I’m sure you’re right... that security considerations were the driving force behind this ticketing scheme. I guess if I had only 2 choices, this or the TSA grope-fest, I’d probably chose this. I absolutely avoid airports now.
I call BS on the security. I went to a world cup game a few years ago. I bought my tickets online. I chose hold at venue. I picked up the tickets at the stadium. I just had to present the credit card I used to purchase the tickets. I was not in the country of the games when I purchased the tickets.
Security was tight. You could not bring anything big inside. They checked all purses and bags. My buddy and I was in our seats in less than 15 minutes and that was including the wait to pick up the tickets. No TSA gropes either.
I had an extra ticket and sold it outside just before we entered.