The Ticketmaster enhanced experience refers to additional features and services that Ticketmaster offers to improve the ticket buying process for fans. This can include upgrades like premier parking, VIP packages, verified tickets, and more. The goal of the enhanced experience is to provide fans with exclusive perks, easier access, and peace of mind when purchasing tickets.
What are some of the key enhanced experience features offered by Ticketmaster?
Here are some of the main components of Ticketmaster’s enhanced experience offering:
- Premier Parking – Guaranteed close parking near the venue entrance.
- VIP Packages – Access to VIP lounges, exclusive merchandise, meet & greets with artists, and more.
- Verified Tickets – tickets backed by Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan system to prevent fakes.
- Prepaid Parking Passes – Guarantee your parking spot by prepaying for select venues.
- Premium Seats – Access to the best seats in the house with premium amenities.
- Fast Pass – Skip long box office and will call lines at venues.
- Gift Cards – Ticketmaster gift cards that can be used to purchase tickets.
- Traffic Updates – Get traffic updates on your drive to the event via Ticketmaster’s email and apps.
Benefits of the Ticketmaster Enhanced Experience
There are several benefits that come with upgrading to Ticketmaster’s enhanced experience services when purchasing tickets.
Access to the Best Seats
One of the top perks is getting access to the best seat selections closest to the stage or field. Ticketmaster will reserve premium seating for enhanced experience customers, giving you first pick of seats before the general public. This ensures you can get seats in prime locations you might not be able to get otherwise.
Skip Waiting in Long Lines
Another advantage is being able to avoid the hassle of waiting in long box office and will call lines at venues. With add-ons like prepaid parking and Fast Pass, you can skip the queues and go straight to your seat with ease. This is a huge help for sold out shows when lines can take hours to get through.
Exclusive Merchandise & Collectibles
You’ll also get first dibs on limited edition merchandise and collectibles that you can only access through VIP packages. This includes tour shirts, lithographs, box sets, and more. As a fan, getting your hands on exclusive merch is a major perk.
Unforgettable Experiences
Enhanced experiences packages turn ordinary tickets into unforgettable memories. You can meet band members backstage, watch the pre-show soundcheck, get early venue access, and more. It takes your concert experience to the next level.
Greater Convenience
Upgrades like prepaid parking, verified tickets, and traffic updates add a ton of convenience into the ticket buying equation. It saves you time and gives you peace of mind knowing your parking and seats are secured ahead of time.
Premium Amenities & Services
With certain VIP packages, you get access to lux amenities like premium bars, private bathrooms, complimentary food/drinks, dedicated hospitality staff, and more. It elevates a live event into a true luxury experience.
Types of Enhanced Experience Upgrades Offered
Ticketmaster provides several tiers and packages when it comes to their enhanced experience products. The upgrades will vary between venues and events, but popular offerings include:
VIP Packages
- Platinum Packages – Top tier with exclusive perks like backstage tours, soundcheck access, artist meet & greets, official merch, and premium amenities.
- Gold Packages – Upfront seating, exclusive pre-show party, commemorative lanyard and laminate, crowd-free merchandise shopping.
- Silver Packages – Reserved seating in first 10 rows, free drinks and appetizers, VIP entrance and lounge access.
Prepaid Parking Passes
- Premier Parking – Valet service, parking closest to venue doors.
- Preferred Parking – Close reserved lots near the venue.
- Standard Parking – General reserved lots at venue.
Premium Seats
- Floor Seating – Get the best seats right by the action on the floor or field.
- Lower/Front Bowl – Secure seats in the first few rows for optimal viewing.
- Club Seating – Access seats with exclusive lounge spaces and full bar service.
- Suite Rentals – Rent a private suite with luxury amenities and view of stage.
How Ticketmaster Verified Tickets Work
One of Ticketmaster’s newest enhanced experience offerings is Verified Tickets, powered by their Verified Fan system. Here is an overview of how it works:
Verification Process to Unlock Access
Fans must register with Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform and get verified to gain access to Verified Tickets. This often involves providing your name, contact info, and answering engagement questions to prove you are a genuine fan.
