photo credit: Colin Lloyd

Ticketmaster Australia now allows fans to check the status of their vaccinations at check-in.

The new process was tested during a cricket match at Marvel Stadium, a 53,000-seat stadium. 50% of fans attending the match used the new check-in process, which Ticketmaster deemed successful. On the day of the event, ticket holders receive an email and text linking them to the venue’s COVID-19 registration page.

Gavin Taylor, Marketing Director, Ticketmaster Australia, said, “We are focused on providing customers, venues and fans with the easiest and safest innovations to bring back the magic of LIVE.” “This latest vaccine certificate integration, tested in partnership with Marvel Stadium, is a major step in bringing fans back to their favorite events safely. ,

Ticketmaster Australia says its COVID registration integration will be rolled out in other locations in the coming weeks.

However, not everyone is happy with the idea of ​​a “vaccine passport”. In November 2020, Ticketmaster denied reports that it would force fans to prove they had a negative COVID-19 vaccine or test for the BBC.

A Ticketmaster spokesperson told the BBC: “Ticketmaster does not have the authority to establish policies regarding security/entry requirements, which would include vaccines or testing protocols.” “This is at the discretion of the event organizer. Ticketmaster continues to work with event planners on all COVID safety measures, and it will be up to each event planner to define future requirements based on their preferences and local health guidelines . “

These “local health guidelines” are the main difference between what Ticketmaster told the BBC (UK) and what is happening in Australia. Australia has some of the toughest lockdowns in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

For example, in Victoria and Queensland, concert halls can only be opened to participants and staff who are fully immunized or exempt. South Australia currently operates under Level 1 restrictions, meaning that venues are limited to 75% for seated events and 50% for permanent events.