StubHub has released updated iOS and Android apps for phones and tablets designed to make discovering live events easier for travelers and local users alike. The refreshed mobile experience focuses on personalized recommendations, richer event context and smoother ticketing so people can find and attend events with less effort, wherever they are.
The new features, available now in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., include:
- A refined personalization engine that recommends events and activities based on your expressed favorites, current location, and—on iOS devices—your iTunes library. This tailoring helps surface concerts, sports and shows that match your tastes without manual searching.
- ESPN content integrated into event pages, offering scores, team statistics and editorial stories that provide useful context on team performance prior to game day.
- Deeper Yelp integration to highlight nearby restaurants and local businesses, with access to reviews so you can plan a full night out before or after an event.
- Improved mobile ticketing that simplifies scanning barcodes for entry, including optimized support for phones and Apple Watch so users can access events quickly and reliably at the gate.
- Expanded payment options: Android users can now pay with PayPal in addition to other methods, while iOS users retain the option to use Apple Pay for a fast checkout.
These updates are intended to reduce the time people spend planning outings. Rather than sifting through multiple sources, users receive curated suggestions tailored to their interests and immediate surroundings. The combined improvements to discovery, content and transactions aim to create a smoother end-to-end experience—from finding an event to enjoying it.
“In today’s on-demand environment, consumers don’t want to spend a lot of time researching what they’re going to do this weekend. Instead, they expect to receive timely and personalized information without having to search for it,” said Parag Vaish, head of mobile at StubHub. “Through our new content partnerships and personalization features, fans will not only be in the know when their favorite teams, bands or shows are in town, they’ll also be able to discover new recommendations based on their preferences.”
The updated apps prioritize convenience and context. Personalization reduces irrelevant results, ESPN feeds add sports-specific insight, and Yelp integration helps users coordinate pre- and post-event plans. Meanwhile, ticketing improvements and broader payment support are aimed at lowering friction at purchase and entry, an especially useful combination for travelers who may be unfamiliar with a city.
For frequent event-goers, these changes mean fewer steps between spotting an interesting show and being at the venue. For travelers, the app can surface local experiences that match personal tastes without extensive research. StubHub’s focus on combining content, local data and streamlined transactions reflects a broader trend in mobile services to deliver curated, ready-to-act recommendations and frictionless purchases.