Judge Denies Live Nation’s Bid to Dismiss DOJ Antitrust Suit, Ticketmaster Trial to Proceed
A federal judge on Feb. 18 denied Live Nation Entertainment Inc.’s bid to dismiss central allegations in the sprawling antitrust lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of 39 states and the District of Columbia, keeping major claims alive as trial approaches.
The ruling raises the stakes for the live-music giant and its Ticketmaster subsidiary as they head into a Manhattan federal courtroom on March 2, facing accusations that they illegally monopolized markets for ticketing, amphitheater access and related services.
Judge Arun Subramanian, of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, granted in part and denied in part Live Nation’s motion for summary judgment, clearing the way for a jury to hear evidence on whether the company tied its amphitheaters to its promotions business and holds monopoly power in venue-facing ticketing.
However, the judge dismissed claims that Live Nation monopolized the concert promotions and booking markets outright, finding the government’s proposed definitions legally insufficient.
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Live Nation said in a statement it was “grateful that the district court dismissed all claims in the concert promotions and concert booking markets,” and argued the remaining allegations do not justify breaking up the company and its Ticketmaster unit. “We continue to believe that we will prevail,” the company added.
The government’s position is that sufficient evidence remains for jurors to decide whether Live Nation’s control of venues and ticketing forecloses competition and harms consumers.
Adding a new twist, Live Nation has asked the court to pause the case so it can appeal the decision denying dismissal — a move that could delay trial if granted.
The outcome matters for fans, artists and the broader industry: if the government prevails, it could reshape how live events are promoted and ticketed in the U.S. The trial is set to begin next month, with jury selection scheduled in Manhattan.
Looking ahead, next major developments include rulings on Live Nation’s appeal request and the opening of trial arguments next week.
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