We can’t stop Springsteen touts says Leeds Arena boss

bosses at Leeds Arena say they understand the frustration of hundreds of fans who missed out on tickets for Bruce Springsteen’s summer gig - but say they are powerless to stop them being snapped up by touts and non-fans and sold on at inflated prices.

Angry fans, who say “unethical practices” stopped real fans getting tickets for the American rocker’s July 24 gig, the first at the 13,500 capacity venue.

Ben Williams, general manager at Leeds Arena, said: “As is standard industry practice, artist promoters will often make tickets available before their general release.

“As with any arena gig, we are aware of a number of third party websites, including a famous auction site, that are selling tickets. We are working closely with the promoters to ensure wherever possible that true fans can achieve tickets.

“The comfort of purchasing almost everything on the internet unfortunately does allow people to buy tickets and then sell them at highly inflated prices. Whilst we understand the frustration felt by fans, we do not have any legal power.”