Buying tickets for the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay? Consider these tips

May 12, 2015 - Around West Sound, Blog - Comments: 

U.S. Open at Chambers BayAs golf enthusiasts anticipate June’s U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in University Place, many are looking to score a hole-in-one with sought-after tickets.

As an alternative to buying tickets directly from the sporting event organizer, some fans turn to ticket resellers.

You may recall the recent Super Bowl ticket heartbreak when some fans showed up at the game, only to find the tickets they bought through a reseller did not exist. To protect consumers and make clear that deceptive ticket reseller practices won’t be tolerated, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) filed a lawsuit against SBTickets.com.

The United States Golf Association does not have an authorized ticket reseller. If you decide to pursue U.S. Open tickets on the secondary market, it’s your choice which reseller to choose.

While many resellers are legitimate, the AGO urges caution when looking to make a secondary market purchase.

Here are some tips:

  • Research the reseller via the internet:
    • What are the purchase terms and conditions?
    • Check their Better Business Bureau rating.
    • Check if they’re a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
  • Ask the reseller specific questions before you buy:
    • Do they have the tickets currently in hand? If not, when?
    • When will they deliver the ticket? Try to get the ticket well before the event.
    • What is their guarantee if the ticket does not arrive, or is counterfeit?
  • Purchase by credit card. This can often provide some protection (check with your card provider).
  • If you don’t receive your ticket, or it is counterfeit:
  • Complain immediately to the reseller, preferably in writing.
  • Contact your credit card company, and attempt to initiate a chargeback. There are time restrictions on initiating a chargeback, so do not let this wait.
  • As with many consumer deals, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, file a consumer complaint with the AGO. Visit www.atg.wa.gov and click the “Consumer Complaint” button, or call 1-800-551-4636 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.