How to Tell If Your Old Ticket Stub Is Worth Money

Is Your Old Ticket Stub Worth Money?

You found an old ticket stub in a drawer, inherited a collection, or stumbled upon a batch at an estate sale. Now the question is: are they worth anything? The answer is often yes — but how much depends on several factors that collectors and dealers evaluate when pricing ticket stubs.

This guide will walk you through the key things to look for when assessing the potential value of your ticket stubs, whether they're from sports games, concerts, wrestling events, or other live performances.

Factor 1: What Was the Event?

The single biggest factor in ticket stub value is the significance of the event itself. A stub from Game 7 of the World Series is going to be worth dramatically more than a stub from a mid-August regular season game between two losing teams.

High-value events include championship games and finals, record-breaking performances, historic matchups and rivalries, milestone games for legendary athletes, opening or closing games at famous venues, and major festival or concert events featuring iconic performers.

Factor 2: How Old Is It?

Generally speaking, older stubs are more valuable because fewer have survived. A baseball ticket stub from the 1930s is inherently rare regardless of the specific game, simply because most stubs from that era have been lost to time. Pre-1970 stubs across all sports and events carry baseline premiums due to scarcity.

Factor 3: What Condition Is It In?

Condition matters, but it's not the be-all and end-all. A pristine stub from a forgettable game might be worth less than a worn stub from a legendary event. That said, among stubs from the same event, better condition always means better value. Key condition factors include whether the printing is legible, if there are tears, creases, or stains, whether it's a full ticket or a torn stub, and the overall structural integrity of the paper.

Factor 4: Is It From a Famous Venue?

Ticket stubs from legendary venues that no longer exist carry extra nostalgic value. Ebbets Field, the original Madison Square Garden, the Montreal Forum, CBGB, and other iconic venues add a layer of collectibility to any stub associated with them.

Factor 5: Who Was Involved?

For sports stubs, the players and teams involved matter enormously. A stub from any game Michael Jordan played in carries more value than one from a game between two forgettable rosters. For concert stubs, the artist is everything — stubs from legendary performers, especially those who have passed away, command the highest premiums.

How to Get a Professional Appraisal

The best way to determine the value of your ticket stubs is to get a professional evaluation. At StubHaul, we provide free, no-obligation appraisals. Simply send us clear photos of your stubs and we'll evaluate each one based on the factors above plus our deep knowledge of current market conditions. You'll receive a cash offer within minutes, and there's never any pressure to sell.