Business

Ticketmaster, Wal-Mart teaming up in Chicago

Posted February 11, 2010 10:00 pm

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, reached an agreement with Live Nation Entertainment Inc. to sell tickets to concerts and other events at about 500 stores.

Wal-Mart and Live Nation's Ticketmaster will introduce the service in the next few months in cities including Chicago and Los Angeles, according to excerpts of remarks Live Nation Executive Chairman Irving Azoff made today in Dallas.

With the closing of record stores such as Tower Records, Ticketmaster lost retail outlets for event sales. The new accord will let Wal-Mart shoppers buy tickets for concerts, sports and other events at cash registers in the retailer's entertainment department, Azoff said. Live Nation also sells tickets at Blockbuster Inc. stores.

Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, fell 18 cents to $52.90 at 2:11 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. Beverly Hills, California-based Live Nation, which merged with Ticketmaster last month, rose 23 cents to $11.81.

Melissa O'Brien, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, confirmed the agreement in an e-mailed statement.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Business Chicago Cook County Counties News Region

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.