Ticketmaster, the largest primary ticket outlet in the United States, does offer virtual tickets as an option for some events. Virtual tickets provide a digital alternative to traditional paper tickets and can provide some advantages to concertgoers in the modern, digital era.
What are virtual tickets?
A virtual ticket is a digital ticket that provides access to an event through a digital device like a smartphone. Instead of receiving a paper ticket to an event, customers can access a QR code or other digital token that serves as their ticket. Virtual tickets provide the same access to the event as a paper ticket would.
With a virtual ticket, customers can store their ticket on their smartphone or other mobile device. To gain access to the event, they simply open up their virtual ticket on their device and either have it scanned or display it to be checked. This allows for quick, convenient digital access without having to worry about keeping track of a paper ticket.
What are some benefits of virtual tickets?
There are several potential benefits to using virtual tickets rather than traditional paper tickets:
- Convenience – Customers don’t have to worry about losing a paper ticket or forgetting it at home. Their ticket is easily accessible on their smartphone.
- Security – Virtual tickets come with their own unique QR code or digital token to prevent fraud or duplicates.
- Environmentally friendly – Virtual tickets reduce paper waste and resources used to produce and ship paper tickets.
- Easily transferable – Customers can easily transfer virtual tickets directly to other attendees if needed.
- Integration with digital wallets – Virtual tickets can be integrated into digital wallets for easy organization alongside payment info, loyalty cards, etc.
- Mobile features – Virtual tickets can provide interactive features and event information directly on customers’ smartphones.
Does Ticketmaster offer virtual tickets?
Yes, Ticketmaster does offer virtual tickets as an option for certain events. According to their website, mobile entry tickets (virtual tickets) are available for many concerts, shows, games and more through the Ticketmaster app.
When purchasing tickets to supported events on Ticketmaster, customers will have the option to select “Mobile Entry” during the checkout process. If mobile entry is chosen, the customer will receive their ticket in the form of a virtual barcode that is viewable in the Ticketmaster mobile app. This barcode acts as the ticket to gain entry to the event.
Ticketmaster Mobile Entry Process
Here is an overview of the mobile entry process with Ticketmaster virtual tickets:
- Customer purchases ticket on Ticketmaster.com and selects “Mobile Entry” delivery option
- Ticketmaster emails the customer a link to add the ticket to their Ticketmaster account
- Customer clicks link to add virtual ticket barcode to Ticketmaster app
- On the day of the event, customer opens Ticketmaster app and views virtual ticket barcode
- Customer displays virtual ticket barcode to be scanned for entry
This process allows customers to access their virtual tickets conveniently right from their smartphones. The tickets are also safely tied to their Ticketmaster account for reaccess later if needed.
What types of events offer mobile entry tickets?
Ticketmaster notes that mobile entry tickets are available for many different types of events, including:
- Concerts – Mobile entry is available for concerts by major touring artists like Bruno Mars, Post Malone, Imagine Dragons and more.
- Comedy shows – Comedy events by comedians like Kevin Hart and Jim Gaffigan often offer mobile entry.
- Theater performances – Plays, musicals and other theatrical shows may provide the mobile entry option.
- Sporting events – Select sporting events like MLB, NHL, MLS and WWE games enable mobile ticket entry.
- Festivals – Major festivals like Bonnaroo, EDC and Lollapalooza allow mobile entry.
If an event supports mobile entry tickets, customers will see the “Mobile Entry” option available during checkout on Ticketmaster. However, not all events yet support virtual tickets so paperless entry is not guaranteed to be available.
Are there any downsides to virtual tickets?
While virtual tickets provide a number of benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider as well:
- Technological problems – Issues with customers’ smartphones, glitches with the ticketing app or other tech problems could prevent access to virtual tickets when needed.
- Phone battery dying – Virtual tickets are only accessible as long as the customer’s phone remains charged. Dead phone batteries are a risk.
- Phone damage – Damaged, lost or stolen phones could mean customers lose access to their virtual tickets.
- Venue restrictions – Some venues may still require paper tickets only and not accept virtual tickets.
- WiFi/cellular required – Users must have internet access at the event via WiFi or cellular data to download and access the ticket.
While these risks are minimal with proper preparation, customers should still be aware of the potential downsides before relying solely on a virtual ticket. Having a backup physical ticket or printed copy as a redundancy option is recommended.
Tips for using Ticketmaster virtual tickets
If you plan to use Ticketmaster’s mobile entry tickets, here are some useful tips to ensure a smooth, convenient experience:
- Download the Ticketmaster app ahead of time and create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Make sure your ticket delivery method is set to “Mobile Entry” during the checkout process.
- Pay close attention to the email you receive after purchase with instructions for adding your ticket to the app.
- Double check that your ticket successfully transferred to your account on the app.
- Fully charge your phone before heading to the event so your battery doesn’t die.
- Bring a physical printed ticket as a backup just in case.
- Know the venue’s re-entry policy in case you need to exit and re-enter.
- Save your virtual ticket in your phone’s Wallet for quick access if available.
Are virtual tickets more expensive than paper tickets?
In most cases, virtual tickets are the same exact price as standard paper tickets to an event. Ticketmaster does not appear to charge any additional fees or markups for choosing mobile entry over traditional printed tickets.
The convenience fees, service fees and other charges added during the Ticketmaster checkout process are typically the same whether you choose paper tickets or mobile entry. The base ticket price itself does not change.
Therefore, consumers can opt for the benefits and convenience of virtual tickets without having to pay higher prices in most cases. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to gain the advantages of digital ticketing.
Should I choose mobile entry or paper tickets?
Whether to choose mobile entry or traditional paper tickets comes down to personal preference and convenience. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding:
- Convenience – Mobile entry allows easy access on your phone, while physical tickets must be kept track of.
- Backup options – Printed tickets give you a failsafe backup, while mobile relies fully on technology.
- Familiarity – Paper tickets may feel safer and more traditional for some.
- Environment – Virtual tickets reduce paper waste.
- Sharing – Mobile tickets can be easily transferred digitally.
In general, mobile entry offers significant convenience benefits for those comfortable relying on their smartphones. But for those wanting a backup or less comfortable with technology, physical tickets may provide more peace of mind.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster does provide the option for virtual tickets through their mobile entry offering. These digital barcodes provide convenient, secure access to events right from customers’ phones. While not available for all events yet, mobile tickets are becoming more widely adopted at concerts, shows, games and festivals across the industry.
Virtual ticketing provides significant conveniences over paper tickets. But it also comes with technological dependencies that some may feel less comfortable with. Ultimately, mobile entry offers major benefits for digitally savvy customers. But traditional physical ticket options will likely still be preferred by those wanting a tried-and-true backup.
As virtual ticketing evolves, platforms like Ticketmaster will likely continue enhancing mobile entry capabilities and expanding support to more venues and events. This will give fans increasing opportunities to enjoy the perks of going paperless. Though it is unlikely paper tickets will disappear anytime soon, mobile innovation is providing more choice, flexibility and accessibility for concert and event goers.
Ticket Format | Pros | Cons |
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Virtual Tickets |
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Paper Tickets |
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Key Takeaways
- Ticketmaster does offer virtual “mobile entry” tickets for select events purchased on their platform.
- Virtual tickets provide digital access to events right from customers’ phones.
- Major benefits include convenience, security, and environmental savings.
- Downsides consist mainly of tech dependencies like battery life, connectivity, etc.
- Prices are typically the same as standard ticket options.
- It comes down to personal preference – mobile for tech-savvy users, paper for those wanting a failsafe backup.