Abstract: There is provided a reserved seat system for stadiums, arenas and theaters to limit the use of reserved seats to those having a specific ticket for that particular seat for that particular event at that particular time. The system employs seats in which the pivoting seating portion can be locked in an upraised position, which lock can be unlocked using a ticket having appropriate indicia to be deciphered by a ticket reader in the arm of the seat. The system is preferably controlled by an electronic lock system utilizing a central computer. The central computer randomly changes the electronic lock opening signals after each event to prevent a spectator retained ticket from being used at a subsequent event to unlock a seat occupied in the previous event.