A commemorative ticket is a special ticket created to celebrate or commemorate a particular event, achievement, anniversary, or individual. Commemorative tickets are keepsakes or souvenirs, not usually intended to be used for actual admission to an event. They serve as mementos or collectors’ items rather than functional tickets.
Some key things that make a ticket “commemorative” include:
Special Design
Commemorative tickets have a unique, artistic, or noteworthy design relating to the occasion being commemorated. This distinguishes them from standard ticket designs and makes them more visually striking. Elements may include:
– Special graphics, photos, or artwork related to the commemorated event/person
– Unique shape, materials, or presentation (e.g. made from wood, metal, or cardstock rather than paper)
– Foil, embossing, holograms, or other special effects
– Colorful, visually interesting layouts and typography
Limited Number
Commemorative tickets are produced in limited quantities, often numbered or part of a limited edition. This increases their rarity, collectibility, and perceived value. Limited edition sizes vary but may range from just a few dozen to a few thousand.
Personalization
Commemorative tickets may feature personalized details like the ticket holder’s name. This transforms the ticket into a customized keepsake.
Notable Occasions
The commemorated event or achievement is significant or culturally meaningful. Commemorative tickets celebrate things like championship games, record-setting accomplishments, anniversaries of impactful historical events, or major performances by beloved entertainers.
When are Commemorative Tickets Used?
Some typical occasions commemorative tickets are created for include:
Major Sporting Events
Championship games, tournaments, or title matches – especially significant ones like the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, etc. Fans cherish commemorative tickets from the defining games of their favorite team or player’s career.
Sporting Event | Example Commemorative Ticket |
---|---|
Super Bowl | Super Bowl 50 Golden Anniversary commemorative ticket |
World Series | 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs ticket |
NBA Finals | Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals “Last Shot” ticket |
Major Entertainment Events
– Farewell or anniversary tours and shows for major artists/performers
– Final Broadway performances of landmark shows
– Anniversary celebrations of iconic concerts, festivals, or venues
Entertainment Event | Commemorative Ticket Example |
---|---|
Concerts | Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour |
Broadway Shows | Final performance of Phantom of the Opera |
Festivals | 50th Anniversary of Woodstock |
Special Anniversaries and Milestones
– 10th, 25th, 50th, 100th (or other major) anniversaries
– Grand openings of significant venues, companies, or events
– Retirement celebrations or farewell events
Anniversary/Milestone | Commemorative Ticket Example |
---|---|
Company Anniversaries | Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary |
Venue Openings | Grand opening of the new Yankee Stadium |
Historic Events | 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing |
Halls of Fame Inductions
When entertainment, sports, or industry icons are inducted into their field’s Hall of Fame, commemorative tickets memorialize the event.
Hall of Fame | Induction Commemorative Ticket |
---|---|
Baseball | Derek Jeter’s 2020 Baseball Hall of Fame induction |
Rock & Roll | Janet Jackson’s 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction |
Television | Oprah’s 2020 Emmy’s Hall of Fame induction |
Why Create Commemorative Tickets?
Commemorative tickets are produced for several key reasons:
Preserve History & Memory
Commemorative tickets help mark milestone moments and keep memories alive. They encapsulate highlights from entertainment, sports, and culture into a tangible collectible.
Honor Achievements
For inductees and record-setters, a commemorative ticket validates their accomplishments and cements their legacy.
Connect with Fans
It creates a cherished memento fans can treasure forever. This builds loyal brand ambassadors who feel a deeper connection.
Promote Brands & Events
Commemorative tickets help promote brands, teams, artists, venues, events, and more. Their unique designs attract attention and interest.
Generate Revenue
Selling commemorative tickets to fans and collectors represents a merchandising opportunity. Limited edition collectibles can command higher prices.
Notable Examples of Commemorative Tickets
Some of the most famous and valuable commemorative tickets include:
Last Baseball Game at Yankee Stadium (2008)
When the original Yankee Stadium closed in 2008 after 85 years, commemorative tickets were sold for the final game. These tickets now sell for over $400 each.
Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” (1997 NBA Finals)
Despite battling illness, Michael Jordan scored 38 points to lead the Bulls to victory in Game 5 of the 1997 Finals. Tickets from the famous “Flu Game” can cost $10,000+.
Final Beatles Concert (Candlestick Park, 1966)
The last live concert by The Beatles fetched $25,000 for a ticket stub in 2006. Commemorative tickets now sell for up to $10,000.
Hank Aaron’s 715th Home Run (1974)
“Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974. Commemorative tickets sell for $400-$600 today.
Elvis Presley’s Last Concert (Market Square Arena, 1977)
The King’s final concert on June 26, 1977 came just two months before his death. Ticket stubs sold for $10,000 in 2020.
What Makes a Ticket Commemorative vs Collectible?
There is some overlap between commemorative tickets and collectible tickets, but some key differences exist:
Commemorative Tickets
– Created specifically to memorialize an event/achievement
– Unique design for the occasion
– Often loaded with sentimental value
Collectible Tickets
– Standard ticket for an event, not specially designed
– Gain value based on factors like historical significance, rarity, association with key moments/people
– Valued more for their collectibility than sentimentality
For example, a standard ticket stub from Michael Jordan’s famous final “Last Shot” Chicago Bulls game is a collectible. It has historical value.
But a specially designed ticket sold alongside it to commemorate Jordan’s career and the game’s moment is a commemorative keepsake.
Creating Your Own Commemorative Tickets
Commemorative tickets make great keepsakes if you want to celebrate a personal milestone or special occasion. Here are some tips:
Pick a Meaningful Event
Make sure it’s a truly momentous personal occasion – a landmark birthday, anniversary, retirement, reunion, etc. This gives the ticket significance.
Highlight Key Details
Include names, dates, locations, photos, inside jokes or quotes that capture the essence of the event and people being commemorated.
Choose a Creative Design
Opt for a stylized, artistic ticket layout over a bland standard design. Incorporate visual elements that are symbolic or nostalgic.
Use High-Quality Materials
Print your tickets on cardstock, foil, or even wood to make them feel special. Use effects like embossing or metallic ink.
Write Personalized Messages
Consider handwriting ticket holder names or heartfelt notes on each ticket to make them one-of-a-kind.
Number the Tickets
Numbering them (1 of 30, 2 of 30, etc.) transforms each into a limited edition collectors’ item.
Present Them Thoughtfully
Treat your commemorative tickets like gifts. Present them in custom packaging, frames, or shadowboxes autographed for the recipient.
Conclusion
Commemorative tickets are a nostalgic, meaningful keepsake for any major event or milestone. Whether celebrating a cherished sports memory, concert, or personal achievement, their imaginative designs and sentimental value make them prized possessions for any collector. For brands, teams, artists, and venues, selling limited edition commemorative tickets also represents a potential revenue stream that strengthens connections with loyal fans. With the right creative vision, they offer a fun way to pay tribute to unforgettable cultural moments.