With the rise of mobile technology, many major league baseball teams have created ballpark apps that allow fans to access and manage their tickets digitally. While these apps provide convenience, many fans wonder if they are required to use the app in order to gain entry to the ballpark for a game.
Can you use paper tickets instead of the ballpark app?
The short answer is yes, you do not need to use the ballpark app in order to receive and use your tickets. All MLB teams that offer mobile ticketing also provide the option to receive traditional paper tickets that can be printed at home or picked up at will call. The barcodes on paper tickets can still be scanned at stadium gates just like in the past.
However, there are some advantages to going digital that may make the ballpark app worthwhile:
- Convenience – Tickets are easily accessible on your smartphone and cannot be lost or forgotten.
- Ticket Transfer – Many apps allow for easy transfer of tickets to friends or family.
- Access to Extra Features – Ballpark apps provide access to special in-seat services, rewards programs, stadium maps, and sometimes even replays.
So while paper tickets remain an option, the ballpark app provides added benefits and accessibility that many fans now prefer.
What if I only have a paper ticket?
If you only have a traditional paper ticket, you can still enter any MLB ballpark without needing to use an app. Here is what you need to know:
- Print it out – Print your ticket at home to have the barcode ready to scan. If you didn’t receive a print-at-home ticket, you will need to swing by the ticket office or will call to pick up a printed ticket.
- Have ID ready – Ensure you bring valid ID that matches the name on the ticket account. All adults will likely need to show ID along with their tickets to enter the stadium gates.
- Find a ticket scanner – Look for stadium employees scanning tickets at the gate. Paper tickets will need to be individually scanned one by one to allow entry.
- Enter carefully – Be sure not to crease or damage your printed ticket, as that could interrupt the scanning of the barcode.
Following these steps, you can access the ballpark just like always with a traditional paper ticket. The app simply provides a convenient digital option.
Can you use both paper tickets and the ballpark app?
It is possible to have a combination of paper tickets and mobile tickets in the ballpark app for the same game. However, there are some important things to note:
- Each ticket barcode only works once – Only one form of each ticket (paper or digital) will allow entry.
- Check transfers – If tickets were transferred to a different account, only the most recent holder will have a valid barcode.
- Avoid duplications – Don’t re-print or screen shot already scanned tickets, as the barcode will no longer work.
To prevent issues, it is best to decide on using all paper tickets or all mobile tickets when possible. But in general, you can use both as long as each individual ticket barcode is only scanned once. After entry, you can freely switch between showing paper or digital tickets for in-stadium services.
Should I screenshot my digital tickets?
Screenshotting or saving pictures of digital tickets to your smartphone photo gallery is not recommended. Here are some downsides to be aware of:
- Barcodes can expire – Saved images may have expired barcodes if already scanned
- Difficult transfers – Screenshots cannot be easily transferred to other people
- Data usage – You will need an active internet connection to retrieve transferred tickets
- No access to features – Screenshots won’t provide access to beneficial in-app features
Instead of screenshots, be sure to add your tickets directly to the ballpark app. This will provide the most up-to-date barcodes, easiest transfers, full app access, and the best fan experience.
How early can I enter the ballpark with the app?
The specific time that you can enter the stadium on game day using the ballpark app will vary by team. However, access timing will follow some general guidelines:
- 1-2 hours early – For most major league stadiums, digital ticket holders can enter 1-2 hours before first pitch.
- Batting practice – Entry is usually timed with the start of batting practice, so fans can watch warm ups.
- Exceptions for special events – Season ticket holders or those with passes for pre-game events may get earlier access.
- Double check rules – Check the website or app for specific gate opening times to be sure. They may also vary based on whether it is a day or night game.
Getting to the park early has advantages like watching batting practice up close or having first access to food and merchandise. Just be aware of the gate opening times for digital ticketholders to avoid having to wait outside the stadium.
Can the app be used for re-entry?
If you need to exit the ballpark for some reason during a game, having the team’s ballpark app provides an easy way to re-enter. Here is how the re-entry process usually works:
- Get hand stamped – When exiting, find a stadium employee to stamp the back of your hand.
- Show your digital ticket – Scan your ticket barcode in the app again when coming back in.
- Scan hand stamp – There will also be staff or machines to scan your hand stamp and confirm re-entry eligibility.
- Resets after re-entry – If you exit and re-enter a second time, the process starts over.
