In Episode 14 of RideShare RoadTalk we unwrap the insanity that is the concert ticket resale market, St. Andrews golf lottery, the magic of Connecticut and college football long snapping...Buckle up...Let's Drive!

TICKETMASTER

The culture of ticketing and the challenges of aftermarket pricing have become a significant issue for concert-goers and event enthusiasts alike. In a recent Rideshare Road Talk episode, passengers heading to the Anthem venue in Washington DC discussed their frustrations with ticket resale platforms and the exorbitant markups that have become commonplace in the industry. One passenger mentioned attempting to buy tickets for a Dream Theater concert, only to find aftermarket prices soaring to $800 – a price point that made attending nearly impossible despite the show being a passion project.

The conversation highlighted how even major artists struggle to control their ticket pricing. Foo Fighters were mentioned as a band that attempted to lock down the aftermarket when christening the Anthem venue, with language about potential prosecution for resellers. Similarly, comedian Louis CK was cited as implementing systems where tickets could only be purchased from his site with specific identifying barcodes that would void if resold. These measures represent attempts by artists to keep experiences accessible to fans rather than becoming exclusive to those who can afford inflated reselling prices.

GOLF IN THE KINGDOM

The dialogue extended beyond concert tickets to other exclusive experiences that face similar aftermarket challenges. One passenger shared an experience booking a golf trip to St. Andrews in Scotland, where tour providers typically charge $3,000-$5,000 markups for organizing tee times. However, by researching independently, this passenger discovered a "clandestine lottery" that allowed direct booking at reasonable prices – approximately $500 for course fees plus reasonable airfare, resulting in a $2,000 all-inclusive trip compared to the $5,000-$7,000 charged through middlemen.

The conversation naturally flowed to discussions about hometowns and regional identities. One passenger identified as being from DC proper – described as "a unicorn" due to the rarity of meeting native Washingtonians. Another passenger from Connecticut described the geography of their hometown using colorful analogies about the state's shape. These geographical discussions highlighted the connections between place and identity that emerge organically in rideshare conversations.

College experiences formed another significant thread in the discussion, particularly around athletic scholarships and state school attendance. One passenger mentioned the DC Subsidy program that allows DC residents to apply for grants to attend state schools elsewhere, since DC lacks its own state university system. Another discussed the Common Market Exchange program that permits students to attend out-of-state public universities at in-state tuition rates if their home state doesn't offer their chosen major. These educational pathways represent how regional systems attempt to provide opportunities across state lines.

THE WHARF DC

The conversation concluded with observations about Washington DC's waterfront development, with passengers expressing amazement at the transformation of the area near the Anthem venue. What was once characterized by "weird, third-tier" establishments has become premium real estate with walkable access to entertainment venues. This urban renewal narrative captures the changing face of American cities and how previously overlooked areas become cultural centers through strategic development.