Albany, NY (WRGB) — A jury decision finding Ticketmaster and Live Nation hold an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues is being hailed by consumer advocates as a major step toward fairer ticket prices.

The jury found that Ticketmaster could be forced to pay money back, which the jury determined equates to $1.72 per ticket.

The Coalition for Ticket Fairness called the jury’s finding an important first step in increasing transparency and restoring fair competition.

Dustin Brighton, the coalition’s director of government relations, said:

This decision today, hopefully it equates to fans being able to have more choice and create competition. Maybe the ticket prices go down if more are involved.

New York joined dozens of other states in filing a lawsuit against Live Nation.

Attorney General Letitia James, who joined dozens of attorneys general nationwide in filing the lawsuit, also applauded the jury’s decision, saying in part:

This is a landmark victory in our ongoing work to protect our economy and New Yorkers’ wallets from harmful monopolies.

Live Nation has a partnership with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

In its own statement, Live Nation announced its intent to appeal any rulings it deems unfavorable, saying in part:

The jury's verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand.

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