StubHub (NYSE: STUB) announced the launch of FestProtect, a protection program designed to address common festival disruptions ahead of the 2026 summer festival season.

The platform introduces a three-tier system covering various festival-related issues. Tier 1 addresses major disruptions such as severe weather cancellations and artist dropouts, potentially offering future festival tickets or artist performance access. Tier 2 covers scheduling conflicts when overlapping set times prevent fans from seeing planned artists. Tier 3 handles common complaints including long lines, blocked views, and crowd congestion, with possible upgrades or future perks.

StubHub research found that more than 85% of festival-goers have experienced common live-event challenges, while 76% reported receiving no meaningful recourse when problems occurred. The company surveyed festival fans and found that nearly 80% said a protection program would increase their likelihood of purchasing festival tickets.

According to StubHub's marketplace data and national survey, 66% of festival-goers spend more than $300 beyond ticket costs during a festival weekend. Among Gen Z fans, 35% report taking on credit card debt or using buy-now-pay-later services to afford festival attendance.

The launch accompanies StubHub's expanded festival partnerships, including agreements with Danny Wimmer Presents, Southern Entertainment, and Pryor Creek Music Festivals. FestProtect launches before Governors Ball and the peak 2026 summer festival season.

The program allows fans to submit festival-related claims through a dedicated landing page. StubHub stated that FestProtect does not guarantee compensation and submitting a claim does not obligate the company to provide rewards.