No more paper tickets at Pistons, Red Wings games: Here's how it works
Detroit basketball and hockey fans don't have to worry about forgetting their paper tickets at home anymore.
Little Caesars Arena announced Wednesday its plans to switch to mobile ticketing for all Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons games, according to a news release.
Starting with the upcoming 2018-19 season, fans will no longer be able to use paper tickets to enter the arena.
Olympia Entertainment, which operates the arena, said in the news release that Ticketmaster technology will be utilized for ticket purchasing.
"The Ticketmaster technology, adopted in arenas throughout the country, also reduces the chance of fraudulent tickets, allows for convenient online transfer and re-sale of tickets, and provides a user-friendly platform for the online management of tickets," the company said in a statement.
Mobile ticketing allows fans to use their phone as a game ticket through a scanned bar code on the phone's screen.
Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., and Charlie Metzger, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer for the Detroit Pistons released a joint statement noting the benefits of mobile ticketing.
"Both our organizations have been testing mobile technologies throughout the last year and have received positive feedback from both sports fans and concert goers. Guests are provided a streamlined and convenient experience, along with greater security when tickets are sold or transferred. Ticketmaster has built a user-friendly platform that is being utilized by fans in arenas and stadiums throughout the country. We're excited to fully transition to the mobile ticketing process, and continue to provide our guests a world-class sports and entertainment experience."
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According to the release, the District Detroit App is the best way for purchasing Red Wings tickets, while Pistons tickets can be purchased through the team's app. Both apps are available on iPhone and Android devices.
However, the switch does raise questions for non-smartphone users and season-ticket holders. Here are some things you need to know about the switch:
Say goodbye to paper tickets
Paper tickets for Pistons and Red Wings fan will no longer be sold, regardless if you're a smartphone user or not. Those without access to a smartphone who would like to attend games are asked to call Little Caesars Arena XFINITY Box Office at 313-471-7929 in advance of the game or visit the box office on game day to get tickets.
Fans whose phone is broken or loses connection on game day are asked to visit the Little Caesars Arena XFINITY Box Office to have tickets printed. A photo ID that matches the name on the account should be presented.
Accessing mobile tickets
Tickets can be accessed via the account manager tab on apps for the Pistons and the Red Wings. Tickets can be sold and transferred online. Multiple tickets can be used on one smartphone for entry to the arena. More instructions about accessing Red Wings tickets can be viewed here.
Season ticket holders
Full-season ticket holders will receive a commemorative printed ticket to celebrate the upcoming season, and game tickets will be loaded into season ticket holders' online Ticketmaster account at the end of August.
What about concerts?
The change is currently in effect for upcoming Pistons and Red Wings games. The release didn't specify about the change being applied to concert events.