Nov. 3, 2016
The University of Notre Dame and Chicago-based Vivid Seats, a nationally recognized technology and industry leader in the secondary ticketing space, have formed a partnership that will offer Fighting Irish fans cutting-edge technology solutions when buying and selling tickets for all Notre Dame athletic events.
Under this new partnership, Vivid Seats becomes the Official Ticket Marketplace of the Fighting Irish, effective immediately. In this capacity, Vivid Seats will leverage its leadership in facilitating secondary ticket transactions on behalf of Irish fans everywhere. For the first time, Notre Dame fans will have a safe and secure destination to buy and sell their tickets on the secondary market.
Expanding beyond the traditional secondary ticketing partnership, Notre Dame and Vivid Seats will collaborate in 2017 to launch the Notre Dame Ticket Exchange powered by Vivid Seats, a uniquely-Notre Dame marketplace that will be the hub for Irish fans to buy and sell tickets. The Notre Dame Ticket Exchange will utilize Vivid Seats’ best-in-class e-commerce technology to accurately and efficiently process the hundreds of thousands of transactions expected through the platform.
“I’m gratified by our fans’ response to the enhancements we’ve made to the ticketing experience in recent years, including moving renewals and applications online, accepting credit cards universally, eliminating all primary ticket fees and introducing digital tickets,” said Jack Swarbrick, University Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics. “Vivid Seats’ innovative technology will enable us to transition from playing catch-up with industry best practices to being proactive in providing the modern ticket solutions that Notre Dame fans expect. Our common vision with Vivid Seats of creating a familiar, seamless and unified experience for the ticketholder was at the heart of choosing them as our partner.”
“This long-term partnership brings together two industry leaders and a track record of success that will benefit the Notre Dame fan experience,” said AJ Machosky, Vice President of Sponsorships at Vivid Seats. “Our alignment with Notre Dame’s commitment to excellence, and the desire to bring a valuable service to fans, was important to both organizations. We look forward to proudly serving as Notre Dame’s Official Ticket Marketplace and will not only be integrating our top-of-the-line technology, but also bringing the most advanced, industry-forward solution to Fighting Irish fans across the country.”
Every confirmed transaction is covered by Vivid Seats and Notre Dame with a 100% buyer guarantee that assures an on-time delivery of authentic tickets to fans or their money back. Notre Dame fans will receive VIP customer service, 365 days per year and can access the marketplace at und.com/ticketexchange, by visiting vividseats.com or by calling the Vivid Seats’ concierge line at 844-224-5240.
Among a number of innovative features coming with the creation of the Notre Dame Ticket Exchange will be blended primary and secondary ticket listings so Fighting Irish fans can choose from the full universe of locations and prices that are available. Fans still will know when they are buying a ticket from Notre Dame or another fan, and they won’t need to search multiple sites. Additionally, Notre Dame season ticket-holders and participants in the Notre Dame football ticket lottery will receive special access, incentives and rewards for utilizing the Notre Dame Ticket Exchange.
The creation of the Notre Dame Ticket Exchange is part of a much larger technology transformation in the Notre Dame ticket office. A renewed focus on the fan experience is leading to dramatic enhancements in the season ticket renewal and football ticket lottery application processes for the 2017 season. Additionally, Notre Dame is undertaking an ambitious mobile initiative that aims to deliver all ticket management functionality, which includes buying, selling, transferring and donating your tickets, in a native mobile application.
About Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is the largest independent secondary marketplace for tickets to live sports, concert and theater events. Founded in 2001, the Chicago-based company offers industry-leading affordability across one of the widest selections of premium tickets and event packages. Vivid Seats offers dedicated Fighting Irish customer service representatives available via custom contact information, on-site home football game day staff to answer questions and provide VIP service, a VIP concierge phone number for Irish fans to call 365 days per year, plus full refunds for any events that are canceled and not rescheduled. Fans that want to sit closer and see more of their favorite live events can order directly on vividseats.com