Cash Returns to the Ticket Window at Pennsylvania School Events

Pennsylvania school events are about to feel a little more familiar for families across the Commonwealth. Whether it’s a high school football game, a spring concert, or a school play, paying with cash will once again be an option at the ticket window.

A new law now requires schools to accept cash as a form of payment for school-sponsored events, ending a growing trend that had pushed many districts toward cashless-only ticketing systems.

Why Cash Became a Problem at School Events

In recent years, many schools across Pennsylvania stopped accepting cash at athletic events and activities. Instead, spectators were required to pay with credit or debit cards, purchase tickets online, or use mobile apps. While these systems were often introduced for convenience or efficiency, they created unintended barriers for many families.

Not everyone has a credit card, a smartphone, or reliable internet access. Seniors, low-income families, and even students themselves were sometimes unable to attend events simply because they could not navigate or access digital payment systems. For grandparents hoping to watch a grandchild play ball or perform on stage, the experience could be frustrating and, at times, exclusionary.

Ticketing platforms also require users to provide personal information, which raised concerns among older Pennsylvanians who are frequently targeted by scams and identity theft.

Legislation Born From Public Frustration

The issue caught the attention of Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams), who said he began hearing directly from constituents who felt shut out of school events in their own communities. In March, Moul introduced House Bill 685 to require schools to accept cash for admission to school-sponsored activities.

According to Moul, the response was immediate and widespread. Residents from across the state contacted his office to share stories about being turned away at the gate or struggling to purchase tickets online. Some described missing games or performances altogether.

“It made no sense to me that the legal currency of the United States wasn’t permitted for ticket purchases to school events,” Moul said, noting that many Pennsylvanians shared that view.

From Proposal to Law

As the bill moved through the General Assembly, it gained bipartisan support and drew significant public attention. While the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) initially rejected Moul’s request to restore a cash option statewide, the organization later revised its policy as the legislation gained momentum.

Still, Moul pushed forward, arguing that a policy change could be reversed, while a law would provide consistency and long-term protection. Ultimately, House Bill 685 was incorporated into the Education Code portion of the state budget.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the budget into law in November, officially making the cash requirement part of state law.

What the Law Requires

Under the new law, schools across the Commonwealth are required to offer a cash payment option to anyone seeking admission to school-sponsored events. Schools may continue to offer digital ticketing, card payments, and online purchasing, but they can no longer refuse cash entirely.

The requirement applies broadly, ensuring that access to school events does not depend on technology, banking access, or personal data sharing.

Supporters of the law say it restores a sense of fairness and common sense to events that are meant to bring communities together.

A Ceremonial Moment at the Capitol

This week, a ceremonial bill signing was held at the state Capitol to formally recognize the legislation. Gov. Shapiro presented Rep. Moul with a signed copy of the Education Code bill containing the cash provision, as well as a copy of House Bill 685 with a personal message of congratulations.

While the bill has already been law since November, the ceremony highlighted what many view as a small change with a meaningful impact.

Moul said no other bill he has sponsored generated as much public engagement.

“Of all the legislation I have sponsored, this bill has received the most public interest and bipartisan support,” he said. “It clearly touched a nerve.”

Why It Matters to Communities

For many Pennsylvanians, school events are more than entertainment. They are community gathering points — places where families, neighbors, and friends come together to support students.

By restoring cash as a payment option, lawmakers say the state is reaffirming that school events should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, income, or comfort with technology.

As districts adjust their ticketing systems to comply with the law, the change may go largely unnoticed by some. For others, it means no apps to download, no accounts to create, and no barriers at the gate — just a ticket purchased the way it’s been done for generations.