If you have purchased tickets to an event through Ticketmaster and the tickets have your name printed on them, you may be wondering if someone else can use those tickets if you cannot attend. The short answer is maybe, but it depends on the event and venue policies.
Ticketmaster’s Official Policy on Name Changes
According to Ticketmaster’s official policy, name changes are not allowed for tickets that have already been issued with the buyer’s name printed on them. This is done to prevent unauthorized resale and scalping of tickets. The name on the ticket must match the ID of the person entering the venue. If you cannot attend, you are expected to resell the tickets back through Ticketmaster’s official resale platform.
Getting Around Name Changes at the Venue
However, in practice, venues handle name changes differently. Some venues will deny entry to anyone without an ID matching the ticket, while others are more lenient. Here are some tips on getting someone else into an event with your tickets:
- Email or call the venue ahead of time to ask about their name change policy. Some venues will allow changes at their box office for a fee.
- Go with the ticket holder to the venue box office and ask them to change the name on the spot.
- Try having the ticket holder explain the situation to the usher or ticket taker on the way in. Especially if it’s a spouse, family member or friend.
- Purchase lots of concessions! Venues ultimately want happy customers who spend money. If you buy food, drinks, merch, etc it shows good faith.
When Name Changes Are More Strictly Enforced
While sometimes you can talk your way into an event with a ticket under a different name, there are certain situations where this will be very difficult or impossible:
- Sold out shows – If an event is sold out, venues have less incentive to make exceptions and bend rules. Empty seats look bad, less so if they’ve already hit capacity.
- High demand shows – Similarly, if a concert or show is in very high demand with frenzied sales, like a newly reunited band or halftime performer, venues will adhere to names.
- ID required events – Some 18+ or 21+ events will more strictly check IDs and have name matching tickets, though concessions and explanations can still sometimes work.
- VIP or premium tickets – If the tickets have special perks like meet and greets or exclusive access, names are critical and unlikely to be changed at the door.
Reselling Tickets You Cannot Use
Rather than risk being denied entry, the easiest option if you cannot attend an event yourself is to resell the tickets. As the original ticket purchaser, you have a few authorized options:
- Resell through Ticketmaster’s official resale platform. This transfers the tickets to a new buyer.
- List the tickets on a reputable third party resale site like StubHub. Prices may be higher or lower than face value.
- Sell to someone you know. You can transfer directly to them via Ticketmaster which will update the purchaser name.
Just make sure to avoid unauthorized resale through scalpers or strangers, which breaks the Ticketmaster Terms of Use and may lead to canceled tickets if found out.
When Purchasing Resale Tickets with Someone Else’s Name
On the other side, if you are looking to purchase tickets secondhand that already have someone else’s name on them, proceed with caution. Some tips:
- Verify the tickets are being resold on an authorized platform like Ticketmaster Resale or StubHub to ensure they are valid.
- Ask the seller to formally transfer the tickets to you via Ticketmaster which will update the purchaser name.
- Be wary of unknown scalpers or sellers on third party sites like Craigslist.
- Get a copy of the seller’s ID and the credit card used for purchase to prove they were the original buyer, if buying directly.
- Be prepared to potentially be denied entry if the venue vigorously checks IDs and ticket name matches.
While buying tickets with another name on them can work out, be aware you are taking a calculated risk. Prices may be tempting but carefully weigh the chances you could be turned away at the door.
When Names Can Be Updated or Changed
In some cases, you may be able to get the name officially changed or updated on tickets bought via Ticketmaster. Here is when that is possible:
- Pre-event transfers – As the original purchaser you can do an official transfer to a new buyer through your Ticketmaster account which will update the name.
- At the box office – Some venues will allow name changes on the spot at their box office for a fee. Call ahead to check policies.
- Reissues – If tickets are lost, stolen or damaged, Ticketmaster can reissue the tickets under a new name, though fees apply.
- Exceptions – Occasionally for special circumstances like gifts, inheritances, divorces, Ticketmaster may make one-time exceptions and update names if contacted.
However, name changes are never guaranteed. If attending an event is critical, your best option is to buy the tickets only under the name of the person actually going or resell any unused tickets you cannot personally use.
The Bottom Line
While Ticketmaster’s policy officially prohibits name changes, some venues do make exceptions, particularly for friends and family. However, for high demand events, plan for ID checks and names to be enforced. When possible, transfer tickets ahead of time to the new attendee via Ticketmaster or resell unused tickets instead of risking denied entry.