Develop An Event Ticket Booking App Like SeatGeek: Cost & Feature

Where there is need, there is demand. Everybody is busy and tired of pacing up with advancement, and in the middle of that, events such as conferences, music concerts, etc. sound more relaxing and fun. As such events continue to capture the public’s interest, the event ticketing industry is experiencing significant growth. A recent report projects that the global online ticketing market will reach $99.04 billion by 2029. This fact clearly indicates that there is a demand for efficient, user-friendly, mobile-first solutions that can offer instant access to events. Consequently, it also highlights that there is a need for ticketing solutions that simplify the process of purchasing tickets while addressing common frustrations like complex purchase processes and limited seating information. 

To meet this demand, understanding how to build an event ticketing app that stands out is important. In this blog, we will explore the essential steps and considerations for developing a successful event ticket booking app like SeatGeek (because inspiration from the best matters!). By the end, we will make sure that you have sound information to make your app meet the evolving needs of modern users.

SeatGeek: Overview

SeatGeek is a ticketing app launched on September 14, 2009, by Russell D’Souza and Jack Groetzinger. It started as a platform that gathered tickets from different sellers but has grown into a full-service app for buying and selling tickets to live events like sports, concerts, and theater.

SeatGeek is appreciated most for its convenience and easy-to-use design. The app has features like interactive seat maps, so you can see where you’ll be sitting before you buy. Their Deal Score tool helps you find the best value tickets. Plus, SeatGeek allows you to store your tickets on your phone, so there’s no need for paper tickets.

With a wide selection of tickets, including hard-to-find ones, and partnerships with event organizers, SeatGeek has become a popular choice for people looking to attend events. It offers a simple and reliable way to get tickets for any event.

What Makes The SeatGeek App Unique?

Here are some features that make the SeatGeek app unique:

1. Interactive Seating Experience: SeatGeek’s app offers users an immersive experience with its interactive seating charts. These charts come with panoramic photos, giving a detailed view of each section.
2. Deal Score Feature: A standout feature, Deal Score, ensures users get the best value by color-coding ticket deals based on quality. This helps buyers avoid overpriced tickets.
3. Mobile Ticketing: SeatGeek simplifies entry with mobile ticketing, allowing users to access events through e-tickets stored directly on their phones.
4. Ticket Transfer: Users can easily send tickets to friends with a simple tap, making the process convenient and hassle-free.
5. Marketplace for Sellers: The app allows users to sell their tickets through the SeatGeek Marketplace. It even suggests optimal pricing to help tickets sell faster.
6. Event Discovery: The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to explore and discover events by various categories, including artist, venue, and genre.
7. Convenient Payment Options: SeatGeek supports multiple payment methods, including Google Pay and credit cards.
8. Additional Features: The app also offers a Daily Tap for a chance to win free tickets, rideshare integration, venue guides, and a Rally for mobile food and beverage orders.

Here are some basic features that are offered by SeatGeek:

How Does SeatGeek App Work?

Here is how the SeatGeek app works:

1. Download and Set Up: First, grab the SeatGeek app from the App Store or from the Play Store for Android phones. Open it and either create a new account or log in.
2. Find Events: Once you’re in, you can search for events by typing in the name of an artist, sports team, or venue. You can also browse events happening near you.
3. Pick Your Tickets: After you find an event you’re interested in, you’ll see a list of available tickets. The app has an interactive seating chart that shows you what different seats look like and how much they cost, helping you choose the best option.
4. Check the Deal Score: Each ticket comes with a Deal Score, which helps you understand how good a deal it is. A higher score means you’re getting a better value for your money.
5. Buy Your Tickets: When you’ve picked your seats, proceed to checkout. You can pay using methods like credit cards or Google Pay. The payment process is secure.
6. Get Your Tickets: Your tickets will be sent to you electronically. You can find them in the “My Tickets” section of the app. For most events, you can just show your phone with the ticket barcode at the venue for entry.
7. Transfer or Sell Tickets: If you need to pass tickets to someone else or sell them, you can do this directly through the app. 
8. Enjoy the Event: On the day of the event, use your mobile ticket to get in and have a great time!

