LDS Church reacts to sale of free Christmas concert tickets

[scottie]

People are voicing their displeasure over the sale of complimentary tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's annual Christmas concert featuring local pop singer and American Idol star David Archuleta.

Those complimentary tickets were awarded at random in a lottery last month and because of the popularity of the concert and the limited number of tickets, people are selling their tickets on local classified websites, including ksl.com.

People are complaining that these complimentary tickets are now being sold for profit. One e-mailer to ksl.com described the attempts to sell the tickets as "a disappointing commentary on the condition of some folks hearts."

On learning that people are trying to sell their tickets, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released this statement:

"Tickets to the Christmas Concert are offered at no cost to allow everyone the opportunity to attend. Attempts to profit from this free offering are inappropriate."

The concert series begins with a preview Dec. 16, followed by evening concerts Dec. 17 and 18 and a Sunday morning "mini-concert" Dec. 19.

All available tickets have been distributed; however a standby line will form at the north gate of Temple Square prior to each concert.

I'm okay with people selling something they got for free.

[SteelBlue]

What the hell is wrong with people? Why would anyone pay to see David Archuleta?

[Sizzle]

I'm okay with people selling something they got for free.

As I understand it though, the tickets are distributed not on a first come first serve basis. They are put into a random selection where this year according to the email my wife got over a million requests were submitted. The conference center doesn't have the capacity to support that many seats over the short period of time.

I think it is kind of bush league given the demand for the tickets when the Church is trying to provide a service.

[Indy Coug]

'Tis the season to profiteer.

[Surfah]

I think it is kind of bush league given the demand for the tickets when the Church is trying to provide a service.

Definitely bush league. And talk about bad karma.

[YOhio]

I'm okay with people selling something they got for free.

If the church were okay with it, would you still be?

[Indy Coug]

If the church were okay with it, would you still be?

[RobinFinderson]

They are freaking tickets to a concert featuring professional musicians. If Coldplay were to offer a 'free concert' with a similar ticket lottery, would it be Bush league to sell those? Why should this be different?

It is interesting to see which of our so-called-capitalists will find selling tickets to a concert featuring a pop musician to be 'Bush league.'

[YOhio]

I didn't mean it to come off as too dickish, but Scottie is a bit predictable.

[Indy Coug]

I didn't mean it to come off as too dickish, but Scottie is a bit predictable.

I'm willing to fill in, if your heart isn't in it.

[scottie]

If the church were okay with it, would you still be?

Lame.

[creekster]

They are freaking tickets to a concert featuring professional musicians. If Coldplay were to offer a 'free concert' with a similar ticket lottery, would it be Bush league to sell those? Why should this be different?

It is interesting to see which of our so-called-capitalists will find selling tickets to a concert featuring a pop musician to be 'Bush league.'

so when freakin rock artists get all pissed off about freakin idiots that resell their tickets for a freakin profit you think they are being freakin stupid too?

ANd what, pray tell, does the amateur/professional status of the musicians have to do with it when they tickets are given away by the sponsoring organization? Would it matter iof one fourth fo the orchestra were amateur musicians?

How would you feel if the church set up a box office and sold all the tickets for the concert? Maybe they could gross a few hundred grand per show. That should be fine, though, because they are professional musicians, right?

[YOhio]

Lame.

It was a sincere question. Of all people you should appreciate that.

[happyone]

I wouldn't buy them, but if the Kings Singers ever return to do the Christmas Concert I would be mighty tempted

[Moliere]

Easy solution. Broadcast the freakin' concert live on BYU-TV. That will drive the price of the tickets down and everyone will be able to see it.