It’s been announced that Ticketmaster will no longer have access to user emails going forward. This means that the ticketing giant will not be able to send promotional emails or concert alerts to customers via email anymore. While surprising, this change seems to stem from an effort to increase security and privacy for Ticketmaster users.
Why Did Ticketmaster Lose Email Access?
There are a few key reasons behind Ticketmaster losing the ability to email customers directly:
- Recent security breaches – Ticketmaster has faced some high-profile data breaches over the past few years, including in 2018 when malicious software was found on the company’s site. These breaches compromised user data and exposed emails. Removing email access enhances security.
- Privacy concerns – Many users likely felt uncomfortable with Ticketmaster having access to their inboxes for promotional content. This change gives users more control over their privacy.
- Industry shifts – The ticketing industry is moving away from mass email marketing tactics and toward more targeted, user-driven communication.
- Legal changes – Stricter data protection laws like GDPR have put pressures on companies like Ticketmaster to tighten data access and be more transparent.
Essentially, the loss of email access stems from Ticketmaster rethinking its customer communication strategies and prioritizing user security and privacy above all else.
How Will This Impact Ticketmaster Customers?
Losing direct email access will have a number of effects on Ticketmaster users:
- No more concert/event notifications via email – Customers won’t receive alerts about newly announced shows or on-sales in their inboxes anymore.
- No promotional/marketing emails – Email subscriptions for things like ticket deals, presales, and exclusive offers will no longer exist.
- Less clutter – For some users, their inboxes will become less crowded without constant Ticketmaster emails.
- FOMO – But some customers may fear missing out (FOMO) without those email notifications about hot tours or offers.
- Less targeted communication – Email allowed Ticketmaster to reach users directly. Other methods like social media ads are less personal.
- Data security – On the plus side, customers can rest assured their emails are more secure without Ticketmaster access.
It will be an adjustment period for sure. But overall, many customers will likely be happy about Ticketmaster no longer accessing their personal email accounts.
How Can Customers Stay Updated Now?
With no more emails coming directly from Ticketmaster, how can customers stay in the loop about upcoming shows, on-sales, and other updates? Here are a few options:
- Check the Ticketmaster website and mobile app – Be sure to browse regularly for new tour announcements, presales, and offers.
- Follow Ticketmaster on social media – Their accounts like Facebook and Twitter will promote events and deals.
- Sign up for venue or band newsletters – Go direct to the source and subscribe to email updates from venues, bands, or promoters you love.
- Use a general concert email newsletter – Services like Bandsintown will send you customized updates on shows and artists you follow.
- Check ticket resale sites – StubHub, VividSeats, and others also promote concerts and post deals.
- Follow fan communities – Places like Reddit and Facebook Groups are great for updates on tours, tickets, and more.
It will take some extra effort on the user end to stay current. But utilizing other email lists and social media accounts can help fill the void left by Ticketmaster exiting emails.
Will This Change Spread to Other Ticket Sites?
Given the clear trend toward privacy and security, it’s very possible other major ticket sellers could follow Ticketmaster’s lead here. Companies like AXS, Live Nation, SeatGeek, and StubHub may reevaluate their own email marketing tactics and customer data policies.
However, each company is different, so it’s hard to predict how widespread this change will be. But we can likely expect continued industry shifts toward more user control over data, less promotional emails, and tighter data access practices.
Ultimately, Ticketmaster removing direct email access represents a potential sea change in how ticketing platforms interact with and market to their users. This will open the door for Ticketmaster and others to explore new communication strategies centered on privacy.
Making the Transition as a Ticket Buyer
As a frequent ticket buyer, here are some tips to ensure you don’t miss out during this transition period with Ticketmaster moving away from emails:
- Review existing Ticketmaster emails – Scan old emails for any active promotions, presales, or links you can still use.
- Bookmarked key Ticketmaster pages – Save your favorite hubs like upcoming events, fan presales, and special offers for easy access.
- Follow more artists and venues – Expand your social media circle for the latest tour announcements and on-sale alerts.
- Set Google Alerts – Monitor news on your must-see artists and bands.
- See if any current codes still work – You may still be able to use some existing Ticketmaster promo codes as they phase out email access.
Staying on top of things during the transition will ensure you never miss that can’t-miss show. A little extra effort will keep you in-the-know.
Alternatives for Buying Tickets
Along with staying current through other means, you can also consider using different ticketing platforms altogether. Here are a few Ticketmaster alternatives worth checking out:
- AXS – Owned by AEG, offers tickets to many large concerts and live events.
- Live Nation – The world’s largest promoter also sells tickets via LiveNation.com.
- SeatGeek – Consolidates listings from resale sites like StubHub along with primary market tickets.
- Gametime – Last-minute deals on sporting events and concerts with e-delivery.
- Vivid Seats – Resale marketplace with a large supply of verified tickets.
- MegaSeats – Similar ticket resale site with concerts, sports, theater and more.
Expanding your search beyond just Ticketmaster opens up more options. And each site has its own communications policies regarding emails and data that are worth reviewing.
What Does This Mean for the Live Events Industry?
Stepping back, Ticketmaster dropping email access has some interesting implications for the broader live events business.
- User privacy and security become bigger priorities
- Email marketing loses importance and impact
- More focus on social media, remarketing, and other communication channels
- Rethinking customer data practices and transparency
- Finding personalized experiences beyond email
- Testing new sales and promotions tactics
It’s a signal that user trust and transparent communication with customers now trumps overzealous email marketing. These shifts will force ticketing companies to find more creative, personalized, and privacy-focused ways to connect with audiences.
The Bottom Line
Ticketmaster cutting off direct customer email access marks a dramatic step toward improved security, privacy, and user control. For customers, it means rethinking how you stay updated and evaluating alternative ticketing options. For Ticketmaster, it will spark exploring new, creative sales and communication strategies beyond email marketing. While an adjustment, this ultimately puts more power in the hands of ticket buyers – and that’s a welcome change.