Ticketek Launches Accessible Ticket Booking Platform
Ticketek, one of Australia’s two major ticketing agencies, is making it easier for people with a disability to get tickets to the show.
Announced today, the ticketing giant rolls out its new digital solution which reps say levels the playing field for potentially millions of folks with disabilities who are keen to attend events where the Ticketek is the authorised provider.
Qudos Bank Arena, Rod Laver Arena and Suncorp Stadium are among the 30-plus participating venues at launch.
Ticketek’s online accessible booking platform enables consumers to select specific seats within a venue to match their needs and buy both accessible and non-accessible tickets within the same transaction.
Owned by TEG, the live entertainment, ticketing and technology giant, Ticketek sells over 23 million tickets to more than 20,000 events each year in Australia.
According to reps, Ticketek’s engineers built the new service following customer feedback and consultation with government bodies, industry partners, and advocacy groups including Spinal Life Australia and the Physical Disability Council of NSW, on improving the booking experience of people with disability.
The initiative ensures those with a disability — roughly one in every six people in Australia, or about 4.4 million people, according to AIHW research, have the “same opportunities as the rest of the community.”
“At Ticketek we believe that all Australians should have equal opportunities to attend their favourite events,” comments Ticketek managing director Cameron Hoy. “Offering an ideal purchasing experience for accessible seating is a project we hold close to our hearts. We are aware that the process has not been as easy as it should be to date, so we are delighted to be delivering this improved experience for fans and their companions.”
Ed Morris, CEO of the Physical Disability Council of NSW, applauds the development. “These changes mean fans of music, sport and events who need accessible tickets can now purchase them from Ticketek like everybody else: online, in real time when tickets go on sale,” he comments.
The organisation will conduct a focus group with Ticketek, engage with community on the platform, and continue working with the live entertainment expert on what should be an evolving platform.
“We are proud to have worked with Ticketek to introduce true equity to ticketing,” enthuses Mark Townend, CEO of Spinal Life Australia. “The same customer experience whether people have a disability or not is a new benchmark in accessibility for all Australian companies to aspire to.”
Accessible seating can now be booked online for selected events at the venues listed below. The same flexibility will be gradually rolled-out to other Ticketek venues.
• AAMI Park (VIC)
• Qudos Bank Arena (NSW)
• Riverside Theatre (PCEC) (WA)
• Rod Laver Arena (VIC)
• Enmore (NSW)
• Astor Theatre (WA)
• Leichhardt Oval (NSW)
• Bluebet Stadium (NSW)
• Orange Civic Theatre (NSW)
• The Star Event Center (NSW)
• Suncorp Stadium (QLD)
• Sidney Myer Music Bowl (Arts Centre Melbourne) (VIC)
• Commbank Stadium (NSW)
• Melbourne Arena (John Cain Arena) (VIC)
• Brisbane Powerhouse (QLD)
• Dunstan Playhouse (Adelaide Festival Centre) (SA)
• Festival Theatre (Adelaide Festival Centre) (SA)
• Her Majesty’s Theatre (Adelaide Festival Centre) (SA)
• Space Theatre (Adelaide Festival Centre) (SA)
• Comedy Theatre (Marriner Group) (VIC)
• Forum Melbourne (Marriner Group) (VIC)
• Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne) (VIC)
• Her Majesty’s Theatre (VIC)
• Playhouse (Arts Centre Melbourne) (VIC)
• Princess Theatre (Marriner Group) (VIC)
• Regent Theatre (Marriner Group) (VIC)
• State Theatre (Arts Centre Melbourne) (VIC)
• Regal Theatre (WA)
• Sydney Coliseum Theatre (NSW)
• ICC Darling Harbour Theatre (NSW)
• PAC Pavilion (NSW)
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (VIC)
• Allianz Stadium (NSW)
• RAC Arena (WA)
Visit Ticketek for more.