Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. Many major concerts, sporting events, theater shows and more use Ticketmaster to sell their tickets. With Tickermaster’s huge inventory of events, people of all ages may be interested in purchasing tickets. However, Ticketmaster does have rules regarding the age requirements for buying tickets. Knowing these age restrictions can ensure you are able to successfully purchase event tickets on Ticketmaster.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that Ticketmaster does not have a set age requirement for purchasing tickets on their website. However, certain events may have age restrictions that would prevent those under a certain age from buying tickets. Ticketmaster simply facilitates ticket sales on behalf of the venues and event organizers, who ultimately set age restrictions based on the nature of the event. So age requirements can vary on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific event policies.
Ticketmaster’s Stance on Age Requirements
On their website’s Help Center page, Ticketmaster acknowledges that some events do carry age requirements that would restrict ticket sales:
“For many events, performers or venues may set age requirements for attendance due to content or themes not suitable for all ages. This means children under a specific age may be unable to attend the event or may require an adult aged 18 or older to accompany them. Ticketmaster is unable to override age restriction policies set by clients.”
So while Ticketmaster itself does not have standardized age requirements, they defer to the clients hosting events to set any age restrictions they deem appropriate. Ticketmaster is responsible for enforcing those client age policies when selling tickets.
Legal Age Requirements
There are no laws in the United States that mandate a minimum age for purchasing event tickets in general. The age requirements are set at the discretion of the venue or event organizer. However, there are some other age requirements related to ticket sales that are legally defined:
Contract Law
When purchasing tickets, the buyer is entering a legal contract. In most states, those under 18 do not have full legal capacity to enter contracts. However, in many states they can enter into certain contracts under specific conditions, including:
– Contracts for necessities like food, clothing and shelter
– Contracts related to extracurricular activities like sports teams or music lessons
– Contracts approved by a parent or guardian
So minors can legally purchase event tickets as long as the purchase constitutes a “necessity” or has parental approval.
Gambling Laws
For event ticket raffles or giveaways that constitute gambling, age restrictions apply. In most states, you must be at least 18 to participate in any gambling activity. So ticket raffles with prizes would be limited to those 18 and older.
Alcohol Laws
If an event will serve alcohol, age restrictions are likely to prevent underage attendance. Under 21 in the U.S. is typically the cutoff for any event involving alcohol service. But venue or event policies may set the minimum age even higher for certain functions.
Types of Events with Age Restrictions
While Ticketmaster doesn’t define specific age requirements, many of the events made available through their ticket sales do. Some common sources of age restrictions include:
Music Events
Concerts, especially for popular music artists, frequently have age minimums. This could range from 13, 16, 18 or 21 and up only. Venues want to ensure mature audiences for genres like rock, rap, metal and more.
Comedy Shows
Stand-up comedy shows with adult humor will often have 18 or 21 and up requirements. Some venues may allow younger attendees with a parent or guardian.
Sports Events
Professional sporting events don’t typically have age rules. But collegiate or high school sporting events may require an accompanying parent for children under a certain age.
Adult Entertainment
Any adult-oriented events will have 18 or 21 and up age requirements for attendance. This includes strip clubs, burlesque shows and other events with mature themes.
Movie Screenings
The age limits for movie showings will depend on the MPAA rating. For R or NC-17 films, most theaters prohibit those under 17 without a parent or guardian. X or unrated films will have an 18 or 21 and up limitation.
Theater Performances
Plays or musicals with adult language, themes or nudity will put age limits on attendance. Children under a certain age may not be permitted or may need an accompanying adult guardian.
Festivals
For outdoor festivals with alcohol service, tobacco use, adult activities or late night concerts, organizers frequently impose 18 or 21 and up restrictions. However, there are also many all-ages festivals.
Cruises
Cruise ships have supervised kids programs. But casinos, bars, nightclubs and adult-only entertainment onboard may have age restrictions. Under 18 may need parental supervision onboard.
Private Events
Fundraisers, galas, corporate events and functions hosted at private venues or spaces often have age limits. This allows hosts to control the guest demographics and ambiance.
VIP Experiences
Backstage tours, meet and greets, exclusive parties and other VIP ticket offerings connected to concerts, shows or events will sometimes have age minimums to control access.
Checking Event Age Policies on Ticketmaster
So how can you find out if a specific event has an age policy that would prevent certain ticket purchases on Ticketmaster? Here are some tips:
Event Details Page
When browsing for tickets on Ticketmaster, click through to view the event details page. Here the venue or organizers will list any age requirements or restrictions for entry. This info is displayed alongside the ticket prices and options.
Purchase Flow Warnings
If you select an age restricted ticket type, the Ticketmaster purchase flow will display warnings if you indicate an age that doesn’t meet the minimum requirements. You cannot complete the purchase until providing an eligible birth date.
Contact the Box Office
If no age details are posted on the Ticketmaster event page, you can contact the box office directly to inquire about age requirements. There will be a box office phone number and/or email listed on the event details page.
Read the Venue Policies
For events at major venues like arenas, theaters and concert halls, you can check the venue’s website. Age policies may be outlined on their general rules or FAQ pages for reference.
Purchasing Tickets as a Minor
What if you are under the stated age restrictions for an event you want to attend? You do have some options for still purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
Accompanying Adult
Many events allow minors to attend if accompanied by an adult ticket holder over the age minimum. When selecting tickets, choose the “Child” or similarly marked ticket option.
Parental Consent
The child can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster with verifiable parental permission. Approval documents may need to be presented at entry along with valid photo ID.
