The "Gates Open Before Event" feature allows organizers to control when ticket scanning/check-in becomes active prior to an event’s scheduled start time.
By default, ticket scanning is commonly tied to the event start time. However, many organizers may begin admitting guests earlier to accommodate lines, early arrivals, security checks, or staggered entry.
This feature helps organizers avoid scanning issues by allowing ticket validation to begin a set number of hours before the official event start time.
Why This Feature Matters
Without configuring this setting, organizers and staff may encounter situations where:
Guests arrive early and begin lining up
Staff attempt to scan tickets before the event start time
Scanners reject tickets because scanning is not yet active
Organizers believe scanners or tickets are malfunctioning
Customer support receives urgent event-day inquiries
Using the “Gates Open Before Event” setting helps ensure scanning is enabled when doors or gates actually open — not just when the event officially begins.
Example Scenario
Event Information
Event Start Time: 2:00 PM
Venue Gates Open: 1:00 PM
If no “Gates Open Before Event” setting is configured:
Ticket scanning will only begin at 2:00 PM
Staff attempting to scan guests at 1:00 PM may receive invalid or restricted scan errors
If the organizer sets:
Gates Open Before Event = 1 hour
Then:
Ticket scanning will begin at 1:00 PM
Staff can admit guests without issue
How to Configure the Setting
Under Gates Open Before Event, enter the value for how early attendees can enter the venue.
Please note:
This setting can only be configured in hourly increments
Minute-based values are currently not supported
FAQs
Why are tickets not scanning before the event starts?
In most cases, scanning has not yet been enabled because the configured scanning window has not started.
Review the “Gates Open Before Event” setting and confirm it matches the actual gate opening time.
Can this setting be configured in minutes?
No. The setting currently only supports hourly increments.
Example:
1 hour before
2 hours before
3 hours before
As a workaround, organizers can set the nearest hour value and manage minute-level entry manually on-site (e.g., for 30-minutes before, set it 1 hour and just manually start allowing 30-minutes before)
Can different ticket types have different scan times?
No and yes.
No. Currently, scanning windows are configured at the event level and not per ticket type. If VIP attendees enter earlier than General Admission attendees, organizers should configure scanning based on the earliest entry time and manually manage later admission groups.
Yes. We have a feature where you can allow scan times at ticket level. To do this, go to Tickets> Edit Ticket> Product Access Control> Set Access Time
Can I change the scanning time after the event is already published?
Yes, organizers can update the “Gates Open Before Event” setting after publishing. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid confusion for staff already onsite.
Does changing the scanning window affect ticket validity?
No. Adjusting the scanning start time does not change ticket validity. It only affects when tickets can be scanned.
What if gates open earlier than expected on event day?
If gates open earlier but scanning is not enabled yet, staff may still be unable to scan tickets until the configured window begins. In such cases, the organizer should adjust the setting if time allows.