Unique Codes to Access Verified Ticket Sales
Once verified, you are emailed a unique code and instructions to shop an exclusive pre-sale for Verified Tickets before the general public. Supplies are limited.
Tickets Linked to Your Identity
Verified Tickets purchased are then tied to and sent to your name and contact information that was verified. Tickets can’t be transferred without your consent.
Enhanced Security Features
Verified Tickets have built-in safeguards like encrypted barcodes, holograms, contactless entry, and ID checks at venues to validate identity. This prevents counterfeits and fakes.
Peace of Mind Guarantee
If any issues arise with Verified Tickets, Ticketmaster guarantees they will find comparable replacement tickets for you or provide a full refund.
Are There Any Downsides to Ticketmaster’s Enhanced Experiences?
While the upgraded services provide significant benefits, there are some potential downsides to weigh as well:
Higher Costs
The enhanced experiences understandably come at a higher price point. The additional perks add to the costs, so be prepared to pay a premium compared to standard tickets. Packages can run hundreds of dollars more.
Limited Availability
Since the upgrades are exclusive, there is limited inventory available. Specific packages may sell out quickly, especially for hot shows. So act fast if you want the enhancements.
No Resale Value
Due to identity verification measures, enhanced experience tickets can’t be resold like standard tickets, which reduces their market value. Only refunds are allowed in most cases.
More Planning Required
There are more steps involved to access verified fan sales and buy upgraded packages. You need to register and get codes in advance. Last minute ticket purchases become less feasible.
Changes May Be Restricted
Depending on the package, changing dates or transferring tickets to a friend is not always allowed. You’ll want to be sure of your plans before purchasing.
Is the Enhanced Experience Worth the Extra Cost for Fans?
Whether or not Ticketmaster’s enhanced experience upgrades are worth the additional money depends largely on the fan’s budget and preferences:
For die-hard fans seeing their favorite band or artist, access to exclusive benefits like VIP lounges, meet and greets, early entry, and premium seats make the costs justifiable. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences create lasting memories that go way beyond just attending the event.
Casual fans who just want to see the show may not find enough added value in the perks to rationalize spending 2-3x more on a Gold or Platinum package. General admission or standard seating still allows you to enjoy the performance.
Fans concerned about counterfeit tickets and security will find major value in Verified Tickets. The peace of mind guarantees and enhanced protections against fraud make the extra expense worthwhile.
Overall, the enhanced experience features cater best to dedicated, all-in fans who want to make their event extra special. For more casual attendees, standard tickets may still do the trick just fine at a lower price point.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s enhanced experience options offer fans a variety of upgrades to make seeing live events smoother, more secure, and more memorable. Key benefits include better seats, exclusive perks, added convenience, and peace of mind against fakes. Products like Verified Tickets and VIP packages give ticket buyers the chance to customize their ideal concert or event experience.
Of course, these upgrades come at a higher price point that may not suit more casual fans’ budgets or needs. There are also some limitations in changing plans and reselling enhanced tickets. Overall though, Ticketmaster’s offerings provide significant added value for die-hard fans who want to maximize their enjoyment and create unforgettable access.
Enhanced Experience Feature | Benefits | Potential Drawbacks |
---|---|---|
VIP Packages | Exclusive perks like backstage access, early entry, meet & greets with artists, premium lounges and amenities. | Very limited availability. Changes usually not allowed. Expensive prices. |
Verified Tickets | Guaranteed valid tickets. Protection against fraud and counterfeits. | Must go through verification process. Tickets can’t be resold. |
Prepaid Parking | Skip parking queues. Guaranteed convenient parking spots. | Must pay for parking upfront. No parking lot changes allowed. |
Premium Seating | Access to prime seats closest to stage or field. | Very limited. Much more expensive than standard seats. |