Ticket holders want refund after Messi’s Vancouver no-show

More than 1,300 people have signed a petition calling on the Vancouver Whitecaps to refund their tickets after international superstar Lionel Messi failed to show up to a much-hyped game last week.

The petition on Change.org says Messi, along with two other players — Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets — were used by the Whitecaps in promotional material in the lead-up to the game against Inter Miami FC, “leading to increased ticket demand and premium pricing.”

The petition organizer, Rachele Renzi, says the Whitecaps engaged in “misleading promotions.” The petition says the use of the star players “mislead” fans to believe that they would see the three play, “leading to significantly higher ticket prices.”

“Unjustified Premium Pricing: Ticket prices ranging from $300 to $600+ are not justified without these star players. (These prices were set by Ticketmaster/Whitecaps and are NOT resale prices). Typically, Whitecaps tickets are around $30, and the upper bowl of the stadium is rarely open,” the petition further stated.

Despite the Whitecaps’ offer to game-goers a 50 per cent discount on food and beverage at the game, along with a free ticket to another soccer game in the city, the petition organizer believes that compensation is “inadequate.”

“A 50% discount on food and beverages is not sufficient compensation. Fans have spent significant amounts of money expecting to see these stars, and the value of the match without them does not justify the current pricing.”

Signatories are now calling for a full refund of ticket prices, or a “substantial partial refund” to reflect the actual value of a game without the three stars.

“Adjust future ticket pricing to ensure it reflects the actual players who will be participating. If the presence of star players cannot be guaranteed, prices should remain similar to typical rates.”

Speaking to CityNews Tuesday, Renzi says she started the petition because she and her family were upset with the news the players weren’t going to take the pitch.

“My brother flew in from Italy, especially for this match. So, I was really upset. I didn’t agree with the way this match was advertised by the Whitecaps. So, I just decided to start a petition,” she explained.

Renzi hopes that out of the public backlash and online petition, changes will be made to how the Whitecaps advertise their games in the future.

“Maybe if the Whitecaps aren’t willing to refund a portion of the tickets to the people that paid premium prices for this game, at least, maybe they won’t make the same mistake for a future match, because it’s not fair.”

Renzi believes the Whitecaps are squarely responsible for the fans’ disappointment in overpaying for an in-season match.

“I believe they inflated ticket prices because they’ve been advertising the match by using the images of Messi, Suarez, and Busquets. So of course, the ticket demand is going to be higher. So I believe it’s their fault and they should be they should be accountable for this.”

–With files from Sonia Aslam