Ticket Stub Collecting 101: A Beginner's Guide

Getting Started with Ticket Stub Collecting

Ticket stub collecting is one of the most accessible and rewarding areas of memorabilia collecting. Unlike signed jerseys or game-used equipment, ticket stubs are available at nearly every price point, and the hobby offers endless opportunities for specialization and discovery.

Why Collect Ticket Stubs?

Ticket stubs appeal to collectors for many reasons. They're tangible pieces of history that connect you directly to events. They're relatively affordable compared to other memorabilia categories. They're easy to store and display. And the market is still developing, meaning there are genuine deals to be found.

Many people start collecting ticket stubs accidentally — saving their own stubs from events they attend. Over time, this evolves into actively seeking out stubs from historic events, favorite teams, or specific eras.

Finding Ticket Stubs to Collect

There are many sources for building a collection. Estate sales and flea markets are excellent hunting grounds for vintage stubs, often available at bargain prices from sellers who don't know what they have. Online marketplaces like eBay offer the widest selection but require knowledge to avoid overpaying. Sports memorabilia shows bring dealers and collectors together, offering opportunities to see stubs in person before buying. And specialized dealers and buyers like StubHaul sometimes sell stubs from their inventory to collectors.

How to Authenticate Ticket Stubs

Authentication is important, especially for high-value stubs. Key things to look for include correct printing style for the era, appropriate paper stock and ticket format, consistent wear patterns, and accurate event details (teams, date, venue). For especially valuable stubs, professional authentication services like PSA and JSA offer grading and encapsulation.

Storage and Preservation

Proper storage is essential for maintaining value. Use acid-free sleeves and holders, store in a climate-controlled environment, avoid direct sunlight, and handle stubs as little as possible. For detailed storage advice, check out our guide on how to properly store and preserve vintage ticket stubs.

Specialization: Finding Your Niche

Most serious collectors eventually specialize in a particular area. Some popular specializations include specific teams (collecting stubs from every Yankees World Series game, for example), specific sports, specific venues (every event held at a particular stadium), specific types of events (all Super Bowls, or all WrestleManias), and specific eras (all 1950s baseball stubs, for example). Specializing helps focus your collecting and can make your collection more valuable as a curated set than as random individual pieces.

Thinking About Selling?

If you've accumulated ticket stubs over the years and are thinking about selling some or all of your collection, StubHaul offers free appraisals and competitive cash offers. Whether you're a dedicated collector looking to sell duplicates or someone who inherited stubs they'd like to turn into cash, we're here to help.