O2 Priority is a loyalty program offered by UK mobile network operator O2 that provides various discounts, deals, and early access to events for O2 customers. Ticketmaster is one of the largest primary ticket outlets and ticket distributors globally. There has been some confusion around whether O2 Priority is directly linked to Ticketmaster or if they simply partner for certain promotions.
The Relationship Between O2 Priority and Ticketmaster
O2 Priority and Ticketmaster are not directly linked companies. They are separate entities that collaborate for specific promotions and offers. Here are some key points on the relationship between O2 Priority and Ticketmaster:
- O2 Priority is run by UK telecom company O2 as a loyalty program for their mobile customers.
- Ticketmaster is a major global ticket sales and distribution company based in the US.
- O2 Priority and Ticketmaster partner together to provide O2 customers exclusive pre-sales, discounts, and early access to select events sold via Ticketmaster.
- These promotional partnerships are limited to certain events and time periods. O2 Priority and Ticketmaster link up for specific campaigns rather than an ongoing affiliation.
- Customers can access O2 Priority Ticketmaster offers through the O2 Priority app rather than directly via Ticketmaster.
So in summary, O2 Priority and Ticketmaster collaborate on chosen promotions benefiting O2 mobile subscribers, but operate as independent entities outside of these temporary alignments.
Background on O2 Priority and Ticketmaster
To better understand the relationship between O2 Priority and Ticketmaster, it helps to know the background on each company:
O2 Priority
- Loyalty and rewards program offered exclusively to O2 mobile customers in the UK.
- Launched in 2005 as Priority Tickets, rebranded as O2 Priority in 2013.
- Provides O2 mobile subscribers access to deals, discounts, pre-sales, and early entry to events across entertainment, dining, and shopping.
- O2 states there are over 10 million O2 Priority members currently.
- Customers access O2 Priority through the mobile app rather than directly interacting with partner brands.
- O2 Priority has collaborated with many major brands over the years including Ticketmaster, Disney, Amazon, Domino’s, among others.
Ticketmaster
- Leading ticket sales and distribution company based in Beverly Hills, California.
- Provides ticket sales, ticket resale services, distribution, and marketing for live entertainment events.
- Owns or operates over 200 entertainment venues and sells tickets for thousands more events.
- Processes over 500 million tickets per year globally.
- Owned by Live Nation since 2010 but still operates under the Ticketmaster brand.
- Provides ticketing services for concerts, sports matches, arts performances, family shows across 30 countries.
By partnering together, O2 Priority can offer exclusive ticket access to top events and Ticketmaster can extend its reach to O2’s large customer base in the UK.
Examples of O2 Priority and Ticketmaster Promotions
O2 Priority and Ticketmaster have aligned on various special offers and early access deals over the years. Here are some examples of the promotions they have partnered on:
O2 Priority Tickets
- O2 customers get early access to buy in-demand concert tickets before general release.
- Eligible gigs and festivals have included Harry Styles, Coldplay, Queen + Adam Lambert, and British Summer Time Hyde Park.
- Offered via the O2 Priority app rather than Ticketmaster direct to public.
- Tickets purchased via Ticketmaster once early access window closes.
Event Pre-Sales
- Pre-sale ticket windows for high-profile events like NBA London games, WWE Live events, and West End theatrical shows.
- Typically 24-48 hour pre-sale for O2 customers only ahead of general public on-sale.
- Tickets allocated for pre-sale purchasable through O2 Priority before wider Ticketmaster release.
Event Discounts
- Discounted tickets to select events and attractions offered through O2 Priority.
- Deals of up to 25% off ticket prices.
- Applies to events like Disney on Ice, Yu-Gi-Oh! event, Gandeys Circus, and more.
- Discount reflected in Ticketmaster ticket price when booking via O2 Priority link.
These examples demonstrate how O2 Priority can benefit its mobile users through special offers provided in conjunction with Ticketmaster for high-interest events and attractions.
How O2 Customers Gain Access to Ticketmaster Offers
An important thing to note about the O2 Priority and Ticketmaster affiliation is that O2 customers access the Ticketmaster promotions directly through the O2 Priority app rather than via Ticketmaster. Here is how it works:
- Customer must have an O2 mobile phone plan to be eligible for O2 Priority.
- They enroll in O2 Priority through the app or online.
- When a Ticketmaster promotion is available it will show in the O2 Priority app.
- User claims the offer within a specified window to get a promo code or link.
- This code or link takes the customer to Ticketmaster to purchase the tickets.
- Ticketmaster handles the actual ticket sale and delivery.
So O2 Priority is the gateway to access the Ticketmaster deals. The offers are targeted and exclusive to O2 mobile subscribers rather than open to all Ticketmaster customers. This helps O2 provide added value to its customers.
Pros and Cons of O2 and Ticketmaster Partnership
The promotional collaboration between O2 Priority and Ticketmaster has advantages but also some potential drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros
- Exclusive offers – O2 customers get first access to in-demand tickets that aren’t available to the general public.
- Priority tickets – Early ticket windows help O2 subscribers get first choice of seats before others.
- Discounts – Pre-sale deals and discounts make events more affordable for O2 users.
- Convenience – Customers access Ticketmaster promotions easily via the O2 Priority app.
Cons
- Limited events – The partnership only applies to select events rather than all Ticketmaster tickets.
- App issues – Technical problems with the app sometimes prevent accessing offers.
- Sell outs – Popular pre-sales often still sell out before all O2 customers can claim a code.
- Awareness – Many O2 subscribers may not be aware of the Ticketmaster partnership promotions.
Overall the O2 Priority and Ticketmaster affiliation provides a range of benefits for O2 mobile customers if they can access the offers and secure tickets. But there are also limitations given it only extends to certain events and relies on the app working smoothly.
Conclusion
In summary, O2 Priority and Ticketmaster are separate businesses that collaborate in a promotional partnership, not a direct affiliation. O2 Priority provides exclusive pre-sale codes, discounts and early access to buy tickets to select events through Ticketmaster. This provides added value to O2 mobile subscribers who can access these special offers directly via the O2 Priority app rather than Ticketmaster. The partnership is mutually beneficial but only applies to chosen events and ticket windows. Outside of specific campaigns, O2 Priority and Ticketmaster operate independently. Their occasional collaborations give O2 customers special perks and Ticketmaster incremental ticket sales.