ACL scene report: Some people selling wristbands for under $100 today

Editor’s note: This article was originally published October 5, 2013

Three-day passes to the Austin City Limits Music Festival are going for far below face value today.

Most wristbands originally sold for $225, but hit the Web - or walk along Barton Springs Road - this afternoon and you’ll find no shortage of folks eager to make a deal today, the second day of the fest.

The lowest price we saw midday Saturday was someone selling two passes for $90 each. Several others were priced at $100.

Why are folks selling? A variety of reasons, according to Craigslist, including:

• “Sadly due to issues with the family I will have to stay home.”
• “I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND, MY SCHEDULING CONFLICT IS IN YOUR FAVOR.”
• “My friend’s flight got cancelled and she can’t make it to Austin so i have her wristbands.”

While the bargain-basement prices might seem tempting, keep in mind that buying wristbands through unofficial channels can be risky. While many of these folks are legit, there are - every year - more than a few scammers who walk away with wads of cash, leaving customers with no recourse.

As of this afternoon, three-day passes for next weekend are still available for purchase on the official ACL Fest website for $225. Organizers told the American-Statesman they expect it to soon sell out, though.