Fans who were fortunate enough to secure tickets for the theatrical screening of the “Stranger Things” finale are in luck. Many enthusiasts are now scouring social media platforms in search of resale tickets, which are being offered at prices significantly higher than the original cost.
The finale of the popular sci-fi series is set to premiere on Netflix at 8 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve, along with select theatrical releases in Canada and the United States. Tickets initially went on sale for $11 each, including an $11 concession stand voucher due to talent residuals constraints, ensuring attendees will break even on their ticket purchase.
According to Cineplex, the primary host of the Canadian screenings, tickets for the nationwide events sold out rapidly. Michelle Saba, Cineplex’s vice-president of communications, mentioned that only a few seats are left at certain theaters.
Landmark Cinemas is also showcasing the finale, with seats almost sold out across the country. As a result, fans like Omar Hassanali from Mississauga, Ont., are turning to platforms like Facebook Marketplace in search of theater tickets. Hassanali expressed disappointment at missing out on tickets initially and shared his experience of finding limited availability, mostly for solo seats or those near the screen.
As Hassanali’s children have recently become old enough to enjoy the show with him, he was eager for them to experience the event in the theater surrounded by fellow fans. Resellers have been offering tickets to him at various prices, ranging from $25 to $200 per ticket.
As the date of the finale approaches, some sellers are lowering their prices to match the original cost, while others continue to list tickets for higher amounts. On Reddit, some fans have criticized the resale activity as unfair and have reported sellers for their pricing practices.
While ticket resale is common for live music and sports events, Vass Bednar from the Canadian SHIELD Institute noted that reselling at theaters is less prevalent. Theaters like Cineplex have measures in place to limit resale, such as restrictions on the number of tickets an individual can purchase.
Bednar suggested that more extreme measures, like digitally linking tickets to purchasers to prevent resale, could be implemented but may come with additional costs. Governments in countries like the U.K. have proposed laws to restrict ticket resale above face value, although such controls rely on ticketing companies facilitating the resale platforms.
After an extensive search, Hassanali managed to secure face value tickets for his family, signaling the anticipation among fans for the theatrical experience. Cineplex has mentioned that a limited number of tickets will be available exclusively at theaters for those still hoping to attend the finale in person. Additionally, several bars and restaurants across Canada are hosting watch parties for the episode for those seeking an alternative viewing experience.