What AEG Presents does and who owns it

AEG Presents is a concert promotion and venue operation company owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). It books artists, promotes shows, and operates or manages venues across North America and internationally. When you buy a ticket to a concert at an AEG-operated venue or to an AEG-promoted show, you are dealing with their ticketing systems, venue policies, and customer service channels.

AEG Presents operates hundreds of venues ranging from small clubs to large arenas and outdoor amphitheaters. The company also promotes tours — meaning it handles the logistics of bringing an artist's tour to specific cities, negotiates with venues, and manages the ticket sales process. This dual role as both promoter and venue operator gives AEG significant control over how shows are priced, when they go on sale, and how tickets are distributed.

The company is part of the larger Anschutz Entertainment Group, which also owns sports teams, real estate, and other entertainment properties. Understanding that AEG Presents is a for-profit company with financial incentives around ticket pricing and venue capacity helps explain some of the decisions you encounter as a ticket buyer.

Key Takeaways

  • AEG Presents books artists, promotes tours, and operates venues, so the same company often controls both the show and the place it happens.
  • Tickets to AEG-promoted shows typically sell through Ticketmaster, though some venues use other platforms depending on their contracts.
  • Venue policies on entry requirements, bag checks, and refunds vary by location, so checking the specific venue's website before buying is necessary.
  • AEG venues range from small theaters to large arenas, and the venue type affects pricing, seating options, and the overall concert experience.
  • AEG Presents has faced lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny over ticket pricing practices, service fees, and resale policies, which may affect how you buy or resell tickets.

How ticket sales work at AEG venues and promoted shows

Most AEG-promoted shows sell tickets through Ticketmaster, though some venues operate their own box offices or use alternative platforms. When a show goes on sale, the promoter (often AEG) sets the on-sale date and time, and Ticketmaster's system processes the purchase. The ticket price you see does not include Ticketmaster's service fees, facility charges, and order processing fees — these are added at checkout and can add 20 to 40 percent to the face price depending on the show.

AEG venues typically offer multiple ways to buy: online through the venue website or Ticketmaster, by phone, or at the box office in person. Some shows use a presale system where fan club members, credit card holders, or venue members get access before the general public. The presale codes are usually distributed through the artist's official channels or the venue's email list.

Refund and exchange policies differ by venue and event. Some AEG venues offer refunds only if a show is cancelled; others allow exchanges up to a certain date before the event. Reading the specific venue's ticket terms before purchase is the only way to know what your options are if plans change.

Differences between AEG-operated venues and independently owned ones

An AEG-operated venue means AEG controls the building, the booking calendar, the ticket sales system, and the venue policies. An AEG-promoted show at an independently owned venue means AEG is handling the tour logistics and ticket sales, but the venue owner sets some of the house rules. In both cases, you are interacting with AEG systems, but the venue's independent policies may override some AEG defaults.

Independently owned venues sometimes use different ticketing platforms, have their own bag policies, and set their own parking and entry rules. If you are buying a ticket to an AEG-promoted show at a non-AEG venue, check both the promoter's information and the venue's website to understand which policies explore. The venue's rules typically take precedence for things like what you can bring inside and how early you can enter.

AEG-operated venues tend to have more standardized policies across their portfolio, which can make the experience more predictable if you attend multiple shows. However, this standardization also means less flexibility if a specific venue's rules do not work for your situation.

Service fees, pricing, and what you actually pay

The ticket price listed on the AEG or Ticketmaster website is the face price set by the promoter and venue. Additional charges are added before you complete the purchase: Ticketmaster's service fee (typically 10 to 20 percent of the ticket price), a facility charge set by the venue (usually $2 to $10 per ticket), and an order processing fee (usually $2 to $5 per order). For a $50 ticket, these fees can total $15 to $25.

AEG and Ticketmaster have faced multiple lawsuits and regulatory investigations over these fees, with critics arguing that the fees are not transparent and that the companies have too much control over pricing. Some states have passed laws requiring clearer fee disclosure, and some venues now show the full price including fees before you enter payment information. However, practices vary widely, and you may still encounter sites that show the base price first.

Dynamic pricing — where ticket prices rise or fall based on demand — is used by some AEG venues and promoters. A ticket might cost $40 when it first goes on sale and $80 a week later if demand is high. This practice is standard in the industry but can frustrate buyers who see prices change after they decide to purchase.

