The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Tickets to McKenzie Arena Events Available Online

Tickets for events at the McKenzie Arena on the UTC campus are now available online. A six month trial with New Era Tickets was a decision based on extensive research, according to McKenzie Arena Executive Director Ken Kapelinski.

“Our decision to move to Internet ticketing was a combination of circumstances. We have been polling our customers for about three years at different events as well as formally sending a survey to our student community last year. The response has been in the 50% range in favor. Not everyone has access or is comfortable with Internet sales transactions yet. Some patrons want to talk to a person,” Kapelinski said.

Tickets for two big shows went on sale before Christmas. The Arena had a need and an opportunity, Kapelinski said.

“We wanted patrons for the upcoming 3 Doors Down concert on Jan. 27th and the Kid Rock concert on Feb. 12th to be able to continue to purchase tickets while we were on University holiday. With no advertising or advance notice to our patrons, we have been selling about 15% of these show tickets on the new Internet Link. We anticipate as more information becomes available about the Internet capability, this percentage will go to 40-50%,” Kapelinksi said.

There is a convenience charge associated with the online ticketing service, so students may find it easier to walk up to the both and buy tickets to the shows and save a little money. If they are looking for convenience, however, it is easier to access tickets through the Internet.

“All major credit cards are accepted on the Internet Link, which we can not do in our Box Office. We accept Visa and MasterCard, the Internet also accepts American Express and Discover,” Kapelinski said.

Upcoming events include these acts:

  • Three Doors Down, Tuesday, January 27, doors open at 6:30 p.m.
  • Thunder Nationals 1, Friday, February 6, doors open at 7 p.m.
  • Thunder Nationals 2, Saturday, February 7, doors open at 7 p.m.
  • Kid Rock, Thursday, February 12, doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Wrestling fans are also in luck, as Kapelinski says a WWE wrestling event has just been scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 29th. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, Jan 31 at 10 a.m.

Kapelinski says online ticket purchases to campus Fine Arts events and athletics events may also be added in the future.

Patrons can visit the McKenzie Arena online, and click the Tickets Online button to make purchases.