Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for various events like concerts, sports games, theater shows and more. When you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, the tickets will contain either a barcode or QR code to be scanned for entry. So do Ticketmaster tickets have barcodes or QR codes?
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that Ticketmaster tickets can have either barcodes or QR codes, depending on the event and venue policies. Many major venues and events are now using QR codes instead of barcodes, but some still use traditional barcodes. The format will be specified on the actual ticket when you purchase and receive it.
Barcodes vs QR Codes on Tickets
Barcodes and QR codes both serve the purpose of encoding information that can be quickly scanned, but they work in slightly different ways:
Barcodes
– Have been used on tickets for decades
– Are one-dimensional codes with a series of black and white lines
– Require a direct line of sight to be read by a laser barcode scanner
– Store basic event and ticket information like date, seat number etc
QR Codes
– Are newer technology two-dimensional codes with a square pattern
– Can be read from any direction by a smartphone camera
– Offer more data storage capacity for additional event info
– Provide better security features to prevent fraud or duplicates
Some key differences: QR codes can be read without precise alignment and they allow accelerated entry by linking to digital tickets on smartphones. Barcodes are older technology but are cheaper for venues to implement.
Factors Impacting Barcodes vs QR Codes on Tickets
Whether a Ticketmaster ticket will have a barcode or QR code depends on several factors:
The Venue
– Older venues may not have scanners equipped for QR codes
– Newer venues increasingly prefer QR codes for faster entry
– Upcoming concerts and games will transition based on venue capabilities
The Event
– Small events may opt for basic barcoded tickets
– Major concerts and games are using QR codes for security and convenience
– Sporting events are leading the adoption of digital ticketing
Geography
– North America has quicker adoption rates for QR code ticketing
– Outside US and Canada, barcodes still commonly used
– International events will vary based on region
In general, major concerts, games, and venues are shifting to QR coded ticketing for improved security and convenience. Smaller venues and events may continue using barcodes in the near term.
Major Ticketmaster Events Using QR Codes
Many high-profile events that use Ticketmaster for ticketing have now switched to QR coded tickets, including:
Sports
– NFL games
– MLB games
– NBA games
– NHL games
– MLS games
– College sports (NCAA football, basketball)
Concerts
– Major tour concerts like Taylor Swift, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles etc.
– Large music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits
Theater & Comedy Shows
– Broadway and West End theater shows
– Standup comedy tours like Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney
Essentially most major concerts, theatrical productions, and professional sporting events that partner with Ticketmaster now use QR codes for security and faster entry.
How to Find If Your Ticketmaster Ticket Has Barcode or QR Code
If you are unsure whether your upcoming Ticketmaster ticket will have a barcode or QR code, there are a couple ways to find out:
Check Your Ticketmaster Account
– Sign into your Ticketmaster account online or via app
– Go to your purchased event and view your tickets
– It will show barcode or QR code next to each ticket
Contact the Venue or Event
– Find the contact info for the specific venue or event
– Call or email their customer service team
– They can confirm if tickets will have barcode or QR code
You can also look for notices on the venue or event website about their ticketing policies and entry procedures. This may indicate if they use barcoded tickets or QR coded tickets.
Scanning Ticketmaster Tickets with Barcodes vs QR Codes
The way your Ticketmaster tickets will be scanned for entry depends on whether they have a barcode or QR code:
Scanning Barcoded Tickets
– Barcodes require lasers and direct alignment with scanner
– Must take ticket out and orient barcode towards scanner
– Handed to attendant to scan one at a time
Scanning QR Coded Tickets
– QR codes can scan from any direction with a smartphone camera
– Can leave ticket in wallet and open to camera to scan
– Entry Gates can scan tickets hands-free from phones
QR codes allow for faster and more efficient entry. Users don’t have to juggle tickets in hand or pass them to staff. The flexibility makes QR coded ticketing optimal for major events.
Pros and Cons of Barcodes vs QR Codes on Tickets
Here is a comparison of some pros and cons of barcodes versus QR codes on Ticketmaster tickets:
Barcode Ticket Pros
– Well established, have been used for decades
– Cheaper and easier to implement for venues
– Can work evenly well for small events
Barcode Ticket Cons
– Require direct line of sight, precise alignment
– Only store basic info, less security
– Slower manual scanning for entry
QR Code Ticket Pros
– Scanned easily from any direction
– Encrypted to store more ticket data
– Link to digital tickets on smartphones
– Allow smoother, faster entry
QR Code Ticket Cons
– More expensive scanners needed
– Still being adopted at smaller venues
– Require smartphone for digital ticketing
Overall, QR codes are becoming the standard for major events thanks to enhanced security features and the convenience of digital ticketing. But for some venues, barcodes still remain a cost-effective option.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster tickets can utilize either 1D barcodes or 2D QR codes depending on the preferences of venues and events. With major concerts, sports games, and other events moving to digital ticketing, QR codes are being widely adopted for faster entry and better fraud prevention. But barcodes are still common at smaller venues or traditional establishments without advanced scanner systems.
When you purchase Ticketmaster tickets, check your account or contact the venue to confirm if your tickets will have barcodes or QR codes. Major events will likely use QR codes, while other tickets may still have basic barcodes. Either way, just have the code on your ticket ready to be scanned for entry. As more venues upgrade capabilities, QR codes will likely become the new standard in the future.