Amandeep Walia eagerly anticipated the performances of Ne-Yo and Akon in Calgary for months. However, he and his wife encountered significant delays at the Scotiabank Saddledome, first to enter and then for the show to commence. Walia expressed surprise at the extensive delay, estimating the evening’s expenses at around $700, covering tickets, a babysitter, and food.
Attendees with floor and lower level seats were confined to the concourse as the venue was still undergoing setup, preventing access to their seats. Walia voiced concerns about the disorganization, labeling it a potential safety hazard.
Originally scheduled for 8 p.m., the June 20 concert was rescheduled to 9 p.m., but the performance did not start until approximately 10:45 p.m. Walia lamented the missed opportunity for a complete concert experience due to the delays.
Similar incidents of prolonged delays have been reported at other high-profile shows this summer, such as Jay-Z’s final Yankee Stadium performance starting after midnight and Harry Styles’ concert in Mexico City being delayed due to heavy rain.
Entertainment lawyer Kurt Dahl highlighted the limited rights afforded to concert ticket holders, emphasizing that the ticket guarantees only the seat and a show to some extent. He explained that event schedules are subject to change, leaving consumers with little recourse in case of delays.
Ashish Sharma from the Consumers Council of Canada noted the lack of statutory rights for customers in case of significant delays and stressed the importance of prompt communication from event organizers.
The issue of delayed concerts comes amid increasing consumer spending on live entertainment, with Live Nation reporting a rise in revenue in 2025. While Ticketmaster clarified that a delayed performance does not automatically entitle ticket holders to a refund, consumers may exert pressure through public opinion to address delays.
Despite the delays, Walia acknowledged the show put on by Ne-Yo and Akon but suggested that Ticketmaster should consider providing rebates or credits for future shows in such situations.
