Methods and systems for issuing tickets

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for issuing tickets for events are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a ticket purchaser with both an electronic ticket and a duplicate replica ticket. The replica ticket provides the user a piece of memorabilia, without presenting the issue of having multiple tickets capable of being used for entry. In an additional embodiment, the replica ticket can also be used to gain access to the event.

1 . A method for generating replica tickets comprising:
 providing a user an interactive option to purchase a replica ticket for a plurality of different events;   obtaining attributes from a database to create a replica ticket for a selected event; and   printing and mailing the replica ticket to the ticket purchaser.   
     
     
         2 . A method for generating replica tickets comprising:
 providing an electronic ticket purchaser an option to purchase a replica ticket;   obtaining attributes from a database to create a replica ticket; and   e-mailing both the electronic ticket and data for printing the replica ticket to the ticket purchaser.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  in which the replica ticket is mailed to the ticket purchaser after the event has occurred. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  in which the replica ticket contains all of the event information contained on the electronic ticket. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the replica contains a fake bar code or fake seat attributes. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the replica contains a bar code, or alternate feature for authentication for gaining access to the event. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising:
 notifying the event coordinators that a replica has been created; and 
 using software to ensure that the electronic ticket and replica facilitate allow only a single entry to the event. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising:
 assigning an authentication number to the replica ticket; 
 placing the authentication number, and information regarding whether the replica could be used to gain entry to the event, in a database; and 
 using the authentication number to query the database and determine if the replica ticket provides access to an event. 
 
     
     
         9 . A system for generating replica tickets comprising:
 a webpage configured to allow a user to purchase electronic tickets;   a computer from which can access the webpage to allow the user to purchase electronic tickets;   a prompt during the process of purchasing electronic tickets, which allows the user to purchase replica tickets;   a webpage configured for the user to purchase replica tickets;   a replica ticket vendor server;   a database which contains attributes necessary to create replica tickets;