As the new NFL season approaches, ticket brokers need to ensure that their systems and customer support are ready for updated requirements. Every NFL team now uses Ticketmaster’s SafeTix system. This means tickets feature rotating barcodes instead of QR codes. The barcodes refresh approximately every fifteen seconds and cannot be screenshotted, printed, or copied. Fans who try to enter the venue with anything other than the live barcode in their app will be denied entry.
Why You Need to Support Both Ticketmaster and SeatGeek
All NFL events are fully integrated with both Ticketmaster and SeatGeek. As a broker, your ticket delivery system must be compatible with both platforms. Ticketmaster requires you to use its Secure Entry SDK, which allows encrypted tokens to be retrieved and displayed as rotating barcodes. You can identify SafeTix-enabled events through the Order Management API.
SeatGeek uses a different approach. Sellers are expected to follow the “Add NFL Tickets” process and manually input barcode numbers. The platform does not accept screenshots or any static images of barcodes. Only accurate barcode data is allowed for resale.
How to Make Your System Work Reliably
First, your system should be able to detect whether an event is SafeTix-enabled by querying Ticketmaster’s API. If it is, you need to request the encrypted token and display the barcode using the Secure Entry SDK. Tokens should be refreshed whenever a buyer views the ticket and again approximately twenty hours before the event to prevent any scanning issues.
For SeatGeek, accuracy is just as important. You will need to provide valid barcode numbers for all listings. If the barcode format is incorrect or if you attempt to submit an image instead, the listing will be rejected. Make sure your workflow is consistent with their requirements to avoid delivery delays.
How to Guide Buyers for Smooth Entry
Before the season kicks off, test your delivery workflows across all major platforms including iOS, Android, and desktop. Token generation and barcode rendering should work even with limited cell service. Inform your buyers that they must access tickets through the appropriate app and that screenshots or printouts will not be accepted at the gate.
Encourage buyers to open the ticket ahead of time to ensure it loads and saves to their phone. If your system supports it, prompt them to add the ticket to their mobile wallet for easy access. These steps can reduce last-minute issues and improve customer satisfaction on game day.
Understand the Legal and Business Landscape
Although Ticketmaster promotes SafeTix as a fraud prevention tool, the Department of Justice has raised concerns about its competitive implications. The rotating-barcode system limits how tickets can be resold, which some argue gives Ticketmaster greater control over both the primary and secondary markets. Attempts to bypass these restrictions through unofficial methods such as reverse engineering have led to legal concerns and technical instability. Brokers are strongly encouraged to use only the officially supported APIs and SDKs to avoid risk.
Putting It All Together
To summarize, all NFL teams now use SafeTix, which requires tickets to be delivered using rotating barcodes that refresh regularly. Your system must integrate with Ticketmaster’s Secure Entry SDK and also support manual barcode entry for SeatGeek listings. Be sure to test your platform thoroughly, guide your buyers clearly, and comply with platform requirements.
Staying proactive with these changes will make the season smoother for both you and your customers. We will continue to provide updates, share best practices, and notify you of any policy changes as kickoff gets closer.
Helpful References
- Ticketmaster: Why do my tickets have a moving barcode?
- Ticketmaster Business: Harness the Power of SafeTix
- Ticketmaster Developer Docs: SafeTix Integration Guide
- SeatGeek Help Center: How do I add tickets to my SeatGeek account?
- SeatGeek Help Center: NFL Tickets – Frequently Asked Questions
- 404 Media: Ticketmaster Used Revolving Barcodes to Control Ticket Resale Market
- Hacker News: Discussion on Ticketmaster Barcode System
- Conduition Blog: Reverse Engineering Ticketmaster SafeTix Tokens