Key Market Takeaways For Event Ticket Booking Apps

The global online ticketing market is set to reach $80 billion in 2024. Moreover, it is expected to grow at a rate of 6.0% each year until 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing use of the internet and mobile apps for buying tickets to movies, sports events, and live shows. In particular, in the Asia-Pacific region, many people prefer to pay extra to book tickets online rather than wait in long lines, which further boosts market growth.

Additionally, another report predicts that revenue in the event ticket market will hit $85.07 billion in 2024. Over the next few years, the market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.54%, reaching $94.06 billion by 2028. The report further mentions that music events will be the largest segment, with a market value of $34.23 billion in 2024. 

Additionally, the United States will lead in revenue in the event ticketing segment while generating $36.26 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, the average revenue per user here is projected to be $115.90, with the number of users expected to reach 769 million by 2028. Plus, user penetration is forecasted to be 9.5% in 2024.

Business And Revenue Model Of SeatGeek

SeatGeek employs a diverse and strategic business model to generate revenue through multiple channels:

Business Model

• Primary and Secondary Ticket Sales: SeatGeek functions both as a direct ticket seller and as a marketplace for resale. This dual approach allows it to serve both initial ticket buyers and those looking to resell their tickets. By managing both aspects, SeatGeek maximizes its reach in the ticketing market.
• Partnerships and Sponsorships: The company partners with sports teams, entertainment venues, and various organizations, becoming their designated ticketing provider. These partnerships often involve exclusive agreements and revenue-sharing arrangements, aligning SeatGeek with prominent industry players, and expanding its market presence.
• Enterprise Solutions: SeatGeek provides customized ticketing software to sports teams and venues. This B2B service includes comprehensive tools for managing ticket sales, customer data, and event logistics, offering a complete solution that integrates seamlessly into the operations of its partners.

Revenue Model

• Service Fees: SeatGeek earns revenue through service fees applied to each ticket transaction. These fees are a percentage of the ticket price and are added during the checkout process. This model ensures that SeatGeek’s earnings scale is consistent with ticket sales volume.
• Advertising Revenue: The platform generates additional income by offering advertising opportunities. Brands can target SeatGeek’s user base with advertisements, creating an extra revenue stream that complements ticket sales.
• Rally: SeatGeek’s Rally platform enhances the event-day experience with services like food and merchandise ordering. Revenue is generated through in-app purchases and additional services, contributing to SeatGeek’s overall earnings beyond ticket sales.
• SeatGeek Swaps: This feature allows users to return or exchange tickets. By offering flexible ticketing options, SeatGeek improves customer satisfaction, which can lead to increased repeat business and sales. This model supports revenue generation through enhanced customer engagement and loyalty.

Features That Make SeatGeek App Popular Among Its Users

SeatGeek stands out in the ticketing industry due to its innovative features that significantly enhance the user experience:

