To be clear, Live Nation’s new “fast pass”-style option — which allows concertgoers to pay their way into shorter lines when entering a venue — is not about security. Not at concerts, anyway.
What you’re really paying and registering for is the TSA PreCheck program that mainly lets you wait in shorter lines (and keep your shoes and belt on) at airport security checkpoints.
The concert thing is just a bonus, part of an “integrated sponsorship agreement” between Live Nation and IdentoGO, one of the companies that runs and regulates the TSA PreCheck program.
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The idea is to encourage people to sign up for the TSA PreCheck, thus reducing lines at airports and, you know, to inform the federal government that you’re still into Korn in 2016.
The partnership also means concertgoers can bring the necessary identification to a BB&T show and sign up for the PreCheck before or during the show, something you’d otherwise have to make an appointment for.
Even if you pay the $85 to register with IdentoGO you will still have to pass through venue security at the concert just like everybody else. Which makes sense: Just because you’re not on the No-Fly List, doesn’t mean you’re not going to try to sneak a joint into the Jimmy Buffet show.
Correction: An earlier version of this article contained quotes from a Live Nation representative, which we have been informed were not intended for publication.