Technology / 10.18.18

Ticketmaster Acquires Live Events Blockchain Company Upgraded

Access Staff

Pollstar (10/18/18) Gottfried, Gideon

Ticketmaster has announced its purchase of Upgraded, a blockchain technology company servicing the live events industry. "Upgraded converts traditional tickets into secure interactive digital assets protected by blockchain, providing event creators with more control and visibility over ticket distribution, and protecting fans against fraudulent tickets," the company stated. Ticketmaster's goal through the acquisition is to establish a safe and personalized fan experience while supplying event owners with data identifying attendees and localizing ticket distribution. Upgraded's solution combines blockchain technology and dynamic, encrypted barcodes, eliminating paper-based pdf ticket fraud without having venues replace existing access control hardware. "The Upgraded team and technology fits into a suite of breakthrough live event products that include Ticketmaster Presence, Verified Fan, and Blink Identity, a facial recognition tool," Ticketmaster said. Upgraded CEO Sandy Khaund called Ticketmaster "the perfect platform for us to bring the unique promise of blockchain to millions of fans. Upgraded leverages Blockchain to maximize trust for ticket holders, give control and flexibility to content owners, and data to teams and performers."

Read the full article on the Pollstar website. 

Tags: Ticketmaster , Security , News , Blockchain , Mobile