Ticketmaster has begun beta testing a new online "Interactive Seat Maps" for a select number of sports teams.

Interactive Seat Maps allows users to navigate and choose from all seats and configurations. Ticketmaster's traditional "best available" searches uses computers to search availability one row at a time, the upgraded maps allows people to look for tickets in any part of a venue.

"This is a major step in improving the fan experience of buying a ticket online," said Kip Levin, Ticketmaster's Senior Vice President of Product & Digital. "Ticket buyers can now choose from all available seats and highlight seats by the price range they want to spend or by the type of specials and packages being offered by the artist, team or show.

"They can also pick seats from the exact location they prefer, pick groups of seats that aren't all in the same row, or buy single tickets that might be separated only by an aisle or row - all options that have not been available until now."

Searches start with a view of the venues seat map and by scrolling over rows and sections seat summaries and availability are displayed.  Users can highlight and select the seats they want to buy. Other features include zoom and the ability to click on search filters to view price range, quantity, special promotions and discounts offered by some events.  Ticketmaster said it plans to roll-out the new maps throughout next year.

The Interactive Seat Maps are available at the following venues:

The San Antonio Spurs, Edmonton Oilers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Marquette University Basketball @ Bradley Center, Rochester Americans, Iowa State Cyclones, as well as select events at the Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie, and the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

 

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