Fans who managed to secure tickets for the theatrical release of the Stranger Things finale are considered fortunate, as resale tickets are being sought after at higher prices on social media platforms. The highly anticipated series finale will be available on Netflix at 8 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve, along with select theatre screenings in Canada and the U.S.
Tickets initially sold for $11 each and included an $11 concession stand voucher due to talent residual constraints, ensuring buyers would break even on their purchase. According to Cineplex, the Canadian screenings sold out almost immediately, with only a few seats remaining at select theatres.
Amid the high demand, fans like Omar Hassanali from Mississauga, Ont., have turned to platforms like Facebook Marketplace in search of tickets. Hassanali shared his disappointment in the limited availability of tickets, with some resellers offering them at prices ranging from $25 to $200 each.
While some resellers are lowering their prices closer to face value as the finale approaches, others continue to list tickets at inflated prices on various platforms. Despite the backlash from fans against ticket scalping, the resale activity for this special event remains active.
Vass Bednar, managing director of the Canadian SHIELD Institute, noted that ticket resale for theatre events is less common than for live music or sports events. The lack of a secondary ecosystem within movie theatres limits the opportunity for reselling, with reselling activity typically confined to unique events like the Stranger Things finale.
Cineplex has implemented measures to deter ticket reselling, such as limits on the number of tickets an individual can purchase. While more extreme measures could be considered to address reselling, they might come with additional costs and potential drawbacks for regular ticket buyers.
After a persistent search, Hassanali secured tickets at face value for his family’s screening, emphasizing the excitement of experiencing the event together. For those still hoping to attend, Cineplex mentions that a limited number of tickets will be available exclusively at the theatre, while various bars and restaurants are also hosting watch parties for the episode.