When you purchase tickets from Ticketmaster, there are a few different ways you can receive and access your tickets. The options available will depend on the event you are attending and the policies set by the event organizer. Here is an overview of the most common ways to get tickets from Ticketmaster:
Mobile Tickets
Mobile tickets have become one of the most popular ways to receive tickets from Ticketmaster in recent years. With mobile tickets, you will receive a text message or email shortly before the event with a link to access your tickets. You can then access your tickets by opening the link on your smartphone and showing the barcode directly from your phone screen at the venue. Some of the benefits of mobile tickets include:
- Convenient – tickets are delivered right to your phone and accessible at any time.
- Secure – reducing risks of lost paper tickets and fraud.
- Go Green – no need for printing paper tickets.
Mobile tickets have become the default method for many major concerts, sports events, and other events. In many cases, mobile tickets may be your only option when purchasing through Ticketmaster.
Print-at-Home Tickets
Print-at-home tickets are another popular delivery method offered by Ticketmaster. With these tickets, you will receive an email with an attached PDF ticket shortly after your purchase. You can print out the PDF on your home printer and bring it to the event. Some key things to know about print-at-home tickets:
- Provides a physical ticket without mail delivery wait.
- Must have access to a printer.
- Easy to reprint if lost.
- No mobile access – must print tickets.
Print-at-home tickets give you the flexibility of getting tickets instantly without mail delivery. However, you do need access to a printer. Make sure to print on high quality paper stock for best results.
Mail Delivery
For some events, Ticketmaster may mail out physical paper tickets to you. This traditional delivery method is less common today but is still used for some event types. If you select mail delivery, your tickets will be sent via first class mail to the address you provide when purchasing. Some things to keep in mind with mail tickets:
- Tickets are sent 2-4 weeks before event.
- Provides souvenir hard tickets.
- Risk of lost tickets in mail.
- No duplicate tickets – must be reordered if lost.
Mail delivery ensures you get traditional collectible ticket stubs but requires allowing time for postal service delivery. Make sure your mailing address is up-to-date to avoid any issues.
Will Call Pickup
Some events may allow you to select will call pickup when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster. With this option, your tickets will be held at the event venue’s will call box office to be picked up in person when you arrive. Will call pickup allows:
- Avoids risks of lost tickets.
- No need to wait for delivery.
- Must pick up in person at venue.
- Need valid photo ID to claim tickets.
With will call, your tickets are guaranteed to be waiting for you at the venue. Just remember to bring your order confirmation and a valid photo ID to claim your tickets at the box office.
Instant Download / Flash Seats
For some venues and events, Ticketmaster offers instant digital ticket downloads or Flash Seats delivery. With these options, you can securely download a digital pass and add it to a digital wallet app like Apple Wallet or Google Pay. You then show your phone at the gate for entry. Benefits include:
- Instant access to tickets.
- Skip will call lines.
- Convenient digital storage.
- Must have smartphone to use.
Instant downloads give quick access without mailing or printing required. However, you need a smartphone and digital wallet setup to take advantage of these options.
Ticketmaster Verified Tickets
In some cases, Ticketmaster may require you to use their Verified Tickets system for entry. This means your ticket barcode can only be scanned using the Ticketmaster app and will be invalid if screen-shotted or photocopied. Some key points about Verified Tickets:
- Enhanced security features.
- Must enter event with Ticketmaster app.
- Restricts transferability of tickets.
While more secure, Verified Tickets reduce your options for accessing, transferring, or selling your tickets. You’ll need to enter the event with your tickets ready in the Ticketmaster app.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster offers ticket delivery through mobile tickets, print-at-home, mail, will call pickup, instant downloads, and verified tickets. The options available will vary by event. Mobile tickets provide a convenient digital option, while print-at-home allows getting tickets instantly without mail wait. For security, will call pickup or Ticketmaster’s verified tickets system can help avoid lost ticket risks. Be sure to pay attention to delivery method during checkout, and understand the pros and cons of each method.
| Delivery Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Tickets | Convenient digital access, eco-friendly, reduced fraud risks | Must have smartphone |
| Print at Home | Instant ticket access, reusable if lost | Must have printer, not mobile friendly |
| Mail Delivery | Physical souvenir ticket, original method | Delivery delays, risks of lost mail |
| Will Call Pickup | Avoids delivery risks, held at venue for you | Must pickup in person, venue box office lines |
| Instant Download | Fast no wait access, digital wallet storage | Requires smartphone and app setup |
| Verified Tickets | Enhanced anti-fraud security | Restricts transferability, must use Ticketmaster app |
Other Ticketing Websites
While Ticketmaster is the primary source for tickets to major concerts, sports, and entertainment events, there are some other options worth considering:
Official Event or Venue Websites
In some cases, tickets may be sold directly through the official website for a venue or event. This allows you to purchase tickets directly from the source and avoid any third party fees. However, venue sites often redirect to Ticketmaster for sales.
Bandsintown
Bandsintown is a concert discovery app that also offers direct ticket purchasing integration with no added fees. Their selection focuses on smaller concerts and clubs vs major arena events.
AXS
AXS is a ticketing platform owned by AEG that serves as an alternative to Ticketmaster. They sell tickets for events at AEG venues and various other partner venues. Offers competitive fees and good mobile features.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek is a ticket resale marketplace where individuals and brokers can resell event tickets. Provides more options for sold out events. But resale prices may be higher.
Vivid Seats
Similar to SeatGeek, Vivid Seats is a secondary ticket exchange that allows ticket resales between users. Also offers a 100% buyer guarantee on validity of tickets.
StubHub
Owned by Viagogo, StubHub is one of the largest secondary marketplaces for ticket resales. Provides fan-friendly guarantees but does charge higher fees than primary sellers.
While Ticketmaster remains the dominant primary ticketing source, exploring alternative ticketing sites can sometimes yield better prices or options for hard to get events and tickets. Make sure to compare all fees carefully when evaluating different ticketing websites.
Tips for Purchasing Tickets
Here are some helpful tips when purchasing tickets from Ticketmaster or other ticket sellers:
- Check fan club and artist presales for early ticket access before general public sales.
- Sign up for Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program for better access to popular events.
- Use the Ticketmaster app for quicker checkout speeds on mobile devices.
- Compare prices across primary and resale sites, but watch out for extra fees.
- Only buy from trusted sites to avoid counterfeit tickets.
- Read up on ticket policies and delivery methods before selecting.
- Act fast! The best tickets go quick, so checkout quickly.
With high demand events, the best deals and seats sell out extremely fast. Savvy fans should do their homework ahead of sales and be ready to purchase at the exact sale start time for the best shot at good seats. Patience and persistence are key.
The Future of Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster has been the dominant player in event ticketing for over 40 years since its founding in 1976. However, the industry continues to evolve as technology advances and new players emerge. Here are some possible things to expect in Ticketmaster’s future:
- Continued expansion of mobile ticketing and contactless entry through digital tickets and RFID.
- More variable and dynamic ticket pricing algorithms rather than fixed set prices.
- Increased focus on curbing secondary reseller market with Official Platinum pricing and fan vetting.
- Enhanced data analytics to help event partners optimize ticket sales, pricing, and offers.
- Partnerships or acquisitions of emerging startups in ticketing space.
- Potential anti-trust challenges from regulators and competitors on Ticketmaster’s dominant market position.
While Ticketmaster sits comfortably atop the ticketing industry for now, increased competition and new innovations could threaten their position in the long run. As events recover from the pandemic, it will be interesting to watch how Ticketmaster adapts to the next generation of event ticketing in the 2020s.