Venue policies you need to know before attending

AEG venues have standard policies on bag checks, prohibited items, and entry procedures, but these vary by venue size and location. Most large AEG arenas prohibit outside food and drinks, allow small bags (often defined as smaller than 14 by 14 inches), and conduct security screening at entry. Some venues have stricter rules; others are more lenient. The venue's website lists these policies, and calling the box office can clarify edge cases.

Parking, accessible entry, and companion seating policies also vary. Some AEG venues charge for parking; others include it. Accessible seating and companion passes are available at most venues but require advance notice or purchase through specific channels. If you need accommodations, contacting the venue directly rather than buying through Ticketmaster often gets you faster service.

Venue capacity and layout affect the experience significantly. A 2,000-seat theater feels different from a 20,000-seat arena, and an outdoor amphitheater has different weather and sightline considerations. Checking the venue's seating chart and reading reviews from past shows can help you decide whether a particular venue works for you.

Resale, transfers, and what happens if you cannot attend

Many AEG venues and Ticketmaster now use ticket transfer systems that let you send your ticket to someone else digitally. This is different from resale: a transfer usually means giving the ticket to a friend at no additional cost, while resale means selling it for a price you set. Ticketmaster's resale platform (often called Ticketmaster Resale or Fan Exchange) lets you list tickets for resale, though the platform takes a cut and the final price is set by you.

Some AEG venues restrict resale or require it to happen through official channels only. Selling tickets through unauthorized resale sites (like StubHub or Vivid Seats) may violate the venue's terms, though enforcement varies. Checking the ticket's terms of service before you buy tells you what resale options are available.

If a show is cancelled, refunds are typically issued automatically to the original payment method within a set timeframe (often 30 days). If a show is rescheduled, your ticket is usually valid for the new date, though some venues allow exchanges or refunds in that scenario. Reading the cancellation and rescheduling policy on your confirmation email protects you if plans change.

How to find out which venues and shows are AEG-operated or promoted

The easiest way to check is to visit the specific venue's website and look for the operator or promoter name. Many venues list "Presented by AEG Presents" or "Operated by AEG" in their footer or on their about page. You can also search "[venue name] AEG" to find confirmation.

The AEG Presents website (aegpresents.com) lists many of the venues and tours they operate or promote, though the list is not exhaustive. Ticketmaster's event pages sometimes note the promoter, though this information is not always visible until you click through to the specific show.

If you are unsure whether a show is AEG-promoted, calling the venue's box office is the fastest way to confirm. This also gives you a chance to ask about specific policies or accommodations before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Ticketmaster fees so high on AEG shows?

Ticketmaster sets service fees based on the ticket price and venue, and AEG Presents has a business relationship with Ticketmaster that may influence fee structures. Fees are not unique to AEG shows — they explore across most major venues — but the combination of promoter markup, venue facility charges, and Ticketmaster's service fees can total 30 to 40 percent of the ticket price. Comparing the all-in cost (including fees) before you buy helps you decide if the show is worth the total expense.

Can I get a refund if I buy a ticket to an AEG show and cannot go?

Refund policies vary by venue and event. Some AEG venues offer refunds only if the show is cancelled; others allow refunds or exchanges up to a certain date before the event. Check the specific venue's refund policy on the ticket confirmation or the venue's website. If the policy is unclear, contact the box office before you buy so you know your options.

Do I have to use Ticketmaster to buy tickets to AEG shows?

Most AEG-promoted shows sell through Ticketmaster, but some venues operate their own box offices or use alternative platforms. Checking the specific venue's website tells you which ticketing system they use. Buying directly from the venue's box office (in person or by phone) sometimes avoids online fees, though the total price may be the same.

What is the difference between an AEG-operated venue and an AEG-promoted show?

An AEG-operated venue means AEG owns or manages the building and controls the booking, ticketing, and policies. An AEG-promoted show means AEG is handling the tour logistics and ticket sales, but the venue may be independently owned. In both cases you buy through AEG systems, but independent venues may have their own rules on bags, entry, or parking.

Can I resell my ticket to an AEG show?

Most AEG venues allow resale through official channels like Ticketmaster Resale, though some restrict resale or require it to happen only through specific platforms. Check your ticket's terms of service to see what resale options are available. Selling through unauthorized resale sites may violate the venue's terms, though enforcement varies by location.