DoJ Opposes Live Nation's Venue Change Request in Major Antitrust Lawsuit
The Department of Justice (DoJ) has opposed Live Nation's request to transfer their antitrust lawsuit from New York to Washington D.C., emphasizing that the existing consent decree is not relevant to the current case.
NYC skyline with Empire State Building
The DoJ, along with 29 states and D.C., alleges that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operate as interconnected monopolies, controlling nearly all live music delivery in America. Their key allegations include:
- Maintaining unlawful monopolies in primary ticketing, concert promotion, and large amphitheaters
- Using long-term exclusive contracts to restrict competition
- Tying artists' venue access to Live Nation promotion services
The government argues that Live Nation's anticompetitive behavior extends beyond consent decree violations, citing multiple instances of:
- Acquiring rival companies in ticketing, venues, and festivals
- Leveraging secondary ticketing markets
- Establishing non-compete agreements
- Forcing access to competitors' data
- Implementing restrictive long-term contracts
The DoJ supports keeping the case in New York, citing the city's significance in the live music industry. New York hosts two Ticketmaster competitors, numerous venues, key witnesses, and Live Nation's largest office outside California.
US Department of Justice building exterior
Michael Rapino in black shirt