Abstract: Systems and methods dynamically group seats in a venue to provide for discretized ticket pricing. Data and information (e.g., historical sales data, venue data, etc.) are used to compute a grouping metric for seats in a venue that is reflective of a desirability of the seat. An inventory manager sets a parameter, which influences how the seats are grouped into sections. For example, the manager can slide a marker across a sliding bar to identify a number of unique sections. Metric ranges are set accordingly, and seats are appropriately assigned to sections based on which range their metrics fall within. An interactive seat map presents an indication as to which seats are assigned to which sections (e.g., via coloring, the indication further indicating a number of unique groups) while an inventory manager adjusts the parameter.

Abstract: Techniques herein attempt to provide actors with more flexible and satisfactory experiences regarding obtaining tickets for an event. A learning model may identify attributes indicative of whether a particular actor (e.g., attempting to purchase tickets to an event) possesses a desirable characteristic (e.g., is likely to attend the event). Each actor can then be evaluated to estimate whether she is a good actor (possesses the characteristic). If so, favored opportunities may be made available, such as the opportunity to buy high-demand tickets. An actor may further have the opportunity to hold or reserve tickets for a period time, during which other actors cannot purchase them. A fee for holding or reserving tickets (and/or maintaining the hold or reserve) can be dynamically set based on market factors. Opportunities to modify seat assignments to allow a group of friends to sit together may also be provided.

Abstract: Location-based information is used to estimate which tickets are likely to be unused and to provide channels through which such tickets can be reassigned to others capable of attending the appropriate event. Locations of users (e.g., ticket holders or users interested in an event) are tracked (e.g., by tracking a user device or determining whether the user has redeemed other related tickets, such as a parking voucher), and it is estimated whether and/or when the user could arrive at the event. If it is unlikely that a ticket holder will be able to arrive at the event, an electronic offer can be presented to the ticket holder to surrender the ticket (which may result in a partial or full compensation). If the ticket is surrendered, the ticket can be electronically offered to another user selected based on the user's location and/or relationship to the initial ticket provider.

Abstract: User accounts can allow respective users to access any their respectively owned ticket. Each ticket in a group of tickets provides its owner the right to redeem the ticket to attend a particular event. A first user initially owns a ticket in the group. Ownership of the ticket is transferred from the first user to a second user, such that, subsequent to the transfer, the second user has the right to redeem the ticket but the first user does not. A code is generated for the ticket, the code being based on a characteristic of a device associated with the second user. The code is unique across codes in the group of tickets. Redeeming the ticket to attend the particular event includes analyzing the code.

Abstract: A hybrid ticket messaging system is used to release ticket inventory information to subscribers and, more particularly, to integrate ticket inventory information with a third party site. Relevant interests are determined for the user based on a subscription message. Ticket availability is determined according to the relevant interests. An availability message is sent to the user reflecting the availability of the tickets using the third party site. The availability message is sent prior to release of the tickets to other users.

Abstract: A venue ticket buyback system may facilitate repurchasing of venue tickets from ticketholders. An option for venue ticket buyback may be presented to a user. A user selection of the option for venue ticket buyback may be processed. An identification reference received from the user for a venue ticket may be processed. The identification reference for the venue ticket may be authenticated with ticket information. The user may be authenticated with authentication information. A buyback price for the venue ticket may be determined at least partially based on a profile of a potential buyer. The venue ticket may be repurchased at the buyback price on behalf of the potential buyer.

Abstract: Interaction pattern associated mapping schemes are used to classify users of ticket distribution system and, more particularly, to provide unique interaction for the users. Different classes and/or scores may be assigned to users based on their interaction and/or profiles. The interface of the ticket distribution system for one or more classes or classes is modified during the purchase process according to the characterization of the user's interaction and other information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validating physical tickets and for converting physical tickets to electronic tickets are described. Optionally, a physical ticket may be authenticated using information accesses from a ticket issuer database. Optionally, a user may transfer a validated ticket and/or an electronic ticket to another user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides apparatus and methods for queuing access by large numbers of Internet or other network-based users to networked systems and resources with limited capacity. In one example embodiment, a queuing system provides user access to network resources, such as that of a ticketing system. A ticket queue queues a request received from a client system. A request processing module causes the client system to repeatedly transmit messages to the system during a first period, and in response to determining that the client system has ceased transmitting messages during the first period, the request is remove from the queue and/or cause the request goes unfulfilled.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result.

Abstract: Methods and systems for push channel authentication for mobile computing devices are provided. A mobile application may be supplied, and an indication that the application has been loaded on the mobile computing device may be processed. A device identifier received from the mobile computing device through a network may be processed, and corresponding information may be stored in an authentication information repository. An authentication key and an authentication token may be generated and sent separately to the mobile computing device through a push channel and through a second channel. That the mobile application has received the authentication key and the authentication token may be verified. A notification that the mobile application has received the authentication key and the authentication token may be processed. The notification may be validated at least in part with the information corresponding to the device identifier in the authentication information repository.