With Ticketmaster being one of the largest ticket providers, this is a common question for many concert, sports, and event goers. The quick answer is no, you do not have to print your Ticketmaster tickets. Ticketmaster has transitioned to mobile tickets for many events, meaning you can display your ticket on your phone screen for scanning at the venue. However, there are some exceptions and things to keep in mind when it comes to printing or not printing Ticketmaster tickets.
The Move to Mobile Tickets
In recent years, Ticketmaster has shifted from traditional paper tickets that required printing to mobile tickets for many events. Now, when you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, you can easily access them through your online Ticketmaster account or their mobile app by logging in. Your ticket barcode can be displayed on your phone screen for scanning at the event, eliminating the need for printing.
Some of the benefits of mobile tickets include:
- Convenience – no need to remember to print or worry about losing a paper ticket
- Security – mobile tickets reduce fraud and counterfeiting risks
- Flexibility – tickets can easily be transferred or sold securely through Ticketmaster
- Environmental – reduced paper waste and carbon footprint
Mobile entry and mobile tickets continue to grow in popularity. A 2019 Ticketmaster survey found that over 60% of event goers would prefer to use mobile tickets when given the choice. Many major venues and events now exclusively use mobile ticketing as well.
When You Still Need to Print Tickets
While mobile tickets are becoming the norm, there are some exceptions where printed tickets are still required or recommended when purchasing through Ticketmaster:
- Some smaller venues or events still rely on paper tickets and scanned printouts for entry.
- International events may require hard tickets for entry and identification.
- Printing can serve as a backup in case your phone runs out of battery or has connection issues.
- Tickets bought as gifts will need to be printed to transfer to the recipient.
If you are unsure whether an event requires printed tickets, the Ticketmaster website and app specify if mobile entry is available. If mobile entry is not listed, it is a good idea to print your tickets. You will receive an email with a print-at-home ticket option in this case.
How to Print Ticketmaster Tickets
For events where printed tickets are needed, printing your Ticketmaster tickets is easy. Here are the steps:
- Access your Ticketmaster account online or log in to the app.
- Find the upcoming event under “My Events” and click on the event name.
- Look for the “Print-at-Home” ticket option.
- Click on “Print” or “Download PDF” to view and print the ticket.
- Configure your printer settings to print just the ticket without extra margins.
- Use good quality paper or cardstock for best results.
If you have trouble finding the print option online, check the confirmation email you received after purchasing the tickets. There should be a PDF attachment or link to access the tickets for printing. Make sure your email confirmation is up-to-date if you sold or transferred any of the tickets.
For best results, view the PDF at 100% size and use the high quality print setting on standard 8.5×11 paper. You can also print directly on cardstock for extra durability. Avoid printing on plain computer paper that could easily tear.
Printing Tips
- Check ink levels before printing and replace cartridges if needed to ensure legible barcodes.
- Preview the page layout first – you may need to manually configure margins.
- Print a test page first on plain paper before using up your cardstock.
- Use scissors or a paper trimmer to neatly cut each ticket if needed.
Displaying Tickets on Your Phone
If you have mobile entry tickets, displaying them properly on your phone screen is important for smooth scanning at the event entrance. Here are some tips:
- Save your battery – make sure your phone is fully charged before heading to the event.
- Bring a mobile charger or external battery pack as a backup.
- Enable Airplane Mode to avoid draining battery searching for signal.
- Ensure your screen brightness is turned up high for easy barcode scanning.
- Have your tickets ready in the Ticketmaster app and logged in for fast access.
- Avoid putting your phone in a case or covering the back where the barcode needs to be scanned.
At the entrance, have your phone ready to display the ticket barcode without having to unlock your phone or open the app. Follow any instructions from the gate attendant and hold your phone straight for efficient scanning.
Troubleshooting Ticket Printing Issues
In some cases, you may run into problems printing your Ticketmaster tickets and need to troubleshoot. Here are some common issues and solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing print option | Contact Ticketmaster to resend print-at-home ticket email if needed. Check spam folder. |
| Blank ticket | Try a different web browser or PDF viewer. Update Adobe software. |
| Barcode not scanning | Reprint ticket on better quality paper at 100% size. Clean scanner lens at venue. |
| Partial/cut-off ticket | Adjust printer or PDF margins and reprint. Print landscape orientation. |
| Low ink/poor print quality | Replace ink cartridges. Clean print heads. Use higher print quality setting. |
If issues persist, you may need to contact the event venue or box office for assistance with ticket troubles. Be sure to arrive early in case any printing problems need to be sorted out onsite.
