Randy Chandler
Chuck E. Cheese's switch to electronic tickets, or 'e-tickets', in 2020, marked a significant change for the company, which had used paper tickets since its founding in 1977. The move to e-tickets, stored on Play Passes or Play Bands, was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the push for contactless service. While Chuck E. Cheese still honours paper tickets, the company has largely phased them out, with some exceptions, such as for birthday parties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of tickets | Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets (e-tickets) in Fall 2020, but some games may still dispense paper tickets. |
| Reasons for switch | The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid move towards contactless service. |
| Redemption | Guests can redeem e-tickets at the Prize Store. |
| Carrying over | E-tickets can be carried over from visit to visit. |
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What You'll Learn
Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets in 2020
Chuck E. Cheese switched from paper tickets to electronic tickets (or "e-tickets") in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-tickets are digital versions of tickets that are automatically saved onto a Play Pass or Play Band, which can be scanned by employees to read how many tickets have been collected. This move towards contactless service was part of the industry's rapid shift in response to the pandemic.
The switch to e-tickets also phased out the use of the Ticket Muncher, a machine introduced in 2000 that would suck in and automatically count paper tickets. While Chuck E. Cheese discontinued the use of paper tickets, they continued to honour all tickets already in circulation.
The Play Pass is a token-less game play feature that allows customers to set the amount of play time or points, automatically collecting e-tickets for redemption at the Prize Store. Play Passes and Play Bands are reusable and can be used to collect more game play points or time during subsequent visits.
While most Chuck E. Cheese locations now use e-tickets, some games may still dispense paper tickets, and paper tickets can also be earned through the Ticket Blaster, a feature included in birthday party packages.
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Paper tickets are still used in the Ticket Blaster
Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets (or Chuck E-Tickets) in Fall 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These digital tickets are automatically saved onto the Play Pass or Play Band, which can be scanned by employees to determine how many tickets have been collected.
However, paper tickets are still used in the Ticket Blaster, a machine that has been featured in Chuck E. Cheese locations since 2010. The Ticket Blaster is a special attraction used only for reserved birthday parties. It is a money-grabbing machine that allows users to catch as many paper tickets as they can in a short period, usually ranging from 25 seconds to 1 minute. The tickets usually have Chuck E's face printed on them.
The Ticket Blaster experience is included in the birthday packages offered by Chuck E. Cheese, along with game play, handmade pizza, birthday swag, and a live birthday show. There are currently two versions of the Ticket Blaster in stores, one with Avenger branding and Duncan Brannan's voice, and another updated version featuring Rockstar art and Jaret Reddick's voice for Chuck.
A redesign of the Ticket Blaster called the Birthday Blaster, presumably without paper tickets, began testing in 2024.
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E-tickets are saved onto a Play Pass or Play Band
Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets, or E-tickets, in Fall 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-tickets are digital versions of the traditional paper tickets that get saved onto a Play Pass or Play Band. The Play Pass is a card that serves as a token-less game play feature, allowing users to set the amount of play time or points. The Play Band is an alternative to the Play Pass and functions in the same way but in the form of a wristband. Both the Play Pass and Play Band are lightweight, reusable, and reloadable. They can be used across multiple visits, with users able to add more game play points or time. Employees can now scan the Play Pass or Play Band to read the number of tickets collected, phasing out the Ticket Muncher machine. While most Chuck E. Cheese locations have adopted the Play Pass or Play Band, some, particularly international locations, continue to use tokens and tickets.
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Tickets can be redeemed for candy, collectables and toys
Chuck E. Cheese has been using tickets since its creation in 1977. These tickets are earned by playing games or through the Ticket Blaster experience. Players can then redeem their tickets for candy, collectables, and toys at the prize counter.
In 2020, Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets (or e-tickets), which are automatically saved onto a Play Pass or Play Band. These passes can be scanned to read how many tickets have been collected. E-tickets can be carried over from visit to visit, and Play Passes and Bands can be reused.
While Chuck E. Cheese has discontinued the use of paper tickets, they will continue to honour all tickets currently held by customers. Some games may still dispense paper tickets, and paper tickets can also be obtained by reserving a birthday party for a turn in the Ticket Blaster.
The move to electronic tickets is part of the company's shift towards contactless service and cost reduction.
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Chuck E. Cheese wants to destroy 7 billion printed tickets
Chuck E. Cheese, the popular pizza and entertainment chain, is reportedly seeking to destroy 7 billion printed tickets. The tickets, which feature the company's trademark, were intended for use at Chuck E. Cheese's arcades as part of their gaming experience. However, the company has decided to transition to electronic tickets, or "e-tickets," which are more in line with the industry's move towards contactless services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to destroy the printed tickets comes with a price tag of over $2 million. This may seem like a significant expense, but it pales in comparison to the potential cost of $9 million if the tickets were to fall into the hands of the general public and be redeemed for prizes. To avoid this, Chuck E. Cheese has reached agreements with three separate companies—Eastern Trading LLC, Supply Chain Engineering, and Performance Food Group—to destroy the tickets.
The switch to electronic ticketing is a notable change for Chuck E. Cheese, as they have been using paper tickets since the creation of Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre in 1977. These tickets were earned by playing games or through the Ticket Blaster experience and could be exchanged for candy, collectables, and toys. While the company is discontinuing the use of paper tickets, they have assured customers that any tickets currently in circulation will still be honoured.
The introduction of electronic tickets offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need for hand-counting or the use of the Ticket Muncher machine, streamlining the process of collecting and redeeming tickets. Additionally, e-tickets can be carried over from one visit to the next, providing a more convenient and seamless experience for patrons. Chuck E. Cheese's Play Pass and Play Bands, which are used for electronic ticketing, are also reusable and can be easily loaded with points or playtime.
The move towards electronic ticketing is part of Chuck E. Cheese's efforts to modernise and enhance the gaming experience for its patrons. With new and refreshed games continuously being added, the chain aims to provide a novel experience with each visit. The introduction of unlimited game time options and promotions further adds to the appeal, making Chuck E. Cheese a popular destination for kids and families alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets (or E-tickets) in Fall 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are digital versions of tickets that automatically get saved onto the Play Pass or Play Band.
Chuck E. Cheese discontinued the use of paper tickets but will continue to honour all tickets currently in circulation. The company spent over $2 million to destroy 7 billion prize tickets.
You can collect E-tickets by purchasing a Play Pass or Play Band, which can be reused. Employees can scan your Play Pass or Play Band to see how many tickets you've collected, which you can redeem at the Prize Store.
