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Wichita Drops Local Favorite for Ticketmaster—Fans Furious
Wichita’s Local Ticketing System Select-A-Seat Replaced by Ticketmaster After 36 Years
What Happened?
After 36 years of serving Wichita, the local ticketing service Select-A-Seat is being phased out. The company that manages several major Wichita entertainment venues—Legends Global—has decided to switch to Ticketmaster, the world’s largest ticketing platform.
Important Point: The change happened quietly on July 1, 2024. Tickets already on sale through Select-A-Seat will stay there, but all new ticket sales now go through Ticketmaster.
Which Venues Are Affected?
Legends Global manages these Wichita-area venues, and all will now use Ticketmaster:
- Intrust Bank Arena (downtown Wichita)
- Orpheum Theatre (downtown Wichita)
- Century II (downtown Wichita)
- Capitol Federal Amphitheater (Andover)
Good to Know: Other local venues like Heartland Credit Union Arena (Park City), Kansas Star Casino Arena (Mulvane), and Stiefel Theatre (Salina) have already used Ticketmaster for years.
Why Did Legends Global Make This Change?
According to A.J. Boleski (Regional General Manager for Intrust Bank Arena), Legends Global did "extensive due diligence" across all major ticketing providers. They say Ticketmaster offers:
- Proven track record (founded in 1976, largest provider since 1995)
- Best-in-class operational capabilities
- Unmatched marketing reach
- Experience delivering more tickets to more fans than any other provider in North America (controls ~80% of major concert venue market)
Important Point: Neither Boleski nor Legends Global’s PR director agreed to interviews. They only provided nearly identical emailed statements.
The Controversy Around Ticketmaster
While Ticketmaster is the industry giant, it’s not without controversy:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Monopoly Concerns | Merged with concert promoter Live Nation in 2010. In April 2024, a federal jury found them liable for operating an illegal monopoly and overcharging customers. |
| Fees & Pricing | Lawsuits allege they trick customers with hidden fees and cooperate with scalpers to drive up resale prices. |
| Artist Criticism | Major artists like Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, and Olivia Dean have publicly criticized Ticketmaster’s practices. |
How to Buy Tickets Now
You have two options for purchasing tickets to events at the affected venues:
- Online: Visit www.ticketmaster.com
- In Person: Go to the Intrust Bank Arena box office
A Look Back: Select-A-Seat’s History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Started by Sedgwick County as a "new computerized ticket system" |
| 2010 | Transferred to arena management company when Intrust Bank Arena opened (county involvement ended) |
| 2024 | Phased out after 36 years of service |
Management timeline for Intrust Bank Arena:
- 2010: SMG World hired to manage (county owns the arena)
- Later: Renamed ASM Global
- 2024: Legends Global takes over management
- Over the years: Added Orpheum, Century II, and Capitol Federal Amphitheater to managed venues
Summary
- Select-A-Seat (Wichita’s local ticketing system for 36 years) is being replaced by Ticketmaster
- Legends Global manages Intrust Bank Arena, Orpheum Theatre, Century II, and Capitol Federal Amphitheater
- Switch happened July 1, 2024 — existing Select-A-Seat sales continue, new sales use Ticketmaster
- Ticketmaster is the industry giant (80% market share) but faces monopoly lawsuits and criticism from artists and consumers
- Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com or the Intrust Bank Arena box office
FAQ
Will my tickets already bought through Select-A-Seat still work?
Yes! Tickets that originally went on sale through Select-A-Seat will still be honored and managed through that platform. Only new ticket sales (since July 1) use Ticketmaster.
Can I still buy tickets in person?
Absolutely. You can purchase Ticketmaster tickets at the Intrust Bank Arena box office if you prefer not to buy online.
Why didn’t they keep Select-A-Seat?
Legends Global says they conducted "extensive due diligence" and chose Ticketmaster for its marketing reach, operational capabilities, and proven track record delivering tickets to fans across North America.
Is Ticketmaster more expensive?
Ticketmaster has faced lawsuits alleging hidden fees and overcharging. A federal jury in April 2024 found them liable for operating an illegal monopoly and overcharging customers. Fees may be higher than what you’re used to with Select-A-Seat.
What if I have a problem with my Ticketmaster purchase?
You’ll need to contact Ticketmaster customer service directly (not the venue or Legends Global). Their support is available through their website and app.
