Where Are My Tickets?

Get your questions answered about the ticket transfer process.

Where are my tickets and when will I get them?

Waiting for tickets can be stressful, especially as your event gets closer. If you haven't received your tickets yet, don't panic. This guide explains exactly how ticket delivery works when you buy your tickets from Event Tickets Center and why you don’t always receive your tickets immediately after purchase.

First and foremost: Every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee. This means your tickets will arrive in time for the event and your tickets will be valid for entry. If for some reason this isn’t the case, you will be eligible for a full refund.

1. Understanding Delivery Timing: "Why don't I have them yet?"

Because Event Tickets Center is a secondary marketplace, you are buying tickets from third-party sellers like individual fans, brokers, or licensed firms. In many cases, the seller does not have the actual barcode in hand at the moment you buy the ticket.

The "In Hand" Date

When you placed your order, you were given an "Estimated Delivery Date." This is the date the seller has guaranteed they will have the tickets from the venue. This is a "latest possible" date. In most cases, tickets arrive much sooner than this date. You can check this date at any time by reviewing your confirmation email.

The 24-48 Hour Venue Release Rule

This is the most common reason for delay. Many primary venues and teams (like Ticketmaster, AXS, or MLB stadiums) now implement delayed release policies to prevent fraud.

What this means: Even if the seller wants to send your tickets early, the venue may not "unlock" the barcodes until 24 to 48 hours before the event starts.

Don't worry: This is standard industry practice. As soon as the venue releases the barcodes to the seller, the seller will transfer them to you.

2. Delivery Methods: How to Find Your Tickets

The method of delivery depends on the type of ticket you purchased. The most common source of confusion is Mobile Transfer.

A. Mobile Transfer (Most Common)

Crucial Note: These are not PDF attachments, and they do not come directly from an Event Tickets Center email address.

What it is: These tickets are transferred from the seller's account to yours via a third-party app, like Ticketmaster, AXS, or MLB Ballpark.

How to get them:

  • Check your email: Look for an email from the venue or primary ticketer (e.g., "Ticketmaster Transfer," "You've been sent tickets," or the name of the team/artist).
  • Click "Accept": Open the email and click the "Accept Tickets" button.
  • Login/Create Account: You will be prompted to log in to that third-party provider's account (or create one) using the same email address you used to buy the tickets on our site.
  • View Barcode: Once accepted, the tickets will sit in that app. You will scan your phone at the gate using that app.

B. Mobile E-Tickets / Instant Download

What it is: These are standard digital files (PDFs) or QR codes.

How to get them: You will receive an email from Event Tickets Center with a link to download your tickets. This email will also contain instructions on how to download.

C. Physical Shipping (UPS/FedEx)

What it is: Traditional hard stock tickets or wristbands.

How to track: Once shipped, you will receive an email with information regarding the shipment including tracking number and expected delivery date, if available. Some packages require a signature on delivery, depending on the shipping service used.

3. Troubleshooting: "I still can't find my tickets"

If the delivery date has passed and you cannot locate your tickets, try these steps before contacting support:

  • Check Spam and Junk Folders: This resolves the majority of missing ticket issues.
  • Search All Keywords: Go to your email search bar and type in the name of the Artist, the Venue, or keywords like "Tickets," "Transfer," or "Accept". Do not just search for "Event Tickets Center," because the transfer email will likely come from a third party.
  • Did you use a different email? Double-check if you might have used a work email, a spouse's email, or an old address when checking out. Many times, customers mistype the email address, making it difficult to track down tickets without contacting customer support.
  • For Mobile Transfers: It’s important to remember that the tickets do not just show up in your account after being transferred. In order to claim them and finish the ticket transfer process, you must locate the transfer email and click "Accept".

4. Other Scenarios

Last Minute Orders

If you buy tickets within 24 hours of the event, the "Estimated Delivery Date" is usually the date of the event. Sellers prioritize last minute orders to make sure you get into the event and ensure there are no issues with the order. Be sure to check your email regularly, so you don’t miss the transfer email. In many cases of last minute orders, you will receive an email with your tickets very soon after you purchase.

Changed Delivery Date

Occasionally, you may receive a notification that your delivery date has changed. This is almost always because the venue changed their release schedule, forcing the seller to wait longer to access the barcodes.This does not mean your order is cancelled; it just means the timeline has shifted.

Still Need Help?

If your event is within 4 hours and you still cannot access your tickets after following the steps above, please contact us immediately.

We are committed to getting you into your event!