Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for concert, sports, theater, and other live entertainment events. Many major venues and event organizers work exclusively with Ticketmaster to sell their tickets. With their dominant position in the industry, Ticketmaster has implemented various technologies and policies aimed at preventing ticket fraud and resales. One commonly asked question is whether Ticketmaster uses rotating barcodes for their tickets. The short answer is yes, Ticketmaster does use barcode rotation technology for many event tickets sold through their platform. However, the specifics on how their rotating barcodes work and which tickets they apply this technology to can be complicated.
What Are Rotating Barcodes?
A rotating barcode is a barcode that keeps changing. This prevents the barcode from being copied and used multiple times. With most standard 1D or 2D barcodes, the barcode number or pattern is static. So if someone copies down the barcode and distributes it, it can be scanned repeatedly by anyone with that barcode. Rotating barcodes work differently by generating a new barcode for each scan. Some of the key ways rotating barcodes work include:
– The barcode image itself changes after each scan. The numbers or pattern represented in the barcode graphic will be different.
– The barcode is tied to the ticket holder’s identity. Even if the barcode image looks the same, it will only allow entry for the person who purchased the ticket initially.
– The barcode relies on an online database to verify validity. It often needs to connect to the venue’s ticketing database upon each scan to check if it is still valid.
– The barcode changes on a timed interval, such as every 30 seconds. So it cannot be scanned more than once within a short period.
Rotating barcodes offer an effective way to prevent duplicated barcodes or tickets from being used by multiple people. The changing barcode numbers limit the ability for tickets to be “copied” and used repeatedly.
How Ticketmaster Uses Rotating Barcodes
Ticketmaster utilizes both venue-based and organizational rotating barcode systems. The specifics can vary between different venues and events using their platform. But in general, here is how Ticketmaster employs rotating barcode technology:
– Custom Rotating Barcodes for Venues – Large venues that work exclusively with Ticketmaster can have custom rotating barcode systems implemented. The venue has scanners linked to Ticketmaster’s databases that can read these changing barcodes and verify validity.
– Organizational Rotating Barcodes – For event organizers that use Ticketmaster to handle ticketing, Ticketmaster provides an organizational rotating barcode system that venues can be set up to integrate with upon scanning.
– Timed Interval Barcode Changes – Many Ticketmaster rotating barcodes change on set time intervals, such as every 30 seconds. This means a ticket holder must be scanned within 30 seconds of the barcode regeneration for it to verify.
– Identity-Linked Barcode Verification – In addition to changing barcode images, Ticketmaster’s rotating barcodes are often tied to the ticket purchaser’s name or other identification. This identity verification cross-checks against the database upon scanning.
– Online Verification – Most Ticketmaster tickets need to actively connect to their ticket databases to verify current barcode validity upon scanning. Without this database connection, the changing barcode images will not scan successfully.
Between these various mechanisms, Ticketmaster rotating barcodes offer enhanced security over static barcodes vulnerable to duplication.
Which Tickets Use Rotating Barcodes?
Ticketmaster does not utilize rotating barcodes for all events or venues using their platform. In general, larger venues and higher profile events tend to utilize their rotating barcode technology. A few key points on how barcode usage varies:
– Major Concerts & Sports – High-profile concert tours and major sporting event tickets are the most likely to have Ticketmaster rotating barcodes. These are events with the highest risk of counterfeiting and scalping.
– Exclusive Venues – Large venues that have an exclusive ticket sales and management agreement with Ticketmaster are more likely to use their rotating barcodes across most events.
– Organizer Preference – Event organizers and venues can opt into Ticketmaster’s rotating barcode system for their specific event. So usage varies across smaller venues and lower-profile events.
– Resale Tickets – Any tickets resold through Ticketmaster’s official resale marketplace also utilize their rotating barcode tech for verified resale.
– International Events – Ticketmaster rotating barcodes are primarily used for tickets sold for events within the United States and Canada. Their usage for other countries varies.
Without a comprehensive public list from Ticketmaster, it is difficult to say definitively which specific tickets will use rotating barcodes. But in general, if you have tickets for a major concert tour, pro sporting event, or other high-profile ticket at a large exclusive Ticketmaster venue, you can expect those tickets to have rotating barcodes applied.
Checking Your Tickets for Rotating Barcodes
If you want to confirm whether your Ticketmaster tickets have rotating barcodes, here are some tips:
– Check your ticket account – Within your Ticketmaster account that you used to purchase the tickets, you can view and manage your tickets. Rotating barcode tickets will be labeled as such here.
– Look for a QR code – Most Ticketmaster rotating barcode tickets also have a dynamic QR code along with the rotating 1D barcode. This QR code helps facilitate the scanner verification.
– See if the barcode image changes – If possible, visually compare the actual barcode image on your ticket periodically (such as once a minute) to see if the number pattern changes.
– Try to scan it more than once – If you have the barcode on a digital ticket or printed ticket, you can try scanning it with multiple scanners or apps to see if it allows multiple scans.
– Contact the venue – Reach out to the venue directly to inquire whether they utilize Ticketmaster rotating barcodes and integrate their scanner systems.
Overall the best indication is within your Ticketmaster account, where they should properly label any tickets with rotating barcodes when you manage your order and see your e-tickets. Venues can also confirm if they use Ticketmaster’s rotating technology.
Pros & Cons of Rotating Barcodes for Ticketmaster
Here are some key pros and cons in how Ticketmaster utilizes rotating barcode technology:
Pros
- Prevents duplicated barcodes and ticket fraud
- Limits scalping and resale overpricing
- Offers identity verification safeguards
- Provides a better ticket holder experience
- Is relatively convenient with digital tickets
Cons
- Cannot be used for paperless or phone-scan entry in some cases
- Can occasionally lead to longer entry lines
- Limits flexibility for ticket transfers
- Has technology requirements for venue scanners
- Does not guarantee valid attendance if groups enter separately
Overall rotating barcodes are a net positive in enhancing security and preventing mass ticket fraud. But there are some limitations in terms of flexibility and convenience tradeoffs venues and ticket holders take on by using this system.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster does utilize rotating barcode technology for many event tickets sold through their platform. This applies primarily to major concerts, sporting events, and other high-profile tickets at exclusive Ticketmaster partner venues. They employ various methods of changing barcode images, identity verification, and backend database checks to verify validity upon each scan. While not universal across all tickets, rotating barcodes help protect against duplication and mass counterfeiting when applied. Check your specific ticket purchase and work with the venue to confirm if you have Ticketmaster rotating barcodes for any upcoming events.