Abstract
The paper aims to shed light on algorithmic mediation in the dynamic pricing of tickets for live shows and concerts. Based on the implementation of the so-called “Platinum Tickets” by Ticketmaster, a global leader in the industry, and the recent controversies regarding the sale opening for Bruce Springsteen’s tour shows, we seek to understand: 1) the algorithm as a market device (MUNIESA, 2007; MUNIESA; MILLO; CALLON, 2007); 2) dynamic price calculation as a performative operation (CALLON & MUNIESA, 2005); 3) how the algorithmic agency provides the company with an attempt to project neutrality and objectivity in pricing processes by the company (GILLESPIE, 2014; GUERRA & D’ANDRÉA, 2021); 4) how this process point to the interrelation between datafication and financialization in a context of neoliberalism and data capitalism context (GROHMANN, 2020), contributing to the growing of classism in live entertainment.
Keywords digital platforms; algorithmic performance; Ticketmaster; dynamic pricing; shows