With the rise of mobile technology and digital tickets, many fans are interested in taking screenshots of their Yankee tickets to have a digital copy on their phone. However, there are some important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to screenshot your Yankee tickets.
The Official Stance from the Yankees
According to the New York Yankees’ website, screenshots of tickets are not prohibited. However, they do caution fans that screenshots can present risks. For example, the team warns that screenshots degrade more quickly and can be difficult to scan for entry. The Yankees recommend transferring tickets to a digital wallet through Account Manager for more reliable mobile access.
The Yankees also warn against posting screenshots of tickets on social media, as this creates opportunities for theft and fraud. The team cannot guarantee valid entry for tickets shared via screenshot on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. So ultimately, it is not recommended or endorsed by the Yankees even though it is not outright banned.
Security Risks of Screenshots
There are some security-related issues to keep in mind with screenshotting tickets. When you screenshot a ticket, you are creating a digital copy that can then be distributed online. This opens up the opportunity for theft if the screenshot falls into the wrong hands. Some of the risks include:
- Someone else using the screenshot to print a fake ticket and attempt entry.
- Less scrupulous fans using screenshots to sell the same ticket to multiple buyers.
- Screenshots can more easily be duplicated, edited, or shared than official digital tickets.
The barcode on a ticket scanned directly from a mobile device is more secure than on a printed screenshot. Screenshots are prone to degraded image quality, editing, and other manipulation compared to official mobile tickets.
Get Back to Your Seats Faster with Mobile Tickets
Using the Yankees Account Manager to access digital tickets on your smartphone allows for faster re-entry to Yankee Stadium. With digital tickets, staff can scan your phone screen directly without having to zoom in on a screenshot. This speeds up the process considerably.
Especially for a crowded, high-traffic venue like Yankee Stadium, getting back to your seat quickly after bathroom breaks, concessions, etc. is important. You don’t want to miss any of the action! Official mobile tickets provide the fastest re-entry compared to printed screenshots.
Mobile Ticket Transfer Is More Secure
Rather than sharing a screenshot, the Yankees Account Manager allows you to securely transfer tickets to friends or family if needed. When you transfer the ticket directly to another user, it provides a more secure chain of custody. You can see who holds the ticket at any given time and revoke transfers if needed.
Screenshotting tickets means you lose this control and visibility. Anyone you text or email the screenshot to could potentially use it without your knowledge. It’s much safer to utilize the Yankees’ official ticket transfer options.
Screenshots Won’t Always Work for Entry
Keep in mind that Yankee Stadium staff can refuse entry to tickets presented via screenshot at their discretion. This is especially likely if the screenshot quality is poor or distorted. You run the risk of being denied entry and missing the game while you sort out the issue.
There are instances every season of fans being turned away when they try to rely on screenshots rather than official mobile tickets. Don’t let this happen to you! Go with mobile tickets for reliable entry and access.
You Can’t Resell Screenshot Tickets Securely
Trying to resell your tickets via screenshot also carries inherent security risks. For example, if you were to sell tickets by texting a screenshot, the buyer has no way to verify if it is valid or not. They also have no recourse if they are denied entry with screenshot tickets.
Using an authorized resale platform provides protections and validation for both buyers and sellers. But with screenshots, neither party can be sure it is a legitimate transaction. Always transfer tickets securely through official channels rather than screenshots if reselling.
Lose Your Phone? Mobile Tickets Can Be Deactivated
If you lose your phone containing the screenshots, someone could potentially use them to improperly gain entry. With official mobile tickets, you can quickly log into your Yankees Account Manager and deactivate the tickets remotely.
This provides protection against fraudulent use of tickets saved on a lost or stolen device. But with mere screenshots, you have no way to cancel access. So relying exclusively on screenshots introduces unnecessary risk in this scenario.
Screenshots Don’t Always Update Automatically
Sometimes ticket details can change last minute, whether a seat reassignment, a change in gate, or other factors. Mobile tickets automatically update with the latest information. But a static screenshot may not.
Heading to the wrong gate or seat because your screenshot hasn’t updated could mean missing part of the action. Mobile tickets offer the advantage of always having the latest ticket data.
Important Factors to Consider
At the end of the day, the decision comes down to personal preference and risk tolerance. Here are some important factors to consider:
- How tech-savvy are you? Less comfort with smartphones may mean preferring paper tickets or screenshots.
- Are you willing to assume the risks? Screenshots do introduce some security vulnerabilities to weigh.
- How often do you usually check your phone? If you rarely check during an event, mobile tickets pose less advantage.
- How stable is your phone’s camera and image quality? Poor quality makes scanning screenshots unlikely.
There are solid arguments on both sides. Think through your own preferences, needs, and risk factors before deciding. Some fans may conclude the convenience and simplicity of screenshots are worth it.
Best Practices If Taking Screenshots
If you do decide to screenshot your tickets, here are some best practices to follow:
- Double-check the clarity and quality before heading to the stadium.
- Save a backup screenshot in case one gets accidentally deleted or edited.
- Use the Account Manager as your source of truth and update screenshots if ticket details change.
- Consider setting a phone lock screen/passcode to prevent unauthorized usage.
- Refrain from posting screenshots publicly on social media.
While the Yankees don’t outright prohibit screenshots, you assume some level of risk. Take precautions to ensure you aren’t left high and dry without ticket access.
The Official Yankees Guidance
The Yankees organization does not explicitly ban screenshotting tickets. However, here are some key points from their guidance:
- Screenshots are considered unofficial copies that cannot be guaranteed for entry.
- Transferring tickets via Account Manager is most recommended for security and convenience.
- Do not post screenshots publicly on social media or risk unauthorized usage.
- Screenshots may have degraded quality that makes scanning difficult.
- Digital mobile tickets offer faster re-entry and updated details.
While screenshots are not prohibited per se, there are numerous downsides compared to mobile tickets. Follow the Yankees’ official advice for the optimal experience.
The Bottom Line
Screenshotting your Yankee tickets provides a digital copy but comes with inherent security risks and other potential drawbacks. Use the Account Manager for direct mobile ticket access whenever possible for the most seamless and secure experience.
While less ideal than mobile tickets, screenshots remain an option for fans less comfortable with smartphones. If you do screenshot, take precautions to ensure clarity, prevent unauthorized usage, and confirm details are up-to-date.
Weigh your personal preferences against the Yankees’ recommendations. With knowledge of the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision on screenshotting versus mobile tickets at Yankee Stadium.