to outside companies. Owning the system would give the league greater control over ticket sales.