A ticket taker, also known as a ticket collector, is a person who works at the entrances to events such as concerts, plays, and sporting events. Before entering an event, his or her primary responsibility is to ensure that all customers have tickets. Additional customer service and administrative responsibilities may be assigned to ticket takers.
A ticket taker’s primary responsibility is to keep an event’s entrance secure. He or she has been trained to know what authentic tickets for specific events look like and how to spot counterfeit versions. Ticket takers may also be in charge of handing out programs and performing door checks so that people can leave and return to the area.
In addition to the general admission entrance, a ticket taker may also guard the entrance to the press boxes. Seats in press boxes are usually reserved for journalists. He or she is in charge of determining who is permitted access to the press box and ensuring that no one else is admitted. Knowing how to verify a journalist’s credentials or press pass is part of this.
Because event arenas often have multiple seating sections, ticket takers must be able to read customer tickets and quickly direct them to the appropriate sections. Although ushers are usually in charge of showing customers to their seats, ticket takers may be asked to help with seating as well. Customers may also be informed about the locations of restrooms, merchandise booths, or concession stands by a ticket taker.
These workers are frequently called upon to assist with customer service. A ticket taker may page an announcement over the intercom if customers are unable to locate members of their parties. Ticket takers may act as mediators in the event of customer disagreements, such as seat disputes.
Because event arenas can hold hundreds of thousands of people, all employees, including ticket takers, are usually required to follow safety regulations. They must be aware of the location of all fire exits so that they can direct customers in the event of an emergency. A ticket taker may be required to ensure that customers are not attempting to enter with illegal or dangerous items while guarding the entrance.
A ticket taker may also help with administrative duties. He or she keeps track of how many tickets have been returned and reports the total to the arena manager. Ticket takers may also help with the distribution of pamphlets or other marketing materials.
The majority of their work is usually completed prior to the actual events. Unless customers request assistance, they may be allowed to watch the event for free. When an event is finished, ticket takers make sure that customers leave safely.