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Why Ticketmaster Just Killed Wichita’s Favorite Ticket Vendor
Wichita’s Local Ticket System Gets Replaced by Ticketmaster: What You Need to Know
Intrust Bank Arena will be using Ticketmaster for all of its sales going forward. File photo from The Wichita Eagle.
What Happened?
For 36 years, if you wanted tickets to a concert or show in Wichita, you probably used Select-A-Seat. It was our very own local ticketing system.
But starting July 1, 2024, that changed. The company that runs our biggest venues — Legends Global — quietly switched to Ticketmaster, the biggest ticket company in the world.
Important: Tickets already bought on Select-A-Seat are still valid and will be handled there. Only new tickets sold since July 1 use Ticketmaster.
Which Venues Are Affected?
Legends Global manages all of these Wichita-area venues, and they all now use Ticketmaster:
- Intrust Bank Arena (downtown Wichita)
- Orpheum Theatre (downtown Wichita — recently renovated!)
- Century II (convention center and concert hall)
- Capitol Federal Amphitheater (Andover, outdoor venue)
Example: The First Big Ticketmaster Show
The John Legend concert on August 30, 2024 — the show reopening the renovated Orpheum Theatre — was the first major event sold through Ticketmaster here.
Why Did They Switch?
Legends Global didn’t do interviews, but they sent a statement saying it was a "business decision" after "extensive due diligence" (that means they did a lot of research).
They say Ticketmaster offers:
- Proven track record (been around since 1976)
- Best-in-class operations (they handle huge events smoothly)
- Unmatched marketing reach (more people see the shows)
- More tickets to more fans than any other company in North America
Simple translation: Ticketmaster is huge, has fancy tech, and can sell more tickets faster.
How to Buy Tickets Now
You have two main ways to get tickets:
- Online: Go to www.ticketmaster.com
- In person: Visit the Intrust Bank Arena box office
That’s it! No more Select-A-Seat website for new shows.
A Little History: Select-A-Seat’s Story
| Year | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Sedgwick County creates Select-A-Seat as a "new computerized ticket system" |
| 2010 | Intrust Bank Arena opens; county hires SMG World to manage it; Select-A-Seat moves to them |
| 2024 | Management changes to Legends Global (after being ASM Global); they switch to Ticketmaster |
The county still owns Intrust Bank Arena — they just hire companies to run it.
Who Is Ticketmaster? (ELI5 Version)
- Founded: 1976
- Biggest ticket seller in the U.S. since 1995
- Controls about 80% of major concert tickets
- Merged with Live Nation (the biggest concert promoter) in 2010
But… They’re Controversial
Since merging with Live Nation, Ticketmaster has faced lots of criticism:
- Lawsuits saying they’re a monopoly (too much control, no competition)
- Hidden fees that make tickets way more expensive
- Working with scalpers (people who buy tickets to resell at huge markups)
- April 2024: A federal jury found them liable for an illegal monopoly and overcharging customers
- Big stars like Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, and Olivia Dean have publicly criticized them
Important: Just because they’re the biggest doesn’t mean everyone loves them. Many fans and artists think they make tickets too expensive and hard to get.
Other Local Venues Already Used Ticketmaster
This isn’t new for all of Kansas. These places have used Ticketmaster for years:
- Heartland Credit Union Arena (Park City)
- Kansas Star Casino Arena (Mulvane)
- Stiefel Theatre (Salina)
So for some folks, Ticketmaster is already familiar.
Summary: What This Means for You
| Good News | Watch Out For |
|---|---|
| Tickets at box office still work | Fees can add up fast (service fees, processing fees, etc.) |
| One big site for all major venues | Dynamic pricing — prices can change like airline tickets |
| App makes mobile tickets easy | Scalpers/bots sometimes grab tickets first |
| More shows might come to Wichita | Less local control / customer service |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do I need a Ticketmaster account to buy tickets?
Yes. You’ll need to create a free account on Ticketmaster.com or their app to buy and store your tickets.
What happens to my old Select-A-Seat tickets?
They’re still good! They’ll be honored and managed through Select-A-Seat. Nothing changes for those.
Can I still buy tickets in person?
Yes! The Intrust Bank Arena box office sells Ticketmaster tickets in person. No computer needed.
Why are Ticketmaster fees so high?
Ticketmaster adds service fees, order processing fees, and sometimes facility charges on top of the ticket price. These can add 20–30% or more to the cost. It’s one of the biggest complaints about them.
Will this bring bigger acts to Wichita?
Maybe. Legends Global says Ticketmaster’s "marketing reach" could help. But it also depends on routing, venue size, and artist decisions.
Final Thought
Change is hard — especially when a local favorite like Select-A-Seat gets replaced by a giant corporation with a mixed reputation. But for now, Ticketmaster is the only game in town for Wichita’s biggest venues.
Tip: If you’re buying tickets, compare prices, watch for fees, and buy early from the official site to avoid scalpers.
Happy concert-going, Wichita!