1. Interactive Seating Maps: SeatGeek’s seating maps provide an immersive view of venue layouts with high-resolution panoramic images. This allows users to visually assess the best available seats and compare prices across different sections.
2. Deal Score: This proprietary algorithm evaluates and ranks ticket deals based on value. It analyzes a multitude of listings to highlight the most cost-effective options, ensuring users find the best bargains with ease.
3. Mobile Ticketing: The app supports digital tickets, allowing users to display their e-tickets directly on their phones. This feature eliminates the need for physical tickets and simplifies entry into events.
4. Easy Ticket Transfers: Users can effortlessly send tickets to friends via the app. This streamlined process supports both free and paid transfers, enhancing the convenience of sharing tickets.
5. Ticket Selling: Listing tickets for sale is straightforward with SeatGeek. Users can quickly post their tickets on the marketplace, with the app suggesting optimal pricing to facilitate a swift sale.
6. Event Discovery: The app offers comprehensive search options to find events by various criteria, such as artist, team, venue, genre, or sport. This feature helps users discover and browse through a wide range of live events.
7. Flexible Payment Options: SeatGeek supports multiple payment methods, including Google Pay and major credit cards, providing users with a convenient and secure way to complete transactions.
8. Daily Tap for Free Tickets: Users can enter the Daily Tap contest once a day for a chance to win free tickets to local events. This feature adds an element of excitement and engagement to the ticket-buying experience.
9. Rally: This platform feature enhances the event experience by enabling users to order food and beverages through the app, offering added convenience on event day.
10. Venue Guides: SeatGeek provides detailed guides for various stadiums and venues, including real-time weather updates, helping users plan their visit more effectively.
11. Rideshare Integration: Users can book rideshares directly from the app, simplifying travel arrangements and ensuring a smooth journey to the event.
12. Map View: The app includes a map view to locate events and venues easily. This feature helps users find events in their desired locations and navigate their surroundings.
13. Data Security: SeatGeek prioritizes user privacy with robust security measures, including data encryption during transactions. This ensures that personal and payment information remains safe.

Innovative Features That Can Enhance An App Like SeatGeek

To enhance the functionality and user experience of an event ticketing app like SeatGeek, you can integrate some features mentioned below:

1. AR Seating Previews

Introducing AR technology can allow users to virtually explore the venue and view their seats before purchasing. This feature offers an immersive experience, which enables users to assess sightlines and proximity to the stage, thereby making informed decisions.

2. Real-Time Dynamic Pricing Alerts

If you incorporate a dynamic pricing alert feature, you can keep users informed of ticket price fluctuations in real-time. By tracking demand and availability, you can notify users of price drops or hikes, which will enable them to secure the best deals as soon as they occur.

3. AI-Powered Event Recommendations

Utilizing AI can personalize the user experience by analyzing past purchases, browsing history, and user preferences to suggest relevant events. This feature will increase engagement and help users discover new events aligned with their interests.

4. In-App Merchandise Store

If you offer event-specific merchandise within the app, you can boost user engagement. Users will be able to buy exclusive items such as limited-edition t-shirts, posters, or memorabilia directly, which will enhance the event experience and create additional revenue streams.

5. Virtual Event Participation

Expanding access through virtual event options will allow users to attend via live streaming if they cannot be there in person. Plus, interactive features, such as live chats or behind-the-scenes access, can enrich the virtual experience, making it nearly as engaging as attending in person.

6. Loyalty And Rewards Programs

You can implement a loyalty system where users earn points for purchases that can drive repeat engagement. Points can be redeemed for discounts, exclusive offers, or even early access to popular events, which will encourage brand loyalty and improve the user experience.

7. Group Booking Incentives

Add a feature that can allow discounts for group bookings, which will encourage users to attend events with friends and family. This not only boosts ticket sales but also enhances the social experience, making the app more appealing for group activities.

8. Integrated Travel And Accommodation Packages

By partnering with travel and accommodation services, you can offer bundled packages for event-goers through your app. This integration simplifies the planning process and provides users with convenience. 

9. Post-Event Interactive Engagement

Implement a provision to keep users engaged after the event. Providing them with access to post-event content, such as highlights, photos, and videos will help sustain interest. This feature can also serve as a platform for sharing user-generated content and can improve community interaction and user retention.

Development Steps For Event Ticket Booking Like SeatGeek

Building a ticket booking app like SeatGeek involves a series of strategic steps and technical considerations, such as:

1. Understand The Ticketing Landscape

Start by studying existing ticketing platforms like SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, and StubHub. Look at what they do well and where they might be lacking. This helps you find areas where your app can stand out. Also, research what different groups of people want from a ticketing app, whether they’re sports fans, music lovers, or theatergoers. Keep an eye on new trends in the industry, such as mobile ticketing and dynamic pricing, to make sure your app stays up-to-date.

