E-tickets, also known as electronic tickets, have become the standard method for purchasing tickets for concerts and other events. An e-ticket is a digital ticket that is purchased online and stored on your smartphone or computer. E-tickets provide several advantages over traditional paper tickets. They eliminate the need to wait in line to purchase tickets or pick them up. They also reduce the risk of lost, stolen, or counterfeit tickets. This article will provide an in-depth explanation of how e-tickets work for concert events and the benefits they provide.
Purchasing E-Tickets
E-tickets are purchased online through the official website or ticketing partner of the concert venue or event. Most major concert venues and promoters like Live Nation and AEG Presents offer tickets through their own websites. Tickets can also be purchased through licensed ticket brokers like Ticketmaster or AXS.
When you purchase e-tickets you will need to create an account or sign-in to an existing account with the ticketing company. You will need to provide your name, email address, and credit card information. The ticketing site will have you select the specific event, date, and seats you want to purchase. Once the transaction is complete, the cost of the tickets will be charged to your credit card.
Delivery Options
There are a few different delivery methods for e-tickets:
- Mobile delivery – The e-ticket barcode is delivered directly to the ticket purchaser’s smartphone via text message or email. The barcode can be scanned directly from the phone screen at the concert entrance. This provides easy access to your tickets at all times.
- Print at home – The ticket purchaser can print the e-ticket barcode and information on their home printer. The printed copy can be scanned at the concert entrance.
- Will call pickup – Tickets are held for pickup at the concert box office. The purchaser will need to present the credit card used to make the purchase and a photo ID.
Mobile delivery and print at home options allow you to access your tickets immediately without waiting in will call lines. However, will call pickup can provide peace of mind against lost tickets.
E-Ticket Barcodes
The key component of e-tickets is the unique barcode. This barcode contains all the important ticket information including:
- Event name
- Date
- Seat location
- Price paid
- Section, row, and seat number
When the barcode is scanned it signals to the ticketing system that the ticket has been redeemed for entry. The scanner will display the event details and seat location to allow entry. Barcodes help prevent duplication of tickets and fraud. E-ticket barcodes also eliminate confusion over counterfeit paper tickets.
Sample E-Ticket Barcode
This is an example of a unique e-ticket barcode. The numbers below the barcode provide event details. When scanned the system will validate it and display the seat location assigned to this ticket.
Benefits of E-Tickets
There are many benefits to using e-tickets over traditional paper tickets for concerts and events.
Convenience
E-tickets provide a convenient option for accessing your tickets at any time. Tickets can be accessed via your smartphone for scanning on-site. There is no need to visit a ticket office or risk leaving home without your tickets. E-tickets reduce the stress of misplacing paper tickets as replacements can be easily accessed online.
Speed
Long ticket office lines are eliminated with e-tickets. On-site ticket scanning moves quicker as each barcode is unique per customer. Some venues even allow entry through dedicated e-ticket lanes for faster access.
Cost Savings
Concert promoters can save substantial money on e-tickets with reduced printing and mailing costs. Some ticketing sites will pass along a portion of this saving with lower service fees for e-ticket purchases.
Environmental Benefits
By providing digital tickets there is a massive reduction in paper waste and carbon emissions from printing, shipping, and disposing of traditional tickets. E-tickets are a green solution that benefits the environment.
Prevent Fraud
The unique barcodes assigned to each purchaser prevent duplication and counterfeiting of tickets. Scans also allow venues to confirm validity before entry. This provides security against fraudulent entry with fake tickets.
Track Attendance
Scanning e-ticket barcodes provides promoters and venues with real-time attendance data. This allows them to see total sales and attendance leading up to and during events. The data can help optimize future concert planning.
E-Ticket FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about e-tickets:
Can tickets be transferred or resold?
Ticketing companies have different policies on transfers. Many restrict transfers as e-tickets are tied to the original purchasing account. Some provide transfer features for re-assignment to other accounts for a fee. Resale is usually restricted until after the tickets have been purchased and delivered.
What if my phone dies or I lost signal?
You can usually access transferred tickets via a mobile web browser as a backup. Printed tickets or will call pickup can also provide redundancy. However, mobile tickets provide the most convenience if your phone remains charged.
How are seats assigned?
Seats are assigned at the time of purchase, not when scanning the tickets. The e-ticket barcode links back to the specific seats selected so the location is guaranteed. Some events allow general admission entry without assigned seats.
Can tickets be refunded or exchanged?
Refund and exchange policies will vary by event. There are usually strict limits or cutoff dates for refunds and exchanges. Purchasers should review policies carefully before completing the e-ticket purchase.
What if I didn’t receive my ticket barcode?
Most ticketing sites will resend the barcode information if not initially received. You can also retrieve tickets from your account online. Contact the ticketing company customer service for any delivery issues.
Scanning E-Tickets at the Concert
When you arrive at the concert venue look for designated e-ticket and mobile entry lanes. Have your e-ticket barcode ready to scan either on your smartphone screen or a printed copy.
At the entry point a venue staffer will scan the barcode from your phone or printout. The scanner displays the section, row, and seat number assigned to that ticket. The staffer may also request to see the purchaser’s ID that matches the name on the ticket.
After scanning, you will be permitted to enter the venue and find your assigned seat. If there are any issues with the barcode scan or questions on your ticket’s validity, check with the ticketing company directly. They can confirm if the tickets have been properly delivered and activated.
Tips for Smooth E-Ticket Entry
To ensure a smooth e-ticket experience, follow these tips:
- Save your e-ticket barcode to your phone’s camera roll or screenshots
- Add your tickets to your phone’s digital wallet for quick access
- Keep your phone charged and bring a backup charger
- Arrive early in case of any entry delays
- Know your seat location and venue layout in advance
- Bring a paper printout as a backup
- Download your ticket barcodes for offline access
Avoid using paper copies for environmental reasons and backed-up digital tickets provide the easiest concert entry.
The Future of E-Ticketing
The convenience of e-ticketing makes it unlikely that paper tickets will make a comeback. Mobile tickets will only grow in popularity as more venues adopt technology like near-field communication (NFC) for tap-and-enter with smartphones.
Some emerging e-ticket technologies include:
- NFC entry with tap-enabled smartphones
- Smart wristbands with built-in ticket IDs
- Facial recognition entry gates
- Blockchain-backed tickets
These innovations will provide added security and faster gates for easier venue access. Mobile ticketing will continue improving the concert experience for fans in the coming years.
Conclusion
E-ticketing has firmly established itself as the new standard for concerts and live events. By purchasing tickets online and storing receipts and barcodes on your smartphone, you can conveniently access tickets anytime without fear of losing them. Venues can scan digital barcodes to validate entry and track attendance in real-time. Fans benefit from quicker ticket buying, faster entry lanes, reduced fraud, and environmental savings. While some may cling to the nostalgia of paper tickets, e-tickets provide significant advantages concerts today. Mobile ticketing innovation will only grow in the years ahead, making entry to your favorite concerts smoother than ever.
