Drake fans to get ticket refunds amid Houston concert confusion

Jeff Ehling Image
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Drake fans to get refunds amid Houston concert confusion
A Houston venue has sold tickets for a Drake show but the rapper's staff says a Houston appearance was never scheduled

HOUSTON -- It would have been one the concerts of the year -- Drake at the Arena Theatre in southwest Houston.

Tickets for the show have already been sold, but there's just one problem: Drake's spokesperson tells us the concert scheduled for May 17 is not going to happen, even though pre-sale tickets were sold just a couple weeks ago.

So now the question is, what happened?

On the Arena Theatre's website, the May 17 Drake show is still listed, but when you try to buy tickets, you see this message: "Ticket sales on hold." It turns out the concert is not going to happen at, all according to Drake's spokesperson.

"Drake has never been scheduled to appear at the Arena Theatre venue. When we learned of this situation we immediately encouraged the venue and promoter to contact law enforcement to initiate an investigation," the spokesperson told ABC-13. "We are horrified that someone would use Drake's name to take advantage of his fans. For any individuals who may have fallen victim to this, please contact your local authorities."

Kayla Ramsey of Midtown tickets tells us she bought pre-sale tickets to the show in February; however, she says things were different for this concert.

"Tickets were not sent out yet, you cannot go pick them up at the box office, you cannot print them out, they were not sent out," Ramsey said.

For the last few days, social media rumors have been running wild that the show would be canceled.

The Arena Theater management told us late Wednesday that the venue will offer full refunds to pre-sale ticket buyers and will allow them to be first in line if the Drake show actually happens.

Ramsey believes she will get her money back from the venue, but because she used a credit card to buy the pre-sale tickets, she is not worried in the least.

"If you ordered tickets on the pre-sale, and Drake does not show, you will get your money back. I am sure you will get your money back," Ramsey said.

We also found May 17 Drake tickets being sold on Craigslist right now.

Remember, Drake's publicist tells us the show is not going to happen. If we hear differently we will let you know.

Below is the full statement issued by the Arena Theatre:

"Regrettably, we want to offer a full refund for your purchase of Drake tickets. The Arena Theatre was issued a contract and sent the appropriate deposit related to this contract, however, Drake has not confirmed his availability to perform under the terms of this agreement for the May 17th date. We are aggressively working with the OVO camp to arrange a mutually-agreeable date. Upon confirmation, you will be the first people notified due to your loyal patronage. Please accept our heartfelt apologies and know that we have all the documentation related to this date that would substantiate the veracity of this statement. We would never take your valued support for granted nor knowingly mislead you with false show information. Please follow the instructions below for your full refund, thanks."

For refund question, email the venue at ticketing@arenahouston.com or call 713-772-5900.