2. Focus On Mobile-First Development

Make sure your app works well on all devices by starting with a mobile-first design. This means your app should look and function great on smartphones and tablets. Then, build native apps for both iOS and Android to ensure the best performance. Consider creating a Progressive Web App or PWA to provide a consistent experience even when users are offline. This will help you reach more users and meet their needs.

3. Integrate Location-Based Features

Add features that use the user’s location to suggest events nearby. This makes your app more useful by showing relevant options based on where the user is. You can implement notifications to alert users about events close to them. Plus, you can also work with venues to include helpful details like maps and parking information so users can easily plan their visit.

4. Adopt Advanced Pricing And Inventory Management

Use machine learning to set ticket prices based on data, demand, and other factors. This helps you adjust prices in real-time to maximize sales. You must make sure that your app can update ticket availability instantly to avoid selling more tickets than you have. Build a system that can handle large amounts of data and transactions, especially during busy times or big events.

5. Enhance Social And Messaging Integration

Build a feature that allows users to sign in using their social media accounts to make registration easier. Add features that let users share events and tickets on social media to boost visibility. Include messaging options so users can communicate with support or each other directly within the app. This helps improve user interaction and support.

6. Prioritize Security And Compliance

Protect user data with strong encryption to keep information like payment details safe. Use two-factor authentication for important actions, such as changing passwords or making payments, to add extra security. Ensure your app follows data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA to protect user privacy and avoid legal issues.

7. Offer Distinctive Features

Add unique features to make your app stand out. This could include exclusive content, such as special videos or merchandise, and personalized event recommendations based on user preferences. Build community features, like discussion forums, to engage users. Moreover, continuously improve these features based on user feedback to keep your app valuable and attractive.

Tech Stack For SeatGeek Clone App Development

Here are the tech stack required to build an app like SeatGeek:

Some Revenue Generating Methods For Event Ticket Booking Apps

Here are some trending methods to monetize the event ticket booking apps:

1. Dynamic Pricing And Upselling 

Dynamic pricing allows ticket prices to be adjusted in real-time based on factors such as demand, timing, and market conditions. By using data analytics, apps can maximize revenue by charging higher prices during peak demand and offering discounts during slower periods. Additionally, upselling can boost revenue by providing users with the option to purchase add-ons like VIP packages, event merchandise, or parking passes. These extra offerings not only enhance the user experience but also increase the overall value of each transaction.

2. Partnerships With Event Organizers 

Building exclusive partnerships with event organizers can help you gain access to premium events and high-demand tickets. These partnerships allow apps to offer unique events that draw more users while also commanding higher prices due to exclusivity. Furthermore, establishing revenue-sharing agreements with these organizers makes sure that a portion of the ticket sales go back to the app, which creates a consistent and reliable income stream.

3. Venue Partnerships 

Partnering with venues can provide apps with exclusive listings for their events, which will ensure a consistent supply of tickets to sell. These partnerships can also include revenue-sharing agreements, where the app and the venue both benefit from ticket sales. With this method, you can secure exclusive rights to sell tickets for certain venues and guarantee a steady stream of events and revenue while also building strong relationships with key industry players.

4. Data-Driven Insights And Analytics 

Providing data-driven insights and analytics to event organizers is a valuable service that can be monetized. By offering detailed event popularity analysis, your app can help organizers make informed decisions on pricing, marketing strategies, and venue selection. Additionally, conducting market research on behalf of event organizers can identify target audiences and potential partnerships, which can offer a valuable service that can generate additional revenue for the app.

5. NFT-Based Ticketing 

NFT-based ticketing offers a unique and innovative revenue stream by allowing tickets to be issued as NFTs. These digital assets are not only tradable but also collectible, giving fans the opportunity to own a piece of the event that can increase in value over time. Additionally, bundling these NFT tickets with exclusive perks, such as meet-and-greets or limited-edition merchandise, creates a premium product that can command higher prices, further enhancing revenue potential.

