When the Romans hosted games or plays, were there any kind of tickets or entrance fees? How were these managed? Were seats numbered or was it first come first served?
Going off this, is it true that the Colosseum in Rome could empty itself of spectators in only five minutes? It seems like quick exits and restrictive entries are mutually exclusive. Did they have temporary entry barriers they then removed , sort of like how a modern stadium might have banks of doors that open only from the inside?
Games and plays were free. They were usually payed for by a local politician or oligarch, who used it to garner support from the people.