Times markets now Ticketmaster outlet

By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer

The world's largest ticket seller, Ticketmaster, has replaced Foodland Super Market with Times Super Market as its local retail outlet for tickets to concerts and other events.

The ticket retailer yesterday announced the new arrangement, which goes into effect Monday.

Under the partnership, Times will be able to check seat availability at its 12 O'ahu stores and sell and print tickets for events including Honolulu Symphony concerts, convention center functions, the Pro Bowl and select events in cities west of the Rockies.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Times will share service fees varying by event. Ticketmaster spokeswoman Ina Murdock-Santos said the company decided Times was a better fit, but did not elaborate.

Foodland spokeswoman Sheryl Toda said the contract was up and the supermarket chain decided to get out of the ticket-selling business.

Foodland, the state's largest grocery retailer with 29 stores statewide, had been selling tickets on O'ahu and the Neighbor Islands since 1999 under an agreement with Ticket Plus, which Ticketmaster acquired last March.

Under that arrangement, Foodland also sold tickets to University of Hawai'i sporting events, but that relationship ended in March.

Murdock-Santos said Ticketmaster was investigating adding retail locations on the Neighbor Islands.

Los Angeles-based Ticketmaster serves more than 8,000 clients, and sold about 95 million tickets worth roughly $4 billion in 2002. The company has 3,500 retail Ticket Center outlets, none in Hawai'i.

Tickets will be available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at all Times locations.

Ticketmaster tickets also can be obtained online at www.ticketmaster.com or toll-free at (877) 750-4400.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.