Ticketmaster is the largest primary ticket outlet for live events in the United States and has been operating since 1976. There is some debate around whether the tickets sold on Ticketmaster are “original” tickets or if they are resold through Ticketmaster’s secondary resale platforms. Here is an overview of how Ticketmaster works and an analysis of whether the tickets sold can be considered original.
How Ticketmaster Works
Ticketmaster operates both as a primary ticket outlet and a secondary ticket marketplace. Here is a brief explanation of each:
Primary Ticket Sales
For primary ticket sales, Ticketmaster partners with venues, sports teams, musical artists, theaters, etc. to sell tickets directly to fans. When you buy tickets on ticketmaster.com for an upcoming event, you are purchasing primary market tickets directly from the official source.
Ticketmaster has exclusive partnerships with many large venues and promoters to be their official ticketing provider. Through these deals, Ticketmaster gets access to a large inventory of tickets to hot events and concerts to sell on its platform.
Secondary Ticket Marketplace
In addition to primary sales, Ticketmaster also facilitates secondary ticket sales through its Ticketmaster Resale (formerly Ticket Exchange) marketplace. This is a platform where fans can resell event tickets they purchased previously.
For popular events that are sold out, secondary market tickets tend to be available at higher prices than face value. Ticketmaster receives a percentage commission on all resold tickets.
So in summary, Ticketmaster itself does not own or issue the original tickets. The event organizers create the tickets. Ticketmaster provides the platform for primary and secondary sales.
Are Tickets Sold on Ticketmaster Original?
When you purchase tickets directly from Ticketmaster’s primary sales for an event, these can be considered original tickets. However, there are some caveats:
Direct Primary Sales
If you are buying tickets through ticketmaster.com, these are original primary tickets that have not been resold. This applies to both desktop web sales and mobile app sales. You are purchasing directly from the source authorized to sell the tickets.
Verified Resale Tickets
In some cases, if an event is sold out, Ticketmaster may direct you to its Ticketmaster Resale marketplace to purchase verified resale tickets. These are original tickets being resold by other fans. Ticketmaster verifies their authenticity and guarantees these tickets.
So verified resale tickets are original, though are being resold at higher prices. Ticketmaster takes a percentage of the resale.
Unofficial Resale Marketplaces
There are many other secondary ticket marketplaces beyond Ticketmaster Resale, such as StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, etc. If you purchase through these other resale platforms, there is no guarantee from Ticketmaster that these are original, valid event tickets.
Ticketmaster only verifies tickets resold through its own Ticketmaster Resale platform. So unofficial resale tickets carry a risk of fraud or invalid tickets.
Analysis of Ticketmaster’s Ticket Sources
To summarize whether Ticketmaster tickets are original, here is an analysis of the different sources:
Ticket Source | Original? |
---|---|
Ticketmaster Primary Sales | Yes |
Ticketmaster Verified Resale | Yes |
External Resale Marketplaces | Not Guaranteed |
So in conclusion, any ticket directly sold by Ticketmaster for a specific event, whether primary or verified resale, can be considered an original ticket, authorized by the event organizer. But buyers should beware of unverified tickets from external secondary sources.
Why Use Ticketmaster?
Given the higher prices often found on secondary resale platforms, you may wonder why you shouldn’t just buy from the primary source. Here are some key reasons event-goers still use Ticketmaster:
Convenience
Ticketmaster is essentially a one-stop-shop for tickets to tons of live entertainment options. Fans know they can find tickets on Ticketmaster rather than hunting them down elsewhere.
Exclusive Deals
As the largest ticketing company, Ticketmaster has exclusive deals in place with many major venues, sports teams, and promoters to be the official seller for their events. For hot shows and games, Ticketmaster may be the only way to get tickets.
Primary Market Sell Outs
Popular events inevitably sell out quickly on the primary market. When this happens, fans turn to secondary sources like Ticketmaster Resale to gain access. So Ticketmaster essentially absorbs demand even after initial tickets are gone.
Ticket Guarantee
Ticketmaster provides a guarantee with verified resale tickets that they are 100% valid and authentic. Other secondary sellers do not provide the same peace of mind.
Preferred Access
Certain high-demand events will allow Ticketmaster customers preferred access to buy tickets or gain early access to sales. So fans sometimes feel Ticketmaster provides the best shot at hot tickets.
Tips for Buying Ticketmaster Tickets
Here are some tips for having the best experience purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
Buy Early for Popular Events
Try to buy primary market tickets as early as possible when they first go on sale, as prices usually increase over time.
Use Presales and Early Access
Take advantage of presales, early access windows, and other exclusive deals to increase your odds of getting primary tickets.
Be Ready Right at Onsale Time
Have accounts created and payment info saved so you can checkout fast when buying high demand tickets.
Compare Ticketmaster Resale to Other Secondary Sites
If looking at the secondary market, check Ticketmaster Resale and other sites to find the best verified ticket deal.
Avoid Unverified Sellers
Only buy from trusted resale sources, not unverified third parties. This avoids the risk of fake or invalid tickets.
Read Policies Carefully
Check Ticketmaster’s policies on guarantees, delivery, fees, and more so you know what to expect from your ticket purchase.
Conclusion
In summary, tickets purchased directly from Ticketmaster’s primary marketplace can be considered 100% original and valid, coming directly from the authorized event source. Verified resale tickets also provide legitimacy. However, buyers should be cautious when purchasing unverified secondhand tickets from unofficial resellers. While Ticketmaster charges higher fees and resale prices, many fans still prefer using them for convenience, exclusivity, and guarantees on ticket authenticity.