Ticket media refers to any form of media that requires a ticket for access or participation. This includes things like concerts, plays, movies, theme parks, museums, sporting events, and more. The “ticket” serves as proof of purchase or reservation that grants the holder access to the event or venue. Some key things to know about ticket media:
Types of Ticket Media
There are several major types of ticket media:
- Concerts – Music concerts across all genres require tickets for entry. This includes small club shows, major arena concerts, music festivals, etc. Tickets are sold through the artist’s website, ticket seller platforms, or box offices.
- Theater – Plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances take place in venues like Broadway theaters, local playhouses, etc. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or at the theater box office.
- Movies – Movie theaters use tickets to control access to film screenings. Tickets may be bought at the theater, online, or through third-party sellers. Multiplexes allow customers to purchase tickets for specific showtimes and screens.
- Sporting Events – Professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, etc. sell tickets directly or through approved third-party vendors. Tickets guarantee a seat at the event and control stadium capacity.
- Museums & Attractions – Museums, theme parks, zoos, and other attractions require tickets for entry. Options like annual memberships and discount passes provide alternative ways to gain entry.
Ticket Format
Event tickets come in several formats:
- Paper – Traditional printed tickets contain details like the event name, date, seat number, etc. Paper tickets may have a detachable stub that is collected upon entry.
- E-Ticket – Also known as electronic ticket, e-tickets contain a unique barcode or QR code. They allow contactless access to events by scanning the code digitally from a smartphone.
- Wristband – Silicone or fabric wristbands are used as tickets, primarily for multi-day festivals. They are secured around the wrist and tightened to prevent removal.
- Mobile – Many mobile tickets consist of scannable barcodes delivered electronically to smartphones that can be displayed at the venue entrance.
Ticket Pricing
There are a variety of factors that determine ticket pricing:
- Demand – Popular artists, shows, teams, events etc. can charge higher prices based on high demand.
- Venue Size – Larger venues typically have higher ticket prices. A Broadway musical in a huge theater costs more than a community playhouse show.
- Location – Front row, floor seats, field access, etc. are more expensive ticket locations closer to the action.
- Date/Time – Weekend and evening events often cost more than weekday matinees.
- Purchase Time – Last-minute tickets typically increase in cost as availability shrinks.
Dynamic and fluctuating pricing models are often used today to adjust ticket costs based on changing demand levels leading up to an event.
Secondary Ticket Market
In addition to primary ticket sellers, there is a massive secondary market for event tickets:
- Resellers – Third-party ticket companies like StubHub purchase tickets in bulk and resell them, often at inflated prices. No formal relationship exists with the event holder.
- Ticket Exchanges – Some teams/artists have official ticket exchanges or marketplaces for fans to resell extra tickets at face value or defined resale value.
- Scalpers – Individual ticket scalpers acquire tickets hoping to resell them outside venues at a profit. This informal street-level sale of tickets is technically illegal in many places.
- Tour Packages – Bundled travel packages that include tickets, hotels, transportation, etc. target devoted out-of-town fans.
The secondary market provides options for sold out events but is plagued by counterfeit tickets and price gouging.
Future Directions
Some future innovations in ticket media include:
- Blockchain Ticketing – Blockchain-based platforms offer more transparency, security, and control over fraud.
- Flexible Pricing – Demand-based flexible pricing will become more widespread.
- Biometrics – Face scanning, fingerprints, etc. may provide entry and limit scalping and fakes.
- Wearable Tech – Smart watches or other integrated access devices could replace traditional tickets.
- VR/AR – Virtual and augmented reality may allow remote virtual access to some ticketed events.
- NFTs – Non-fungible tokens provide digital ownership of tickets and more creative marketing.
Conclusion
Tickets remain the key method for managing access to high-demand events, venues, and attractions. As technology evolves, paper ticketing is giving way to electronic and mobile formats designed to be more secure and convenient. The growing secondary market continues to profit from ticket scarcity, while presenting problems for consumers. Innovations on the horizon promise to further transform the look, utility, and role of ticket media across the spectrum of live entertainment and venues.