Picking up tickets at will call simply means retrieving pre-purchased tickets from the venue’s designated will call area or box office on the day of the event. Many venues offer will call as a convenient option for customers who buy tickets online or over the phone in advance of a show or event.
Why Would You Pick Up Tickets at Will Call?
There are a few common reasons why someone might need to pick up event tickets at will call:
- The tickets were purchased online or over the phone – When you buy tickets through a website or by calling the box office, you won’t receive physical tickets ahead of time. The venue will hold your tickets to pick up at will call.
- The tickets are being held under someone else’s name – You may need to pick up tickets at will call that were purchased by a friend, family member, or client. As long as you have the confirmation info and your name is on the ticket list, you can retrieve them.
- You’re concerned about losing printed tickets – Rather than having tickets mailed or printing them yourself ahead of time, some people prefer picking them up directly at the venue as a security precaution.
- You purchased last-minute or rush tickets – If you bought tickets right before an event, there may not be enough time for them to ship. The box office will keep them at will call for you.
- You want to exchange tickets – If you need different seats than you originally bought, you may need to exchange your old tickets at the box office for new ones.
How Does Will Call Work?
The will call process can vary slightly between venues, but the general procedure is:
- When purchasing tickets online/by phone, select the “will call” delivery option at checkout. Provide the name that will be picking up tickets.
- Bring a valid photo ID to the venue box office along with your ticket order number. The name must match the original purchaser.
- Tell the box office representative you are there to pick up tickets from will call. Provide your order number and ID when requested.
- The box office will verify your information and print out your tickets if everything matches up correctly.
- Check that the ticket details like seat assignments are correct before leaving will call.
- Arrive at the venue box office early enough before showtime to retrieve your tickets with no hassle.
The entire process of picking up will call tickets usually only takes a few minutes as long as you have the required identification and order details ready to go.
What Information Do You Need to Pick Up Will Call Tickets?
To retrieve will call tickets smoothly, make sure you have the following information ready to provide the box office staff:
- A valid photo ID that matches the ticket purchaser’s name – This is required to verify you are authorized to pick up the tickets.
- Order confirmation number – This unique number is assigned when the tickets are originally purchased.
- Credit card used for purchase – Some venues also require showing the credit card used to buy the tickets as an extra verification step.
- Names of all ticket holders – Know the names printed on each ticket if you are picking up for a group.
- Contact information – Have the original purchaser’s phone number or email address handy in case any issues come up.
Before arriving to pick up will call tickets, double check that the name printed on them exactly matches your photo ID. Even small spelling differences could cause problems retrieving your tickets.
Where Is the Will Call Box Office Located?
At most venues, the will call box office can be found right at the main entrance near the ticket gates. Look for signs pointing you towards the will call pickup area or box office.
Specific will call box office locations include:
- Concert venues – Front lobby next to the main ticket booth.
- Theaters – Main lobby near the entrance.
- Stadiums – Outside the venue near the ticket pickup booths.
- Convention centers – Main lobby or front desk area.
- Arenas – Main guest services booth right inside doors.
If you cannot locate the will call area, ask an usher or staff member where it is located within the venue. Arrive with enough time to find it without missing the event.
How Early Should You Arrive for Will Call Pickup?
To ensure a smooth will call experience, always allow plenty of extra time to retrieve your tickets. Aim to arrive at least 45-60 minutes before the scheduled event start time. The box office will be less crowded earlier in the day vs. right as the doors open.
Arriving early gives you time to locate will call, get your tickets, and sort out any issues without stressing about missing the start. Depending on the size of the venue and popularity of the event, pickup can sometimes take longer than expected.
Here are some recommended arrival times based on the event type:
- Small club concert – 30 minutes before doors open.
- Theater show – 45 minutes early.
- Arena concert – 1 hour+ before start time due to crowds.
- Sporting event – 1.5-2 hours early to beat traffic.
Give yourself even more of a buffer if the weather could cause travel delays getting to the venue or if picking up tickets for a large group.
What If You Can’t Make It to Pick Up Will Call Tickets?
If an emergency comes up and you cannot make it to the venue in time, all is not lost. Here are some options to still get your will call tickets:
- Send someone else to pick them up – As long as they have all the required ID and order info, another person can retrieve tickets on your behalf.
- Contact the box office ahead of time – You may be able to give authorization for someone to get the tickets by providing your confirmation number over the phone in advance.
- Have tickets left at will call until you arrive – Call the box office to arrange holding tickets until you can make it.
- Request ticket delivery – If nearby, you may be able to have a mobile ticket sent to your phone or printed tickets shipped quickly.
- Sell/transfer tickets – Use the ticket provider’s exchange system to electronically sell or transfer tickets to someone who can attend.
As a last resort, if you absolutely cannot make the event, will call tickets purchased directly from the venue can typically be refunded as long as you request a refund well in advance.
Pros of Will Call Pickup
While having to retrieve tickets onsite may seem inconvenient, picking up tickets at will call also has its perks:
- Convenience – Don’t have to worry about losing printed tickets or tickets not arriving in time when ordered by mail.
- Security – No need for hard tickets to get lost, stolen, or end up in the wrong hands when you pick them up directly.
- Flexibility – Can wait until the last minute to make a ticket purchase online without worrying about receipt before event.
- Exchangeability – Can easily switch out tickets at box office if your plans change or better seats become available.
- Eco-friendly – Eliminates paper and plastic waste from printed tickets and shipping.
- Cost savings – Avoid fees for shipping/delivery and printing tickets at home.
While picking up tickets onsite requires some extra effort, it can be worth it for the security and convenience will call services provide.
Key Takeaways About Will Call Pickup
Here are some key tips to remember about retrieving tickets from will call:
- Bring valid photo ID that matches the ticket purchaser’s name.
- Arrive at the box office 45-60 minutes early to allow time for pickup.
- Know your order number and have credit card used ready if required.
- Locate the will call window at the venue entrance to retrieve tickets.
- Check tickets details thoroughly before leaving box office.
- Have a backup plan in case you can’t pick up tickets yourself.
- The process only takes a few minutes if you have all required information.
Following these guidelines will make your will call experience smooth and hassle-free. Enjoy the convenience of skipping ticket delivery and lines by picking up directly onsite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Will Call
Is there an additional fee to pick up tickets at will call?
Most venues do not charge any extra fees for will call pickup. However, some may charge a small processing fee around $5-10 when selecting will call delivery at checkout. Always check with the specific venue and ticketing site for any fees.
Can I pick up will call tickets on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can pickup tickets at will call for someone else as long as you have all the required identification and order information. The original ticket purchaser will need to call ahead to authorize release of tickets to you.
What if I lost my photo ID before the event?
If you lose your ID, immediately call the box office to make alternate arrangements for ticket pickup. They may be able to hold tickets until a replacement ID arrives or release them to an authorized friend.
How can I find the box office location at the venue?
Look for box office or will call signage near the main entrance when you arrive at the venue. If you can’t locate it, ask any staff members for directions to the will call pickup area.
Is there a time limit on picking up will call tickets?
Most venues will hold will call tickets until the scheduled event start time. However, box offices typically open 60-90 minutes before showtime. Get there early, because tickets may be released back for general sale if you fail to arrive in time.
Conclusion
Picking up tickets at will call is a quick and convenient option for retrieving pre-purchased tickets on the day of an event. It eliminates worries over lost tickets or late deliveries. Just remember to bring valid ID matching the ticket buyer’s name and arrive at the box office with plenty of time to spare. Following the proper procedures will ensure you can swiftly pick up tickets and enter the venue without hassles. For a smooth experience getting your tickets on the day, choose the ease of will call pickup.