TORONTO and WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ticketmaster, a Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq:TKTM) operating business, today announced that Hamilton's Copps Coliseum will be Ontario's first live entertainment venue permanently equipped to validate Ticketmaster's Paperless Ticket(tm). The installation supports the venue's requirements for enhanced end-to-end ticketing that supports consumer convenience and protection.
"Ticketmaster's Paperless Ticket(tm) enables Copps Coliseum to greater control ticket inventory and ensure tickets get into fans' hands in the manner and at the price they want," said Tom Worrall, Ticketmaster Canada's Chief Operating Officer.
"Presenting the best live events means ensuring we can offer sports franchises and entertainment presenters the most up-to-date services for seating sales and inventory tracking," said Duncan Gillespie, CEO at Copps Coliseum. "We are committed to delivering the best fan experience possible and Ticketmaster's Paperless Ticket(tm), which has already proved itself in major shows at leading venues in other markets, will enable us to have the flexibility to meet the marketing and sales requirements of the world's leading sporting and entertainment organizations and continue to bring our patrons the entertainment they deserve."
Ticketmaster developed the Paperless Ticket(tm) system as a way for consumers and event presenters to benefit from virtually validated, non-transferable paperless tickets. The technology creates an electronic ticket on the purchaser's credit card, up until their time of entry to the venue. This replaces the need for the consumer to hold a paper ticket prior to the event. They simply arrive, provide a credit card and photo identification for paperless ticket validation upon entering the venue and they'll be given a receipt and granted immediate access.
Ticketmaster's Paperless Ticket(tm) technology was originally developed and launched in 2008 in response to fan and client requests for a non-transferable ticketing option that provides enhanced convenience and security in one simple transaction. Paperless Ticket(tm) was first employed for Tom Waits' 2008 "Glitter and Doom" tour; then, in September 2008, more than 18,000 fans attending Metallica's concert at the 02 Arena in London were scanned in using Paperless Ticket(tm). Recently The MTS Centre in Manitoba opted to make the Paperless Ticket(tm) delivery choice for 20 percent of fans who purchase tickets to Metallica's October 12th concert. AC/DC's late-2008 tour also used Paperless Ticket(tm) for up to 3,000 seats each night, helping to ensure fan club members and fans purchasing designated seats were able to secure their tickets at face value.
About Copps Coliseum
Copps Coliseum is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and has been one of the top attractions in the area since opening in 1985. The facility has been constantly updated with the guest services that keep visitors coming back time after time. Many sports organizations have called Copps Coliseum home. Currently, the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL are Copps Coliseum's key tenant. With a seating capacity of up to 19,000, Copps Coliseum is capable of hosting events outside of hockey such as concerts and basketball games.
About Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc.
Ticketmaster Entertainment consists of Ticketmaster and Front Line Management Group. As the world's leading live entertainment ticketing and marketing company, Ticketmaster connects the world to live entertainment. Ticketmaster operates in 20 global markets, providing ticket sales, ticket resale services, marketing and distribution through www.ticketmaster.com, one of the largest e-commerce sites on the Internet; approximately 7,100 retail outlets; and 17 worldwide call centers. Established in 1976, Ticketmaster serves more than 10,000 clients worldwide across multiple event categories, providing exclusive ticketing services for leading arenas, stadiums, professional sports franchises and leagues, college sports teams, performing arts venues, museums, and theaters. In 2008, the Company sold more than 141 million tickets valued at over $8.9 billion on behalf of its clients. Ticketmaster Entertainment acquired a controlling interest in Front Line Management Group in October 2008. Founded by Irving Azoff and Howard Kaufman in 2004, Front Line Management Group is the world's leading artist management company. Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. is headquartered in West Hollywood, California (Nasdaq:TKTM).