Hold near reader or HNR is a term used on concert, theater, and event tickets to indicate where the ticket holder should enter the venue. It means the ticket holder should enter through the entrance near where their seat or section is located inside the venue.
Venues will often have multiple entrances to help manage crowd flow. General admission tickets with no assigned seats will simply say “General Admission” or “GA.” Reserved seating tickets will include text like “Hold near Section B” or “HNR Sec. B” to guide the customer to the right door.
This allows venues to split up traffic and get patrons to their seats more efficiently. It prevents every ticket holder from funneling through the same main entrance. Ushers can then direct patrons to the correct side or area once inside.
Why Do Tickets Say Hold Near Reader?
There are several reasons why the hold near reader designation is important on event tickets:
Crowd Control
As mentioned above, it helps control the flow of crowds into a venue. Large volumes of people all entering through the same entrance at the same time can create bottlenecks, long lines, confusion, and safety issues. Providing specific entry doors based on seat location allows for a steadier stream of traffic.
quicker access
It gets patrons to their seats faster. Rather than everyone going through the same entrance and then having to walk across or around the entire venue to find their section, hold near reader instructions allow attendees to access their seats quicker by entering closer to where they will be sitting or standing.
Staff Direction
It gives staff very clear directions on where to point attendees when their tickets are scanned. Workers can quickly glance at the ticket and point people in the correct direction rather than having to take extra time to figure out where they are supposed to go.
Catering to Customers
It provides a better customer experience. Concert and event goers appreciate being able to get in and to their spots with as little hassle as possible. Clear HNR instructions create a smooth, easy entrance process.
Preventing Errors
It reduces mistakes. Sending all ticket holders through the same doors would undoubtedly result in people getting turned around, going the wrong way, and ending up in the wrong sections. Specifying entrances removes this confusion.
Where Do You Find the Hold Near Reader Details?
The hold near reader or equivalent language will be printed clearly on event tickets. It may also be included in the online ticket purchase receipt or confirmation email. Smart phone digital tickets will display the “HNR” information prominently when opened on the device.
For reserved/assigned seating, the full text will typically be “Hold Near Reader Sec.xx Row xx Seat xx” with the relevant section, row and seat numbers filled in. For general admission, it may simply say “Hold Near Reader GA1” or “HNR GA East” etc.
If a ticket does not have a hold near reader or similar entry instruction on it, the default is to simply use the main box office entrance. The box office entrance is where tickets are scanned, so attendees can then be directed to the correct area from there.
Examples of Hold Near Reader Instructions
Here are some examples of the different types of hold near reader directions you might see on various event tickets:
Concert Tickets
- HNR Sec B – Use the B entrance near Section B
- Hold Near Reader Floor 2 – Use the Floor 2 entrance
- Hold Near Reader GA East – Use the East general admission entrance
Theater/Play Tickets
- Hold Near Reader Orchestra Right – Use the right side orchestra entrance
- HNR Mezzanine – Use the mezzanine level entrance
- Hold Near Reader Box 12 – Use the entrance near Box 12
Sporting Events
- HNR Gate B – Use Gate B to enter
- Hold Near Reader Sec 112 – Use the entrance near Section 112
- Hold Near Reader Club Level – Use the club level entrance
Smaller Venues
- Hold Near Reader – Use the main entrance
- General Admission – Use the main entrance
Locating the Correct Hold Near Reader Entrance
Once at the venue, there will be signs posting the various hold near reader entrance options. Look for signs labeled with the section letter, number, or description that matches your ticket.
For example, if your ticket says “HNR Sec B” you would look for signs pointing toward the “Sec B Entrance.” These will direct you to the correct door to enter and get to your seat quickly.
Ushers and other staff members will also be happy to point you in the right direction if you are unsure where your designated entrance is located.
