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
Where do the inquiries into the 'Freedom Convoy' protests and use of Emergencies Act stand?
Five months ago, the first 'Freedom Convoy' trucks rolled into Ottawa. After the federal government took the unprecedented step of invoking the Emergencies Act to end the protests, a series of inquiries and probes have been initiated. With the nation's capital bracing for more protests over the Canada Day weekend, CTVNews.ca takes a look at where the main commissions and studies stand.

LIVE @ 3:30 PDT | 2 officers undergo surgery, third in hospital after deadly Saanich bank shooting
Police in Saanich, B.C., kept an area near a bank evacuated overnight as they continue to investigate a possible explosive device linked to a deadly gunfight with two suspected bank robbers.
Mother forced to spend night sleeping on Toronto Pearson floor because of Air Canada delays
A mother of three children is speaking out after spending a night on the floor of Toronto Pearson Airport with her young kids in a nightmare weekend of travel.
Canada's transportation minister slams 'unacceptable' baggage chaos at Toronto Pearson
Canada's transport minister is speaking out about the 'unacceptable issues' that continue to result in significant delays. He says the federal government has done everything in its control to fix the issue.
Canada to lead upgraded NATO combat force in Latvia
Canada has signed an agreement to upgrade the NATO battlegroup it leads in Latvia to a brigade, though the government says it's too early to say whether that will entail deploying additional Canadian troops.
Ontario researchers say they've found what causes long-COVID symptoms
Through the use of MRI technology and spearheaded by researchers at Western University, the cause of long COVID symptoms have been identified for the first time.
Virginia man dies by suicide after toddler left in hot car dies
A toddler accidentally left in a vehicle for hours died Tuesday and police said his father was found dead in an apparent suicide at their Virginia home, police said.
Canadian governments OK settlement with Purdue Pharma over opioid addictions
A proposed $150-million settlement with Purdue Pharma Canada covering all provinces and territories has been reached for the recovery of health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medication.
New real estate guidelines pressure owners with a home equity line of credit: survey
A new survey exposes balance sheet vulnerabilities for some Canadian homeowners amidst rising interest rates.