6. Experiential Packages 

Experiential packages, such as VIP experiences, are another effective way to generate revenue. These packages can include premium seating, backstage access, and meet-and-greets, which will offer fans an exclusive and memorable experience. You can form a partnership with event organizers to offer such packages and attract high-paying customers while increasing the profit margins. You can also offer backstage tours or other exclusive access experiences as part of these packages to further enhance the appeal.

7. Merchandise Sales 

Selling event-specific merchandise through the app is a simple yet effective way to generate additional revenue. Apps can offer a range of merchandise related to specific events or artists and provide fans with a convenient way to purchase memorabilia. Additionally, partnering with merchants to offer exclusive discounts or promotions through the app can also boost sales and create a more integrated shopping experience for users.

Cost Of Developing An Event Ticket Booking Like SeatGeek

Here’s the cost breakdown specifically for an event ticket booking app like SeatGeek:

Cost-Affecting Factors To Consider For Event Ticket Booking Development

When developing an event ticket booking app, several factors can significantly impact costs:

1. Connecting with various event organizers and venues requires complex setup and ongoing maintenance, which can be expensive. Keeping event details accurate, such as dates and seating charts, also adds to the cost.
2. Managing dynamic pricing and real-time updates can be costly. The app needs to handle sudden increases in traffic during popular events, which requires significant investment in scalable technology.
3. Integrating secure payment systems and meeting global standards adds to development costs. Supporting different currencies and payment methods for users worldwide also increases expenses.
4. Adding social media connections and community features can be pricey due to extra development work. Managing these features also increases operational costs.
5. Protecting user data and preventing fraud are essential but expensive. The app also needs to handle high traffic efficiently, which requires investment in robust performance technologies.

Conclusion

Developing an event ticket booking app like SeatGeek presents a great chance to tap into the growing online ticket market. You can easily attract users if you focus on making the app easy to use with a smooth ticket management process. It’s important to keep up with what people want and offer new features to stand out from competitors. You can even make money out of your app if you invest in the right technology and identify different ways, as suggested in our blog, to monetize your app. Ultimately, a well-designed ticketing app has the potential to reach many people, do well in the crowded event ticketing industry, and be everyone’s favorite.

Looking To Develop Event Ticket Booking?

We are here to help. We bring over 10 years of experience in the tech field and 50,000+ hours of coding expertise to the table. With 200+ projects delivered successfully, our track record speaks for itself. We have developed several service apps in the event ticketing sector, like Ticketbox, Tixet, Shows Manager, etc., showcasing our ability to deliver high-quality, user-friendly solutions. Our team is ready to help you create an app that meets the highest standards, ensuring a smooth ticketing experience for users. Let us help you transform your idea into a leading ticketing platform.

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FAQ

What is a ticket app?

A ticket app is a mobile tool that lets you buy, sell, and manage tickets for events like concerts, sports, or theater shows. It makes it easy to find events, compare prices, and purchase tickets right from your phone.

How do ticket apps make money?

Ticket apps make money by charging service fees on ticket sales. These fees are often added to the ticket price and can be paid by the buyer, seller, or both. Some apps also earn money by partnering with event organizers or offering special services like early ticket access.

What makes SeatGeek different?

SeatGeek is different because it has a simple design and helpful tools like interactive seat maps that let you see where you’ll sit before buying. It also pulls in tickets from many sellers, so you can compare prices easily. Their Deal Score feature helps you find the best ticket deals.

What is the business model of SeatGeek?

SeatGeek’s business model is based on connecting people who want to buy and sell event tickets. They make money by paying a fee for each ticket sale. SeatGeek also partners with event organizers to sell tickets directly. Their focus on clear pricing and helpful tools attracts both buyers and sellers.