Getting Through the Doors Quickly
To make your entrance process as smooth as possible:
- Have your ticket ready and in hand as you approach the doors to scan
- Take note of your HNR details beforehand and locate your entrance
- Arrive early enough to move through lines at a comfortable pace
- Allow extra time if bag checks or other security measures are required
- Listen to staff directions and proceed to your gate or seating area promptly
Why Your Seat Location Matters
While getting to your seat quickly may feel slightly more urgent at a concert where good spots fill up fast, it remains important in seated venues as well. Beyond just convenience, there are other advantages to entering near your assigned area:
See the Full Event
It ensures you don’t miss part of the show. You’ll be in your seat for the entire performance.
Get Settled In
You’ll have time to get comfortable and situated before things start.
Best View
You’ll have your pick of spots if you arrive early by entering closer to your section.
Relax and Enjoy
You won’t feel rushed or stressed trying to hunt down your seat.
Meet Up With Your Group
You can coordinate with your group if you have multiple tickets in the same area.
What If You Lose Your Ticket?
If you happen to lose your printed ticket or have issues accessing a mobile ticket on your phone, just head to the main box office or ticketing tent. Customer service staff can reprint tickets as long as you have the confirmation number or proof of purchase from the original order.
Let them know if you recall which section your seats are in. They may still be able to determine the appropriate hold near reader entrance to direct you to.
Purchasing Tickets at the Venue
If you are buying tickets at the box office on the day of the event, let the ticket agent know if you have a preferred section. They will print tickets with the proper hold near reader information to get you entered and seated quickly.
ADA Accessible Entrances
Venues will also designate American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant entrances. These have wheelchair ramps, wider doors, and other accommodations to provide access for mobility impaired guests. If you require an ADA entrance, inform the ticket seller when purchasing tickets.
Hold Near Reader Entrances for Families
Some venues will specify family friendly hold near reader gates. These have things like diaper changing stations, baby care rooms, and space for strollers. There may even be family seating sections near these entrances. Look for family or kid focused language on tickets when available.
General Tips for a Smooth Entry
- Give yourself plenty of time to park, walk to the venue, and get through security lines
- Charge your phone ahead of time so your mobile ticket is accessible
- Save a screenshot of your ticket as a backup
- Have your ticket ready as you approach the turnstiles or ushers
- Only bring essential items to avoid long bag checks
- Follow all posted signs to find your designated entrance
- Ask staff if you need help locating your gate
- Relax and enjoy once inside – you’ve made it!
While hold near reader instructions are primarily functional, they also add to the experience by getting you settled in quickly. Understanding where to enter ensures a smooth start to a great event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does hold near reader mean?
Hold near reader refers to the entrance a ticket holder should use to access their seat or section as directly as possible. It is printed on tickets to provide direction to patrons on where to enter the venue.
Do all tickets have hold near reader on them?
Typically yes, most major venues will put some type of hold near reader or equivalent text on their tickets. Smaller venues may only have one main entrance, so those tickets may not have specific door directions.
Where do I find the hold near reader details?
Look on the front or back of printed tickets. For digital tickets, the hold near reader specifics will display prominently when you open your phone’s digital wallet.
What if my tickets don’t have hold near reader information?
If your tickets do not provide a specific entrance, just head through the main box office or ticketing area entrance.
How early should I arrive based on the hold near reader?
Aim to be at the venue 30-60 minutes before showtime if possible to give yourself time to find your entrance and get settled.
Can I still enter if I lost my ticket?
Yes, head to the box office and tell them your ticket details – they can reprint tickets if you have proof of purchase.
What if my section changes before the event?
If the event organizer changes your seat location, they should email updated tickets with new hold near reader directions matching the new section.
Do venues ever open extra entrances day of?
Sometimes if crowds are larger than expected, they may open extra doors. Just follow any signs or staff instructions guiding you to those additional entrances.
Conclusion
Hold near reader instructions provide an important guide for accessing your event seat or section in the easiest, most efficient way. Taking note of the HNR details on your ticket and arriving early enough to locate your designated entry point will start your event experience off smoothly.