Going to concerts and live events is exciting, but getting kicked out is no fun. Ticketmaster, the largest ticket sales and distribution company, wants all fans to have a great experience at shows. Here are some tips to avoid getting removed from a venue when you have Ticketmaster tickets.
Why You Might Get Kicked Out
There are a few main reasons why Ticketmaster or a venue may kick you out of an event:
- Disrupting the event or other guests
- Intoxication or drug use
- Sneaking into restricted areas
- Scalping or reselling tickets
- Refusing to comply with rules or staff requests
Venues want to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. If you violate rules or codes of conduct, they may remove you from the premises.
How to Avoid Getting Kicked Out
Don’t Break Rules
Every venue has its own rules and policies. When you receive your Ticketmaster tickets, review all the fine print so you understand expectations. Rules often cover:
- Prohibited items (e.g., weapons, outside food/drink)
- Age requirements or restrictions
- Dress code
- Re-entry policies
- Acceptable behavior standards
You should follow all outlined rules to avoid immediate ejection. For example, if outside beverages are not allowed, do not try to sneak them in. Abide by bag check requirements and any restrictions on items like professional cameras, selfie sticks, etc. If an event has a strict dress code, make sure you and your group meet standards.
Stay Sober
Being overly intoxicated is one of the most common reasons for getting kicked out of venues. Event staff will not tolerate excessive drunkenness, especially if it impacts other guests. How can you avoid this scenario?
- Pace yourself when drinking before and during the event.
- Eat enough food to help moderate alcohol intake.
- Hydrate with water between drinks.
- Don’t drink to the point of impairment or sickness.
- If you feel too intoxicated, stop drinking.
You want to have fun but remain in control. Follow all laws related to the legal drinking age too. The same advice applies to recreational or illicit drug use. Attending events under the influence can prompt removal.
Stay in Designated Areas
Venues with general admission tickets have specific rules about accessing certain areas. Unless permitted, do not try to sneak into VIP sections, backstage, production zones, etc. For seated events, only access your assigned section, row, and seat.
If an usher or staff member asks you to move locations, comply promptly and politely. Never try to force your way past a barricade or checkpoint. This can prompt immediate ejection. Respect access limitations and staff instructions.
Don’t Argue With Staff
Staff and security personnel have full authority to enforce policies at their discretion. If they ask you to take any action, quickly comply. For example, if security says your clothing violates dress code, either change or leave without arguing.
Do not get aggressive or threatening when confronted about rule violations. State your case politely if there seems to be confusion. But arguing extensively or refusing to cooperate will escalate the situation. Security may call for police support if needed.
Monitor Volume and Language
Concerts and live sports involve loud cheering, singing, chanting, etc. But be careful not to scream excessively or use profanity. Doing so may upset those around you. Families and kids could be present too.
Avoid belligerent shouting matches or fighting with other fans. Harassment of those around you can also prompt complaints. Staff may warn or eject guests who create disturbances or unsafe environments.
Respect Pre-Event Bag Checks
Standard security procedures at major venues include bag checks before entry. This helps enforce prohibited item policies. Trying to bypass or resist checks may lead to ejection. To avoid issues:
- Read bag policies carefully and comply with size and type guidelines.
- Arrive early enough to allow ample time for any wait in line.
- Have bags open and ready for inspection when approaching checkpoints.
- Never become verbally abusive or uncooperative with security staff.
The goal is providing a safe experience for everyone. If you refuse screening, staff cannot verify you have no banned items. Refusing inspection is grounds for denial of entry.
Avoid Scalping or Ticket Resale
Reselling tickets for profit (scalping) violates many venue policies. Ticketmaster tickets are meant for personal use only. If staff spot you visibly reselling tickets, they may confiscate or cancel them.
Many venues now require entering with the purchaser or use paperless mobile tickets. So if you resell outside of approved exchanges, buyers may get turned away at the door. Do not buy resale tickets that seem exorbitantly marked up or fake.
Pre-Game Responsibly
It’s fine to get pumped up for an event by pre-gaming or tailgating. But stay aware of your alcohol intake. Downing drinks to excess right before entering makes it more likely you’ll get cut off inside. Consider:
- Having just one to two drinks in the parking lot or at a bar.
- Eating food before or while drinking to slow absorption.
- Starting drinking later to limit pre-game time.
- Hydrating with water between alcoholic drinks.
Ideally, arrive sober enough to pass any breathalyzer tests adminstered at the gate. You want to be able to enjoy the full event safely once inside.
How Getting Kicked Out Impacts Your Tickets
If you get removed from an event, venues generally do not offer ticket refunds. Ticketmaster’s policy is that no refunds or exchanges will be provided if you are ejected for misconduct. Some general impacts include:
- You lose the privilege of attending the rest of the event.
- Your ticket gets voided or confiscated with no compensation.
- You may be banned from attending future events at the venue.
- For serious offenses, you may face police charges or legal prosecution.
Keep this in mind before you do anything that could warrant removal. Getting kicked out always ruins the event experience.
Appealing Ejections or Bans
If you feel staff wrongfully kicked you out of an event, you can try contacting the venue afterward. Find their website or front office number and call to explain the situation politely. If it seems to be a mistake or misunderstanding, they may reconsider a ban.
However, appeals rarely succeed if you clearly broke rules. Venues have plenty of leeway to eject paying customers who don’t comply with policies. Make your case civilly and calmly. But recognize venues are unlikely to issue refunds or lift bans for misconduct.
Buying From Authorized Ticket Sellers
To ensure you can safely access venues, always buy tickets from authorized sources like Ticketmaster. Avoid sketchy resale sites or scalpers who may sell fake or void tickets. Here are some best practices:
- Purchase tickets directly from the venue box office if available.
- Go through trusted seller platforms like Ticketmaster.
- Research sellers and watch for counterfeit warning signs before buying.
- Verify any digital tickets through official apps or links.
- Ask for refund guarantees in case tickets are invalid.
Fake tickets that don’t scan or come up void at entry means you won’t get in. Using legitimate sellers like Ticketmaster helps avoid this outcome.
Following Codes of Conduct
Most major venues post codes of conduct online or on signage. Follow all guidelines like:
- Maintaining control of yourself and not endangering others
- Respecting staff, security, performers, and fellow guests
- Not using hate speech, threats, slurs, or harassment
- Following all laws related to issues like drugs, weapons, etc.
- Complying if staff need to talk to you about any complaints or concerns
These help create a safe, comfortable environment for everyone. Infractions may prompt removal. If you see others violating policies, report it to staff.
Having an Exit Strategy
Ejections happen fast, usually with minimal warning. Have an exit strategy if you get removed:
- Stay calm and comply with all instructions.
- Ask when/if you need to pick up any confiscated items.
- Clarify length and reason for any ban imposed.
- Have your phone to contact your group or request a rideshare pickup.
- Know where the nearest mass transit stations are.
- Have emergency cash in case you need cab fare.
With a plan, you can leave the premises smoothly and get home safely if you end up getting kicked out.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster wants fans to have memorable experiences at events. Avoid ejection by staying sober, following all rules and instructions, being respectful, and complying with safety policies. If you do get removed, comply and vacate the venue fully. With the right precautions, you can have fun safely and remain at events from start to finish.