Gift Tickets
An adult can purchase age restricted tickets as a gift for a minor. The adult must attend as well and may need to show ID verifying their age.
Guardian Authorization
For unaccompanied minors, some events allow attendance with notarized authorization from a legal guardian. This allows children and teenagers to attend without their direct supervision.
Of course, rules and exceptions for minor attendance vary greatly. Always check directly with the ticket seller or venue to confirm age policies if seeking admission as a minor.
Exceptions to Age Requirements
In some cases, those under the standard age minimums can gain admission with proper documentation:
Medical Exceptions
Disability accommodations may allow exceptions for events with an age policy. With documentation from a doctor, special allowances can be made in certain situations.
Veteran Status
Active duty military or veterans 18 or older can be admitted to 21 and up events by presenting a valid military ID card.
Medical Marijuana Patients
In some locations, legal medical marijuana patients 18 and older can access events with recreational marijuana that have a 21 and up age limit. With proper patient documentation.
Parental Discretion
Some venues allow parents or guardians to sign a waiver permitting minor entry based on their discretion over content appropriateness.
Performer Guest Lists
Musicians, comedians or other performers may specifically request underage guests be admitted to see the show regardless of age policy.
Venues handle exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Policies for admitting those under age, even with documentation, can vary greatly.
Age Verification at Entry
A valid photo ID is required to verify age and identity when attending any ticketed event with age restrictions. Commonly accepted forms include:
Drivers License
A state issued driver’s license with picture and date of birth can serve as proof of age for any restricted event.
Passport
A passport containing your photo and date of birth provides globally recognized age verification. Often required for international travelers.
Military ID
For active duty service members, a military ID with doppelganger-resistant photo and DOB can verify age.
State ID Card
Official state ID cards meet the age requirement standards for events when displayed alongside a valid ticket.
Permanent Resident Card
The Green Card IDs for permanent U.S. residents contain birth date and photo identification to confirm age.
Without proper ID, you may be denied entry regardless of ticket purchase. Carry valid identification matching the ticket holder name to avoid any issues.
Age Policies for Online Ticket Resales
If you purchase event tickets through a resale marketplace like StubHub, VividSeats or Craigslist, the same age restrictions apply:
Posted Age Limits
Reseller sites must display any age minimums for entry to the event. This lets buyers know of restrictions prior to ticket purchase.
ID Checks at Entry
Age verification is still required when entering the event. The venue will validate your ID matches the resale ticket.
Non-Transferable Kids Tickets
Any specially priced non-transferable kids tickets sold through Ticketmaster cannot be resold or transferred. Adult ID will be required matching the original purchaser.
While resold tickets grant you admission, you still must meet all age qualifications set forth by the event host. Underage ticket holders may be denied without refund.
Accompanying Minors as a Legal Guardian
Adults accompanying minors as legal guardians to age restricted events may need to provide:
Parental Consent Form
A notarized letter from the child’s parent permitting attendance with the guardian, including emergency contacts.
Guardianship Documentation
Court approved paperwork validating your legal guardianship of the minor if not the biological parent.
Identity Verification
Valid photo ID for both guardian and minor to confirm identities and relationship.
Event Age Policies
Verification you meet the age limit for adult guardians bring permitted with restricted age children.
Always check directly with the event venue on their required documentation for adults accompanying minors before purchasing tickets. Requirements vary.
Child to Adult Guardian Ratios
Venues may impose limits on the number of underage attendees permitted per adult guardian. Some common ratios include:
1:1 Policy
One child per adult guardian is the most restrictive policy. Each minor must have their own chaperone.
2:1 Policy
Two minors allowed per adult guardian. This provides more oversight flexibility.
5:1 Policy
For larger groups, some events allow up to five children per chaperoning adult.
No Limit Policy
Some venues permit large groups of minors with few adults, such as school field trips, sports teams or camp groups.
Age Bracket Policies
Ratios may vary based on the specific age bracket, with more adults required for younger child attendees.
Check with the event before buying group tickets to ensure you’ll meet their guardian to minor ratio policies.
Tips for Minors Buying Tickets on Ticketmaster
Here are some tips for navigating Ticketmaster’s system to purchase tickets successfully as a minor:
Check Age Policies First
Before purchasing tickets, always verify your age meets the event requirements. This avoids surprise restrictions preventing entry.
Have Parental Permission
If needed, get approval from your parent or guardian prior to buying tickets as a minor. Bring their written consent to the event.
Bring Valid ID
Carry legitimate photo ID including your date of birth to potentially verify your age if questioned. School ID may work.
Buy with an Adult
Purchase tickets along with an adult who meets the age minimum if you cannot attend unaccompanied.
Call with Questions
Discuss any age requirements with the box office directly if policies are unclear before committing to ticket purchase.
Following these tips will ensure you buy tickets successfully as a minor and gain entry at the venue doors.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster itself does not impose age limits for ticket purchases, the individual venues and events often do restrict attendance based on age appropriateness. The age requirements are set and enforced by the concert halls, theaters, clubs, organizers and additional entertainment outlets that partner with Ticketmaster for ticket sales. Rules typically range from 13 and up for teens to 21 and over only for mature events involving alcohol, gambling, adult themes and late hours. All attendees must bring valid photo ID verifying their age if buying tickets for a restricted event. Minors can attend with an adult guardian or proper parental permission in most cases. Knowing the age policies ahead of time ensures customers of all ages can securely buy event tickets through Ticketmaster. Just confirm the details directly with the venue or box office prior to purchasing tickets as a minor.