Ontario man without smartphone has no way to download tickets
After two years of the pandemic, many people are anxious to see concerts and sporting events. But when you buy a ticket, it’s often sent right to your smartphone.
However, according to Statistics Canada, about 10 per cent of Canadians don't have a smartphone, which can cause problems if you’re trying to purchase tickets.
“That’s my technology right there. An old flip phone,” said Bob Cocroft of St. Catharines, Ont.
Cocroft bought five tickets for $684 for Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal performance which is happening in St. Catharines on June 30.
Cocroft said after he bought the tickets he was shocked when there wasn’t a paper ticket or print ticket option.
He was told to download the tickets to his smartphone, but he doesn't have one and now he's not sure how his family can get into the show.
“We just can’t justify the expense of a smartphone, and had they said it was smartphone only, we may have hesitated on spending $700 dollars on five tickets. I don't know what we are going to do at this point," said Cocroft.
When Cocroft was trying to get answers as to how he can attend the event, Ticketmaster Fan Support told him, “I’m sorry you cannot access the tickets since you don't have a smartphone. The available delivery method of the tickets is mobile entry only.”
"Ticketmaster sent me to Cirque du Soleil and then Cirque Du Soleil sent me back to Ticketmaster. Without a smartphone I’ve lost the ability to get these tickets," Cocroft said.
After CTV News Toronto got in touch with Ticketmaster they contacted Cocroft and provided him with instructions on how he could get paper tickets.
A spokesperson for Ticketmaster said, “We have worked with our Fan Support team, who has coordinated directly with Mr. Cocroft and Cirque du Soleil. He will be able to provide his picture ID and card used for purchase to pick up their tickets. Mr. Cocroft has been advised and is pleased with the resolution.”
Cocroft was able to go to the venue and get paper tickets and he and his wife Darleigh felt much better to have the tickets in hand and said they will be more careful buying tickets in the future.
“Why can't it always be like this?” said Cocroft.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prime Minister Trudeau pledges more aid and loans to Ukraine at G7 summit
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced more money for Ukraine -- including a $200-million loan through the International Monetary Fund -- at the end of the Group of Seven leaders' summit in Germany.

Ottawa convoy organizer Tamara Lich arrested in Alberta for alleged breach of bail conditions
Tamara Lich, one of the organizers of the Freedom Convoy, has been arrested in Alberta for alleged breach of bail conditions, CTV News has learned.
Canadians on TikTok open their doors to Americans seeking abortions
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade opening the door to abortion bans in the U.S., Canadian Tiktokers are welcoming Americans who are considering travelling north of the border to get an abortion.
Child dies after being left in hot car while mother taught at Ontario high school, mayor says
An Ontario community is reeling after a 23-month-old boy died when he was accidentally left in a hot car outside the school where his mother taught, the mayor says.
BREAKING | Three dead, police watchdog called in after Ottawa stabbing
Three people are dead and Ontario's police watchdog has been called in after a stabbing in Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood Monday night.
Germany: Former Nazi guard, 101, jailed for aiding murder
A 101-year-old man was convicted in Germany of 3,518 counts of accessory to murder on Tuesday for serving at the Nazis' Sachsenhausen concentration camp during the Second World War.
Have you struggled to access abortion services in Canada? Share your story
Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a number of states south of the border have stopped performing abortions. If you're a Canadian who has had an abortion, CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you.
Mary Mara, 'ER' and 'Ray Donovan' actress, dead at 61
Mary Mara, an actress known for roles on 'ER' and 'Ray Donovan,' has died, her manager, Craig Dorfman, said in a statement to CNN. She was 61.
46 migrants found dead in abandoned trailer in San Antonio
Forty-six people were found dead after being abandoned in a tractor-trailer on a remote back road in San Antonio in the latest tragedy to claim the lives of migrants smuggled across the border from Mexico to the U.S. Sixteen people were hospitalized, including four children.