SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse Stage opened its 2026-27 season with “Come From Away” and a new all-digital ticketing policy. Instead of mailing tickets to their subscribers like in years past, all tickets can be found via email.
Digital tickets have been used before at the Stage, so this process is not completely out of the ordinary. However, for season ticket holders who typically are from an older generation, the permanent switch is not always the easiest.
Jim Watts struggled to access his digital tickets and ultimately ended up getting them printed from the box office.
“We tried to get our tickets digitally and weren’t able to find it, so we followed the instructions just to come into the box office, and they printed them off for us. I can never depend on my phone,” said Watts.
Judy Krisher-Bussone, another ticket holder who came to see “Come From Away,” said she doesn’t mind using digital tickets, but would prefer to have the option to choose between physical or electronic.
“I like hands-on stuff, but I’m older. Younger people are much more used to doing everything through their phones. It’s nice to have the option, let’s put it that way. I’d like to know that you could put an option if you want it digital or if you want a real ticket,” said Krisher-Bussone.
Others see no issue and understand why the Stage would make this move from more of a business perspective.
“They save a lot of money that way, it’s faster. It’s a no-brainer,” said Tim Meehan who came back to the Stage for the first time in a few years to see this show.
Some older ticket holders also feel that technology and digital ticketing isn’t as far removed from them as some may think, explaining that they are used to dealing with changes like this both in and out of the theater.
Lois Eddy, who has seen many shows at the Stage, feels adept to these changes.
“I think everybody has cell phones and knows how to use them at this point. If old people like us do, everybody else can too,” said Eddy.
Even for those who do not feel confident with their use of technology, Amanda Thompson, a younger theatergoer, says all they need is to be properly taught.
“I see that it could potentially be a little bit more cumbersome for the older generations who are not very used to electronics. However, if someone could just take the time to show them, I think that they’re easily adaptable,” said Thompson.
In an Instagram post, Syracuse Stage advised ticket holders to search for “boxoffice” in their inbox in order to get them pulled up quickly. If they can’t find them there, they suggest checking the spam, junk, or promotions folder. Another tip they shared is to add BoxOffice@SyracuseStage.org to their email contacts to make sure future ticketing emails get sent right to their inbox.
If none of those steps work, ticket holders can reach out at 315-443-3275 or stop at the Box Office.