Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit against HailgateA2 LLC and its owner, John Klein, alleging they falsely presented the business as being associated with the University of Michigan and failed to deliver tickets and sports memorabilia to customers.
The complaint, filed on October 8 in Wayne County’s 3rd Circuit Court, accuses the company of breaching the Michigan Consumer Protection Act through misleading ticket sales, unauthorised use of university branding and the non-delivery of goods. The state is seeking financial damages, civil fines, the dissolution of HailgateA2 and orders preventing the defendants from selling University of Michigan-related tickets or memorabilia.
Allegations over Michigan football and concert sales
HailgateA2, which was founded in 2023, marketed tickets for Michigan football games, tailgate events and concerts at Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House. The company additionally sold sports memorabilia, according to the lawsuit.
The Attorney General’s office said it received at least 10 consumer complaints from 2024 onwards. They included allegations that signed helmets commemorating Michigan’s 2025 national championship team were never delivered, along with complaints about missing refunds and problems involving football tickets and event packages.
In one case cited in the complaint, a customer paid $1,410 for seven tickets to Michigan’s 2024 game against Oklahoma. Six of the tickets allegedly proved to be illegitimate, leaving the customer to spend almost $2,000 on replacements.
The lawsuit also alleges that HailgateA2 used University of Michigan logos and implied it had a special connection with the university’s athletic department, despite having no authorisation to do so.
The investigation intensified after complaints surrounding two Morgan Wallen concerts at Michigan Stadium in July 2026. The complaint alleges that customers were offered packages including premium seating and a meeting with the singer, although Wallen did not sell or participate in meet-and-greet experiences.
One customer allegedly paid $2,400 for four concert tickets and a further $120 for a bottle bearing Wallen’s likeness, but did not receive the promised tickets or a refund. The lawsuit claims the company continued to promote the packages after representatives for the singer sent a cease-and-desist letter.
“Purchasing tickets to The Big House, for a big show or a big game, shouldn’t be a big ripoff,” Ms Nessel said. “Our Consumer Protection Team received reports alleging thousands of dollars in tickets and memorabilia were never delivered, and the purchasers never refunded.”
The state is also asking the court to prevent HailgateA2 and Mr Klein from selling tickets or memorabilia connected to events at Michigan Stadium or other venues in Michigan, and to ensure funds remain available for possible consumer refunds.
Ms Nessel urged people buying tickets online to check the seller’s reputation, use established websites, pay by credit card where possible and ensure the site is secure before entering payment details.
