TicketMaster, the ticketing giant that we’ve all grown up depending on for all our event going needs (before StubHub) is taking the next logical step into digital media: merging with Facebook. Rather than create their own social platform, TicketMaster is using Facebook’s API to allow you to check into your seats at a show, and allow you to see where all your Facebook friends are sitting at the same show. No more lying to your friends about floor seats when you were in the nosebleeds.
If you ever checked the FourSquare Map to see just how far away the bar your friend is having “The Best Night of His Life” at is, you kinda already know how this works. The App will display a Facebook infused map, with the seating chart and little Facebook flags and avatars where all your friends are sitting. TicketMaster says that this will take event goers back to pre-web ticket buying. I’m not really sure how it does that, but hey, it definitely beats jumping up and down and waving at your friends during an intermission.
I can think of a bunch of reasons as to why this is awesome. First off, before you even buy tickets to a show, you can see where people you know are sitting. Maybe your really good friends, maybe someone you’ve lost touch with, or maybe just some girl who you’ve been waiting for a shot with. But say none of your friends are going! Sucks, right? Well with the new App, you can actually see who’s sitting in the seats next to you, even if you aren’t already friends. I think you know where to go from there. If you’re seeing the same show, it’s safe to say you already have something in common, so roll with it. Making friends with people you don’t know is the new way of the world. Just don’t try to lock them in your trunk after the show or anything.
9,ooo shows and venues are already using the technology. I have no idea if that is a big number or not but definitely exciting. The App also allows you to purchas tickets from nearby venues, post your seats on Facebook, and nudge friends to buy tickets too. Is it bad that my first thought was whether or not I could walk by a luxury box at Yankee stadium and check into it? Not that Facebook doesn’t already know I’m a big deal. In any case, congrats Ticketmaster. This is totally worth the Surcharges.
