Ticket distribution system

• US 8,290,785 B2
• Filed: 12/24/2002
• Issued: 10/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tix Corp.
• Original Assignee: Tix Corp.
• Inventors: Francis, Mitchell J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ruhl, Dennis
• Application Number:
  US10/638,744
• Publication Number:
  US 20040111303A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,584 Days
• Field of Search: 705/1, 705/35, 705/37, 705/1.1
• US Class Current: 705/1.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events

Abstract

A system is provided for facilitating the distribution of premium tickets to spectator events. The system includes a central distribution processor to which patrons are provided access for determining the availability of premium tickets and purchasing available premium tickets at a premium price. The system also includes a plurality of remote show box offices of distinct spectator events linked to the central distribution processor, the remote show box offices including interface software compatible with the central distribution processor for facilitating the uploading of relevant ticket information to the central distribution processor. The interface software further provides a user interface through which the plurality of remote show box offices selectively enter available premium ticket information which is subsequently uploaded to the central distribution processor for access and purchase by patrons.

Claims

1. A method for distributing premium tickets to spectator events, the premium tickets being offered for sale at a market value price above a face value of the premium ticket providing producers of spectator events with an option to release a limited number of premium seats for sale to profit from market value of the released premium seats comprising, the following steps:

establishing a central distribution processor which stores information concerning the availability of premium tickets to spectator events which may be purchased at a premium price;

installing interface software compatible with the central distribution processor at a plurality of remote show box offices, the interface software facilitating the uploading of relevant premium ticket information to the central distribution processor, the interface software including an interface screen including an interactive seating chart and menus for indicating a date of the spectator event, a time of the spectator event and a price at which seats are to be sold, wherein the remote show box offices are controlled by producers of the spectator event;

entering available premium ticket information at the spectator event remote show box office via a user interface associated with the interface software, the user interface permitting the plurality of remote show box offices to selectively enter available premium ticket information for uploading to the central distribution processor;

uploading the available premium ticket information to the central distribution processor; and

providing patrons with access to the central distribution processor for determining the availability of premium tickets and purchasing available premium tickets;

splitting a premium paid on the sale of the premium tickets is split between an operator of the present system and the producers of the spectator event.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an operator of the present system receives a commission based upon the sale of premium tickets.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a seating chart display through which a remote show box office employee enters premium ticket information.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein patrons are provided access to the central distribution processor at a ticket information and sales site.

5. A system for facilitating the distribution of premium tickets to spectator events, the premium tickets being offered for sale at a market value price above a face value of the premium ticket providing producers of spectator events with an option to release a limited number of premium seats for sale to profit from market value of the released premium seats, comprising:

a central distribution processor to which patrons are provided access for determining the availability of premium tickets and purchasing available premium tickets at a premium price;

a plurality of remote show box offices of distinct spectator events linked to the central distribution processor, the remote show box offices including interface software compatible with the central distribution processor for facilitating the uploading of relevant ticket information to the central distribution processor, the interface software including an interface screen including an interactive seating chart and menus for indicating a date of the spectator event, a time of the spectator event and a price at which seats are to be sold, wherein the remote show box offices are controlled by producers of the spectator event; and

wherein the interface software further provides a user interface through which the plurality of remote show box offices selectively enter available premium ticket information which is subsequently uploaded to the central distribution processor for access and purchase by patrons and a premium paid on the sale of the premium tickets is split between an operator of the present system and the producers of the spectator event.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein an operator of the present system receives a commission based upon the sale of premium tickets.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the user interface includes a seating chart display through which a remote show box office employee enters premium ticket information.

8. The system according to claim 5, further including a ticket information and sales site at which patrons may access the central distribution processor for purchasing premium tickets.