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Bangor Concert Venue May Be Sold in Ticketmaster Antitrust Settlement
The Maine Savings Amphitheater could be divested as part of a deal between the Justice Department and Live Nation Entertainment.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:34am
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The Justice Department has reached a tentative settlement in its antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment. As part of the deal, Live Nation would be required to sell 13 venues across the U.S., including the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor. The settlement also calls for increased access to ticket sales for other promoters and a cap on Ticketmaster's service fees at the divested venues.
Why it matters
The lawsuit accused Ticketmaster and Live Nation of running an illegal monopoly in the live music industry. The proposed settlement aims to increase competition and consumer choice, but some state attorneys general believe it does not go far enough to break up the companies' dominance.
The details
The tentative settlement would require Live Nation to sell 13 venues, including the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor. The agreement would also let venues reach deals allowing a certain portion of tickets to be sold by entities other than Ticketmaster, and cap Ticketmaster's service fees at 15% for the divested amphitheaters. Live Nation would also create a $280 million fund to settle claims or pay civil penalties to states.
- The Justice Department sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment in 2024.
- The tentative settlement was reached in early 2026.
The players
Ticketmaster
The world's largest ticket seller across live music, sports, and theater, established in 1976 and merged with Live Nation in 2010.
Live Nation Entertainment
The parent company of Ticketmaster, which was accused of running an illegal monopoly in the live music industry.
U.S. Department of Justice
The federal agency that sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment for antitrust violations.
Maine Savings Amphitheater
A 16,500-capacity concert venue in Bangor, Maine that would be divested as part of the settlement.
Waterfront Concerts
The company that operates the Maine Savings Amphitheater.
What they’re saying
“We have never relied on exclusivity to drive our ticketing business, it has simply been the result of having the best products, services and people in the industry.”
— Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment (pressherald.com)
What’s next
The settlement, including the divestment of the Maine Savings Amphitheater, still requires final approval from the court.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing antitrust concerns surrounding Ticketmaster and Live Nation's dominance in the live music industry, and the challenges in balancing consumer choice with the companies' business model.
