Ticketmaster, the popular ticket sales and distribution company, has certain age requirements that must be met in order to create an account on their website or mobile app. Knowing the age requirement is important for anyone looking to purchase tickets to concerts, sports games, theater shows and other events through Ticketmaster.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that you must be at least 18 years old to create your own Ticketmaster account and make purchases. Ticketmaster requires users to be at least 18 years old based on their Terms of Use. This age requirement is strictly enforced.
Detailed Overview of the Age Requirement
Ticketmaster outlines their age requirements in the Terms of Use on their website. Specifically, section 1.2 states that you must be at least 18 years old to use the Ticketmaster website and mobile apps or to register for an account.
Here is the key excerpt from the Ticketmaster Terms of Use on age requirements:
“The Services are not targeted towards, nor intended for use by, anyone under the age of 18. You must be at least 18 years of age to use the Services, register for an Account, purchase Tickets, verify ticket transfers, redeem vouchers for Tickets, or perform any other activities on the Services. By using the Services, you represent and warrant that (a) you are at least 18 years of age.”
So in their official terms, Ticketmaster makes it very clear – you must be at least 18 years old to create an account, make purchases, and use other services on Ticketmaster.
Why Ticketmaster Requires Users to be 18+
There are a few key reasons why Ticketmaster enforces the 18+ age requirement:
- Legal contracts – Purchasing tickets involves entering into legal contracts, which minors are not able to do.
- Financial transactions – Processing ticket purchases and fees involves financial transactions, which require users to be legal adults.
- Mature content – Some events may have age restrictions or mature content not suitable for minors.
- Unaccompanied minors – Ticketmaster restricts unaccompanied minors from attending certain events.
- Fraud prevention – Requiring adult users helps prevent certain types of fraud or scalping.
Essentially, Ticketmaster considers ticket purchases to be legal contracts between adults. They want to ensure all users can agree to and comply with their terms, policies, and local laws. Requiring users to be 18+ helps facilitate responsible ticket sales.
Can You Make a Ticketmaster Account if You’re Under 18?
In general, you cannot create your own Ticketmaster account if you are under 18 years old. Trying to create an account when you do not meet the age requirement will result in errors or your account being restricted if your true age is discovered.
However, there are a few scenarios where someone under 18 can use Ticketmaster services:
- Parent/Guardian account – A parent or legal guardian who is over 18 can create a Ticketmaster account and purchase tickets for minors. The minors do not own the account.
- Emancipated minor – In some states, emancipated minors may be able to create accounts and enter contracts despite being under 18.
- Exceptions for events – Rarely, specific events may allow ticket purchases for those 13-17 with permission.
Outside of these exceptions, those under 18 generally cannot create or control their own Ticketmaster account. Minors must have a parent purchase tickets on their behalf through an account in the parent’s name.
Can You Use a Parents Account?
Minors are allowed to use Ticketmaster accounts registered to their parents or legal guardians. This requires the parent to create the account, control the login details, and make any purchases.
The child can still benefit from the parent’s Ticketmaster account in the following ways:
- The tickets are purchased in the parent’s name but are for the minor to attend the event.
- The minor can use the parent’s account login to access the tickets on their own mobile device or computer.
- Ticket transfers can move the tickets to the minor’s name when permitted.
- The minor can attend events, interact with their tickets, and use other Ticketmaster services.
So while minors cannot own a Ticketmaster account, they can fully utilize an existing account owned by a parent. Both the parent and minor can access the account as needed. The parent retains full control and oversight over all purchases and account activity.
Tips for Parents Purchasing Tickets for Minors
When a parent or guardian is purchasing tickets for minors through their Ticketmaster account, there are some helpful tips to follow:
- Use the minor’s name during checkout so tickets are assigned to them.
- Review the event age policies to ensure your child can attend.
- Provide the minor with login details so they can access the tickets.
- Transfer tickets to the minor’s name when allowed.
- Make sure the minor brings ID to the event to confirm their identity.
- Consider adding your mobile number to the tickets for the minor.
Following these tips will help ensure a smooth experience for both the parent and minor using the account for ticket purchases. The parent maintains oversight while the minor can conveniently access their ticket when needed.
Can a Minor Attend an Event Unaccompanied?
Whether a minor can attend an event unaccompanied largely depends on the specific age and event policies. Ticketmaster typically leaves these policies up to the event organizer or venue.
Here are some general guidelines on minors attending Ticketmaster events unaccompanied:
- Under 14: Usually always requires an accompanying parent or guardian.
- Ages 14-17: Sometimes allowed to attend unaccompanied with proper ID and permission.
- All ages: Higher risk events like concerts often require those under 18 to be with an adult.
The best practice is to carefully review the details for your specific event. The event or venue website will outline all attendance policies for minors. There is no universal policy across Ticketmaster for unaccompanied minors.
Some venues require signed permission forms from parents allowing unaccompanied attendance or have other limits. Always check the official policy to ensure your minor has proper authorization to attend without an adult.
Verification of Age at Events
To ensure appropriate age requirements are met, Ticketmaster and venues take certain steps to verify attendee ages:
- Tickets may require the age of the attendee to be provided during purchase for age-restricted events.
- Identification or other proof of age may be required upon entry to the event by Ticketmaster or the venue.
- Wristbands, hand stamps, or other markers may be issued after an ID check to confirm attendees are of proper age.
- Legal guardians may need to show ID matching the name on a minor’s ticket.
- Unused tickets may be forfeited if resold to those who do not meet the age requirements.
Ticketmaster aims to support both age limits and safe event attendance. Depending on the specific event and local laws, age verification requirements may vary. But some level of checking for proper attendee ages is common practice.
Special Exceptions
In very rare cases, Ticketmaster may allow exceptions to the 18+ account age requirement:
- Emancipated minors with legal independent status may be able to create accounts in certain states.
- Specific artists, teams, or venues may reduce age limits for special presales.
- Loyalty programs like Ticketmaster Verified Fan may have lower age limits.
- Contests or promotions could have different age rules than normal sales.
Outside of limited exceptions like these, the standard 18+ age requirement applies. And even when exceptions are made, there are often still restrictions preventing unaccompanied minors or requiring parental permission.
It is best to assume the 18+ age limit is firmly in place unless an event specifically promotes different age allowances through official Ticketmaster channels.
Account Options When Approaching 18
For those approaching 18 years old, there are options to prepare for using Ticketmaster services independently:
- Wait until your 18th birthday, then create your own Ticketmaster account.
- Ask for a parent account you can use jointly until you turn 18.
- Have a parent purchase and hold tickets you want until you can take ownership.
- Place desired tickets on hold then complete the purchase yourself once 18.
Those under 18 eager to use Ticketmaster can make plans for accessing services right at adulthood. Parents can support this transition with options like shared accounts, holding purchases, and agreeing to transfer tickets when permitted.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster sets an age requirement of 18+ for account creation and ticket purchases. This allows them to follow legal guidelines, prevent fraud, and facilitate responsible sales. While exceptions exist in limited cases, the 18+ policy is strictly enforced across most Ticketmaster services.
Those under 18 cannot create their own accounts. But minors can utilize parent accounts under supervision. Parents can then purchase event tickets for their children while maintaining oversight of the account.
Understanding Ticketmaster’s age requirements enables both parents and young customers to use Ticketmaster successfully. Following their policies ensures every attendee who uses their services, regardless of age, enjoys convenient access to amazing event experiences.