Thanks to the ticket barcode in the app and hand stamp system, you can come and go throughout the game if needed. Just be sure to follow the proper re-entry procedures.
Can kids use the app for entry?
For children and minors, using digital tickets in the ballpark app works the same as for adults. However, there are a few extra things to consider:
- Add tickets to adult’s device – Children will not have their own accounts, so add their tickets to an attending adult’s smartphone.
- Bring proof of age – Depending on the child’s age, the stadium may require additional ID to confirm ticket discounts.
- Supervise scans – Younger kids will likely need help scanning their ticket barcodes at entry gates.
- Re-entry requires supervision – Children and teens will need to re-enter with the adult who handles their digital tickets.
As long as attending adults manage the ballpark app, children can absolutely use mobile tickets. The process just requires some extra planning and supervision for younger fans.
Can you use the app if your phone dies?
Having phone battery die before entering a long baseball game is a common concern. But with some preparation, you can still use digital tickets if your smartphone shuts off:
- Bring a charger – Fully charge your phone before leaving, and pack a portable charger and cable.
- Print backup tickets – For total assurance, print paper copies of tickets as backups.
- Visit will call – With ID, you can obtain replacement tickets if your phone dies and cannot be charged.
- Use a friend’s device – Log into your account on a friend’s smartphone to access your tickets there.
While an inconvenience, a dead phone does not mean lost tickets. As long as you plan ahead, you can still enter the ballpark and enjoy the game.
Is the app secure against fake tickets?
Ballpark apps utilize advanced security features and encryption to prevent fraud and ensure the validity of digital tickets. This includes:
- Unique barcodes – Barcode sequences are complex and impossible to accurately guess or duplicate.
- Rotating barcodes – Codes refresh over time or after scans to prevent copies.
- ID verification – Personal account information is required and checked during transfers.
- Real time verification – Database lookups confirm ticket validity at time of stadium entry.
While no system is completely immune to breaches, ballpark apps provide assurance against fake ticket use. Rigorous security protocols maintain the integrity of digital tickets.
Can you manage multiple tickets with one app account?
Ballpark apps allow you to store multiple tickets for many different games all in one account. Some tips for managing several tickets include:
- Link purchases – When buying tickets, make sure your account is linked for smooth transfer.
- Check order history – Your account history will list all associated ticket purchases and transfers.
- Create contacts – Save preferred contacts for easy ticket forwarding.
- Utilize folders – Some apps allow you to file tickets into categorized folders.
- Tag friends – You can often tag which friends you are transferring tickets to.
While handling many tickets can get confusing, ballpark apps provide useful tools to sort, tag, and track them all in one place for easier management.
How can you upgrade or swap tickets using the app?
Many ballpark apps allow ticket holders to upgrade to better seats or swap out tickets within the app. Here are some tips fordigitally upgrading your game experience:
- Check upgrade options – Upgrades are subject to availability, so check the app for details on seating sections and prices.
- Complete purchases – Use stored payment info to complete any upgrade purchases directly through the app.
- Swap comparable seats – Some apps allow swapping tickets of approximately equal value, subject to availability.
- Activate upgraded tickets – Your new upgraded tickets must be activated in the app to work at entry.
- Re-sell originals – You can re-sell or forward original tickets after purchasing upgrades.
Ballpark apps make ticket upgrades quick and convenient. You can scope out better seats and purchase instantly without leaving your phone.
What troubleshooting tips are useful for ballpark app issues?
If you encounter problems accessing or managing tickets with the ballpark app, here are some useful troubleshooting suggestions:
- Force quit and restart – Closing out and restarting the app can clear up minor glitches.
- Update app – Check your device’s app store for any available app updates and install.
- Check service status – Some teams list app service status online or within the app.
- Re-download app – As a last resort, deleting and re-downloading the app may resolve persistent issues.
- Contact support – Most ballpark apps include customer support contacts to report significant ongoing problems.
With a few simple technical steps or support contact, the majority of ballpark app issues can typically be resolved quickly.
Conclusion
While ballpark apps provide convenient digital ticket management, traditional paper tickets remain viable options for game entry. Fans can choose paper, digital, or both ticket formats based on personal preference. Careful management of kids’ tickets, dead phone contingencies, re-entry rules, and other logistics is advised. But overall, ballpark apps offer effective tools to access and upgrade tickets while enhancing the fan experience.
