The ownership of tickets for seats at events is a complex topic with no single definitive answer. Tickets can take many different forms and the specifics of each ticket’s terms and conditions determine who retains ownership and rights to that ticket. There are a few overarching principles that generally apply when looking at ticket ownership.
The Event Organizer or Venue Typically Holds Legal Ownership
In most cases, the organizer of the event or the venue hosting the event retains legal ownership and title over the tickets. This means they have the right to set the terms and conditions of the tickets, which can cover things like transferability, refunds, re-entry, prohibited items, and more. The venue sets these rules and enforces them as the ultimate arbiter of the tickets.
When you obtain a ticket, you are essentially getting a limited license from the venue to attend the event under their rules. You do not outright own the ticket to do with as you please. The venue often reserves the right to revoke or cancel your ticket at their discretion if you violate the terms or conditions. So while you hold a ticket, the legal ownership remains with the organizers.
Ownership Can Be Transferred, But With Limitations
In some cases, tickets can be transferred from one party to another through re-sale, gifting, or inheritance. However, there are often restrictions on this transfer.
Many tickets today are non-transferable, meaning re-sale is prohibited without permission from the venue. Even transferable tickets often cannot be sold above face value or through certain platforms. Ticket ownership does not necessarily give one the right to re-sell a ticket however they want. Listings may require approval and fees may apply.
Transfer can also be limited for other reasons. Some tickets require identification of the original purchaser and are non-transferable between parties. Season ticket packages may have specific rules against transfer of individual games. So while some transfer is possible, it is typically restricted by the venue�s terms.
Ownership Can Expire
A purchased ticket also does not necessarily confer permanent ownership or rights. Tickets for one-time events obviously expire after the date of the event. But other limitations may also apply.
For example, season tickets or pass packages typically expire after the term or time period defined. The ownership and rights end after the conclusion of the season or time covered. Refunds, exchanges, or rollovers of remaining value/games are provided at the discretion of the venue. So ownership of these types of tickets is limited to the defined window.
Additionally, venues reserve the right to revoke ticket ownership for reasonable cause. Failure to follow policies or misrepresentation can result in tickets being canceled or holders denied entry. Ticket ownership can be conditional on the holder acting responsibly and according to the venue�s rules.
Digital Tickets Impact Ownership
The rise of digital tickets as opposed to traditional printed tickets also impacts ownership. Digital tickets are essentially a right to entry stored in a database or on your phone. This makes duplication or misrepresentation easier compared to physical tickets. It also gives the venue more power to control distribution and revoke access remotely.
Digital tickets are non-transferable in the sense that each ticket is directly assigned to one customer in the venue�s records. Re-sale requires redeeming the original digital ticket and re-issuing a new one. The venue remains the ultimate owner with the power to manage the database of tickets. Customers have more limited control compared to physical tickets.
Pros of Digital Tickets
- More convenient for customers
- Mobile entry and access
- Harder to counterfeit or duplicate
- Enables more control for organizers
Cons of Digital Tickets
- Can’t be resold easily
- Lose access if phone dies, is stolen, etc.
- Less ownership for customers
- Higher fees
Ownership Summary
In summary, here is who generally owns and controls access to different types of tickets:
Ticket Type | Ownership |
---|---|
One-time event tickets | Venue/organizer own ticket until event date |
Season/package tickets | Ownership expires after window defined |
Non-tranferable tickets | Assigned to original purchaser |
Digital tickets | Controlled by venue in database |
There are always exceptions and special cases when it comes to ticket ownership. But in general, the venue or organizer retains legal ownership and the right to set terms and conditions. Customers purchase a limited license and set of rights to attend under those rules. Understanding these limitations is an important part of buying and using tickets.