History of SeatGeek in Timeline

SeatGeek is a mobile-first ticketing platform that allows users to buy and sell tickets for live events like sports, concerts, and theater. Initially an aggregator of secondary market listings, it has evolved into a primary ticket provider, directly partnering with sports teams and venues, positioning itself as a competitor to established players like Ticketmaster. The platform operates through a website and mobile app, aiming to provide a user-friendly experience for ticket purchasing and sales.

2008: Microsoft Acquires Farecast

In 2008, Microsoft purchased Farecast, an airline ticket aggregation and forecasting site. SeatGeek historically provided price forecast information in a similar manner to Farecast.

2009: SeatGeek Founded and Launched

In 2009, SeatGeek was founded by Russell D’Souza and Jack Groetzinger during the DreamIt Ventures program in Philadelphia. In September 2009, the company launched publicly at the TechCrunch50 conference and was recognized by VentureBeat and CNET. In May 2009, SeatGeek received $20,000 in seed funding from DreamIT Ventures. Eric Waller also joined as SeatGeek's first employee and third co-founder.

2010: Seed and Series A Financing Rounds

In 2010, SeatGeek raised seed and Series A financing to expand its platform.

2011: Seed and Series A Financing Rounds

In 2011, SeatGeek continued to raise seed and Series A financing to expand its platform.

2013: SeatGeek Acquires FanSnap and Partners with Telecharge

In 2013, SeatGeek acquired FanSnap, a ticket search engine, and discontinued its search engine, rolling it into SeatGeek's existing platform. SeatGeek also announced a partnership with Telecharge, a Broadway ticketing service in 2013.

2015: SeatGeek Receives $62 Million in Series C Funding

In 2015, SeatGeek received a $62 million Series C funding round led by Technology Crossover Ventures, supporting the company’s expansion beyond its original role as a ticket aggregator to compete directly with StubHub.

2016: SeatGeek Enters Primary Ticketing Market and Partners with MLS

In 2016, SeatGeek entered the primary ticketing market. In July 2016, the company signed a league-wide agreement with Major League Soccer, becoming the official ticketing provider for Sporting Kansas City.

2017: SeatGeek Expands Primary Ticketing and Acquires Toptix

In 2017, SeatGeek expanded its primary ticketing business, becoming the official ticketing partner for Seattle Sounders FC, the New Orleans Saints, and the New Orleans Pelicans. SeatGeek also acquired Toptix, an Israeli ticketing software company, in 2017.

2018: Partnerships with NFL and Dallas Cowboys, SeatGeek Stadium Renaming

In 2018, SeatGeek became a distribution partner of the National Football League (NFL). In 2018, SeatGeek replaced Ticketmaster as the primary box office partner of the Dallas Cowboys. In 2018, SeatGeek reached a naming rights agreement with the Chicago Fire’s stadium, renaming it SeatGeek Stadium. In 2018, Manchester City selected SeatGeek as its exclusive ticketing provider.

2018: Named One of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies”

In 2018, SeatGeek was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” in the live events category.

2019: Partnership with Lord's Cricket Ground

In 2019, SeatGeek was appointed the official ticketing partner of Lord's Cricket Ground in London, marking its entry into the cricket market.

2019: Named One of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies”

In 2019, SeatGeek was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” in the live events category.

March 2020: Liverpool F.C. Partnership and COVID-19 Lawsuit

In March 2020, Liverpool F.C. announced a primary ticketing partnership with SeatGeek. In April 2020, SeatGeek faced a class action lawsuit over refunds for events canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Partnerships and Product Launches

In 2021, Jujamcyn Theaters selected SeatGeek as its primary ticketing provider, marking the company’s first Broadway partnership. Laurel J. Richie also joined its board of directors. SeatGeek launched “Rally,” an in-app platform and “SeatGeek Swaps,” a feature allowing ticket holders to return tickets for credit up to 72 hours before an event, in 2021.

2022: New Partnerships and Innovation Recognition

In 2022, SeatGeek added new primary ticketing partners including the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, Utah Jazz, and Florida Panthers. That year, the company was also named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” for the third time.

2022: Funding Round

In 2022, SeatGeek raised $238 million in a Series E funding round led by Accel, valuing the company at about $1 billion.

January 2023: End of Barclays Center Partnership

In January 2023, Brooklyn Sports Entertainment Global ended its partnership with SeatGeek at Barclay's Center. Ticketmaster resumed ticketing at Barclays Center.

February 2023: Partnerships with Paciolan and MLB

In February 2023, SeatGeek replaced StubHub as the official secondary marketplace for Paciolan. Major League Baseball also named SeatGeek its official ticket marketplace in February 2023.

May 2023: Named to Inc. Magazine’s List of Best Workplaces

In May 2023, SeatGeek was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of Best Workplaces for the second consecutive year.

February 2024: Launch of Next Fan Up

In February 2024, SeatGeek launched Next Fan Up, which included an AI-powered “Smart Pricing” tool designed to help fans list and resell tickets more easily.

October 2024: BBB Rating and Customer Reviews

As of October 2024, the Better Business Bureau gave SeatGeek an “F” rating, while the company held a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot.

2025: Partnerships with AFC Bournemouth

In 2025, Premier League club AFC Bournemouth announced it would transition to SeatGeek’s ticketing system beginning with the 2025–26 season.

2025: Product Launches

In 2025, SeatGeek launched Concourse Maps, a venue navigation tool within its Rally platform. Later that year, it released Beyond the Seat, a feature designed to enhance ticket listings with richer visuals and details of premium experiences.

2026: Partnerships with US Golf Association and Philadelphia Union

In 2026, The United States Golf Association selected SeatGeek as the official ticketing provider for its championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and U.S. Senior Open. In 2026, The Philadelphia Union entered into a multi-year partnership that will make SeatGeek its official ticketing partner.