SAN DIEGO — The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced several large events to be postponed or even cancelled. However, News 8 has heard from many viewers who said they can't figure out how to get a refund when they it need most.
News 8 received several emails and comments on social media about this topic.
Christine Hartnett-Ruhl spent $324 on tickets to a Padres game that was supposed to take place April 12.
"You know, I've been trying to be patient," said Hartnett-Ruhl.
With the date now come and gone, she'd like her money back, knowing that if any games are played this year, they'll likely be without fans.
"We really could use that money. I'm not worried about a baseball game. I'd rather just have a refund," said Hartnett-Ruhl.
Hartnett-Ruhl said Ticketmaster has promised her a refund. However, she hasn't received anything yet.
"[It] looks like they're trying to float the money because they have no income right now," Hartnett-Ruhl said.
Just hours after speaking with Hartnett-Ruhl, Padres officials announced they will offer refunds for all home games scheduled through May 31.
RELATED: Coronavirus: San Diego Padres announce refund, loyalty credit, and exchange for ticket holders
Another local event viewers have been asking about is KAABOO. It's scheduled for September. While the three-day concert hasn't been cancelled, some fear if it is, ticket holders won't be getting their money back.
News 8 did not hear back from KAABOO as of Wednesday but on Thursday, KAABOO officials got back to News 8 with the following statement:
"At this time, the September 2020 edition of KAABOOO has not been cancelled or postponed. Our ticket refund policy is as follows:
In the event of a postponement, passes will automatically be transferred and made valid for the new show dates. Should the pass holder not be able to attend on the new show dates for any reason, then a full refund will be provided on request.
In the event of a cancellation, passes will be refunded in full, automatically, and in a timely manner."
On Tuesday, California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, announced concerts and other large scale events fall under "phase four" and won't happen for several months. That puts thousands of events in limbo, races included.
"I'm planning on doing it whenever it takes place," said Brian Thole.
Thole is signed up for the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll half marathon.
He received a notice saying it's been postponed, but no refund option was mentioned. Instead, participants will get a credit for the rescheduled race or choose to take part in 2021.
"I can do the race anytime, but more so for people coming from out of town," said Thole.
The fight over refunds is a hot topic nationwide. Responding to customers' outrage, Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, just announced it will give out refunds for both cancelled and postponed shows.
AEG now has the same policy. Meanwhile, Stub Hub is being sued for only offering credit.
Note: Brian Thole is a KFMB employee.