News Summary
Kevin Brick, owner of Maxim Tickets, Inc., has filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan over policy changes affecting season ticket sales. The lawsuit claims these changes could result in a $2.5 million annual revenue loss. Brick argues that the university misled ticket holders regarding resale rights, leaving them feeling blindsided. The lawsuit also alleges violations of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. As the athletic department remains silent on the matter, the legal dispute raises questions about the future of ticket resale in Michigan football.
Michigan Football Ticket Reseller Takes University to Court Over Policy Changes
In the bustling city of Ann Arbor, the heart of Michigan football, a ticket reseller is making headlines with a bold move against the University of Michigan. Kevin Brick, a long-time holder of Michigan football tickets and the owner of Maxim Tickets, Inc., has decided enough is enough and has filed a lawsuit that could shake things up for the university.
Your Ticket to Trouble: The Lawsuit Breakdown
On February 28, 2024, Brick refiled his lawsuit in the Michigan Court of Claims, claiming that the university’s recent changes to its season ticket policy will lead to a staggering $2.5 million loss in annual revenue. This lawsuit comes as a response to a policy change that took many by surprise, allegedly leaving loyal fans in a tough position.
Brick argues that the school misled him into donating millions in the past, only to completely flip the script with a new ticket resale policy. This abrupt change was reportedly implemented without any heads-up in early 2024, leaving ticket holders feeling blindsided.
A Rocky Legal Road
Prior to this latest legal action, Brick attempted to bring his grievances to federal court in August 2023. Unfortunately for him, that case was dismissed in December because the university is categorized as a state agency, making it immune to federal lawsuits of this nature. The first lawsuit included claims of violating the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, which are conspicuously missing from this new complaint, signaling perhaps a shift in strategy.
Ticket Holder Turmoil: What’s Changed?
Brick asserts that his company, Maxim Tickets, has a rich history in the ticket business, having purchased over 1,000 tickets across two decades. As of February 2024, they boasted 164 active ticket accounts. However, the game changed significantly with the policy introduced in April 2023. This new policy clearly states that tickets cannot be purchased solely for resale purposes, leading to a hard stop for ticket brokers who relied on profits from selling tickets in the secondary market.
Up until this policy shift, fans were informed through a 2022 email that they were allowed to resell tickets on platforms like StubHub. Now, the athletic department has made it clear that any tickets purchased primarily for resale can be canceled at their discretion—an ultimatum that has left many fans feeling unsettled.
Feeling Misled: A Bitter Pill to Swallow
According to Brick, he felt assured that his seats would be secure from year to year and could potentially lead to profits through resale. However, this assurance seemingly vanished when Brick learned in January 2024 that his accounts were linked to ticket brokering activities. As a result, he was notified that his accounts would be locked, adding to his frustration.
The Freedom of Information Act Complication
It doesn’t stop there. The lawsuit further claims that the university failed to adhere to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, allegedly withholding internal documents related to the ticket policy changes. This adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation, creating further tensions between Brick’s team and the University of Michigan.
The Athletic Department’s Silence
As of now, the athletic department has chosen to remain tight-lipped about the ongoing lawsuit, fueling curiosity and speculation among fans and observers alike. Whether this case will result in a significant change in policy or a financial payout for Brick remains to be seen.
One thing is for certain: the stakes are high in the world of Michigan football tickets, and this legal battle is definitely one to watch.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MLive: Man Alleging $2.5M Loss from Michigan Football Ticket Resale Rules Sues
- WXYZ: Four Former U-M Football Players Suing NCAA
- Sports Illustrated: Michigan Wolverine Athletes Join Lawsuit Against NCAA
- Detroit Free Press: Unpaid Bills Claims Against University of Michigan
- News Break: Over 300 Former Michigan Football Players Join Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Michigan Wolverines Football
- Google Search: Michigan Football
- Google Scholar: Michigan Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan Wolverines
- Google News: Michigan Football
