eBay's StubHub Lowballs Sports, Concert TicketseBay's StubHub Lowballs Sports, Concert Tickets

A Web site that allows fans to buy and sell discounted tickets to major sporting events and performances has reported discounted sales, as premium concert ticket prices soar and consumers search for ways to stretch their dollars.

"Many people think that the secondary ticket market only offers inflated prices, but these numbers tell a different story -- that with a little bit of bargain hunting fans can indeed find great prices for some amazing performers," Sean Pate, head of corporate communications for StubHub, said in a news announcement.

That means fans can "get out and have some fun without hurting budgets," he said.

StubHub allows season ticketholders and others to offer tickets for performances by acts like Death Cab for Cutie, Robert Plant, Coldplay, and the Foo Fighters at reduced prices. The site reports ticket sales as low as $14 for major acts and sales for sold-out shows. Tickets for popular tours are averaging less than $90, StubHub reported, while premium tickets from other sources sell for $250 and higher.

In addition to concerts, the site offers tickets to games, theater shows, and other live events. Fans can pick their price and connect with sellers who may match them.

StubHub, an eBay company, offers guarantees that buyers will receive real tickets in time for their events. The company has partnered with nearly 60 teams in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and the National College Athletic Association. It also works with individual artists, including Madonna, and companies like ESPN and American Express.

However, the practice of undercutting ticket prices may get StubHub in trouble with the city of Chicago. Last month, city lawyers filed a lawsuit against StubHub and parent company eBay for failure to collect taxes on event tickets purchased online. While online sales have been exempt from local taxes for the most part, the city contends that since eBay's customer services center is a physical presence that the online auction site and its companies should be subject to local tax laws. EBay has rebuffed the charges. The case is pending.