Using eTickets to Skip Printing
In addition to mobile tickets, Ticketmaster also offers paperless etickets as an option to avoid printing for select events. With etickets, you can present your ticket on your phone simply by logging into your Ticketmaster account.
Etickets display a rotating barcode that refreshes periodically leading up to the event, usually every 30 seconds. This added security feature prevents duplication or screenshot fraud. The gate attendant will scan your screen to validate the live rotating barcode.
Using etickets allows you to easily transfer tickets electronically as well without having to hand off printed passes. However, you do lose the backup option of having a printed ticket on hand in case of phone issues.
Getting Tickets Reprinted
In some cases, you may need to have your Ticketmaster tickets reprinted if the originals are lost, damaged, or unusable for any reason. Here are some tips for reprinting tickets if allowed:
- Contact Ticketmaster by phone and explain you need a reprint. Fees may apply.
- If tickets were transferred, the original purchaser will need to request the reprint.
- Reprints are not always available close to event times due to fraud risks.
- Bring the damaged tickets to the box office to possibly exchange onsite.
- Be aware that reprinted tickets may be invalidated if the originals were already scanned.
If no reprint option is available, you may need to purchase new tickets if the event is not sold out. Avoid damaged tickets by keeping them in a safe place until event time and printing on high quality paper stock.
Can You Print Tickets at the Venue?
In emergency cases, some venues will have printers onsite to handle printing Ticketmaster tickets on the day of an event. However, this is not always available and should not be relied upon.
To see if onsite printing is offered:
- Check the venue’s website for FAQs and policies.
- Call the box office ahead of time to ask.
- Arrive early and ask at will call if they can print your tickets.
Onsite printing often incurs an extra fee per ticket. The process can also take a long time during busy periods right before show time. Venue printers may be cash only as well.
It is always safest to have your tickets printed out or displayed on your phone before heading to the event. But venue reprints can save the day if an printing issue arises at the last minute. Don’t assume the option will be available though.
Avoiding Ticketmaster Print Scams
One downside of printed event tickets is the risk of scams and fraudulent tickets. Scammers may try to sell fake or copied tickets lacking valid barcodes that get rejected at the door. There have also been cases of ticket printing kiosks charging high fees to print tickets you already have access to.
To avoid getting scammed, only use trusted sources like Ticketmaster directly to access your tickets. Beware of:
- Tickets sold from unknown third parties or resellers.
- Offers to print your Ticketmaster tickets for an extra fee.
- Requests to send your ticket barcode ahead of time.
- Unsecure public wifi connections that could steal ticket data.
As long as you manage the Ticketmaster ticket printing yourself using your owned printer or trusted venue, you can avoid falling victim to predatory ticket scams. Being vigilant about where your ticket barcodes go and who has access is key.
Selling Printed Tickets Securely
If you need to sell or transfer printed event tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, do so carefully to prevent fraud. Avoid simply emailing the ticket PDF file or photo of the printed ticket, as this allows easy duplication. Instead:
- Use Ticketmaster’s official safe transfer option to directly send tickets to the buyer.
- Meet in person to hand off printed hard tickets upon payment.
- Utilize secure marketplace platforms to complete the exchange.
- Destroy any extra ticket copies you printed to avoid misuse.
Be wary of any buyer that asks you to validate or send pictures of the ticket barcode ahead of time. Scammers may clone the barcode and try using it before you have a chance to transfer. Avoid posting ticket photos publicly online as well to prevent theft.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster mobile ticketing provides convenience for many events, printed tickets still have an important role to play. Carefully follow the directions provided with your ticket purchase and communicate with the event organizers to determine if printing is required or purely optional. With mobile technology steadily improving, printed tickets will likely continue to decline in the future but remain relevant today for certain situations. Being an informed ticket holder ensures you have valid entry whether via printed pass or phone display when attending your favorite Ticketmaster events.
