After 36 years of service, Wichita's local ticketing agency Select-a-Seat is being phased out in favor of the global behemoth Ticketmaster for major local venues.

Key Takeaways

  • Select-A-Seat, a 36-year local fixture, is being replaced by Ticketmaster.
  • Legends Global transitioned management for major venues like Intrust Bank Arena on July 1.
  • Ticketmaster now controls the majority of new ticket sales for Wichita-area venues.
  • The move aims to leverage Ticketmaster's unmatched marketing reach.

A major shift is occurring in the Wichita entertainment landscape. Select-A-Seat, the ticketing agency that has managed sales for local concerts and performances for 36 years, is being phased out. In its place, the global ticketing powerhouse Ticketmaster has taken over.

Legends Global, the management firm responsible for Intrust Bank Arena, the Orpheum Theatre, Century II, and Capitol Federal Amphitheater, quietly implemented this transition on July 1. While tickets previously listed on Select-a-Seat will remain available on that platform, all new sales since the start of July are being processed through Ticketmaster.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that while this move provides local venues with world-class operational capabilities and massive marketing reach, it also consolidates power within a company already under intense scrutiny. The transition marks a pivot from a locally-rooted system to a centralized global model.

The move signifies a transition from local community-based ticketing to a high-scale, globalized commercial model.

Ticketmaster, founded in 1976, has dominated the industry since 1995, controlling roughly 80% of the major concert venue market. However, its dominance has not been without controversy; the company has faced numerous lawsuits regarding anticompetitive practices and excessive service fees.

Historical Background

Select-a-Seat was originally launched by Sedgwick County in 1990 as a modern computerized system to simplify ticket access for residents. Over the decades, as venue management transitioned from the county to private entities like ASM Global and eventually Legends Global, the ticketing infrastructure evolved alongside it.

Did You Know?: Ticketmaster merged with concert promoter Live Nation in 2010, creating a massive entity that oversees much of the global live music industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I buy tickets for upcoming shows in Wichita?
You can purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com or in person at the Intrust Bank Arena box office.

2. Will old tickets on Select-a-Seat still work?
Yes, any tickets that were already on sale via Select-a-Seat will continue to be sold through that platform.