Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to Event - General FAQ
Q: What does general admission include?
A: You will be able to watch the celebrity guests interact with fans from afar, shop exclusive merchandise, purchase drink & hang at the bar, and take pictures with decor to commemorate your experience. Your general admission ticket does NOT include any photo op or autograph tickets. All tickets are sold separately. There is a separate general admission ticket for each day.
Q: Are my tickets mailed to me or do I have to pick them up?
A: Tickets are emailed to you right after checkout is complete.
Q: I can't find my tickets! Can you help me?
A: After purchasing your tickets, we suggest immediately downloading them to your device and keeping a copy for yourself. If you haven’t received your ticket to your email within 24 hours, please email us at info@fwbcharityevents.com as you may have typed in your email wrong. We WILL NOT be able to help you retrieve your tickets the day of the event. You will need to go back through your emails and find your tickets.
Q: If I buy admission but don't buy any photos or autographs, will I get to meet the celebrity guests?
A: No, you will not get to meet the celebrity guests with just a general admission ticket. You MUST purchase a photo op or autograph ticket to meet that specific celebrity guest.
Q: Will we be able to see the celebrity guests even if we don't have a photo op or autograph with them?
A: Yes, your general admission ticket allows you to see the guests from a distance.
Q: Is ___________ going to be announced soon?
A: We announce celebrity guests as soon as we receive contracts back! Celebrity guests can be announced all the way up to 2 weeks prior to the event.
Q: Will you announce when a celebrity guest is definitely not coming?
A: We try our best to announce when someone has declined! If we are not announcing that someone has declined, it is for a very specific reason that we have to respect or we have not received a response from them yet.
Q: I hesitate to buy tickets if I don’t know who I am paying to see. Can you announce all the celebrity guests before putting tickets on sale?
A: Unfortunately, it is impossible to wait on all contracts before putting tickets on sale. You may choose to wait until the celebrity guest you would like to meet is announced before purchasing tickets. But we never advise purchasing for one specific guest in case they have to cancel. We do not refund general admission tickets. If there was any better way to do it, we absolutely would!
Q: Will there be Q&A panels like other conventions?
A: No. We are not a convention company. We are a fundraising non-profit organization, so we do things a little differently than a convention. We took out the panels in order to give you more time with the celebrity guests during photos and autographs.
Q: Why won't you add more of a sold out item?
A: The reason we cannot add more of a sold out item is because we only sell a certain amount to ensure the event runs smoothly. General admission tickets are also limited so we can create an intimate and comfortable experience. Photo ops and/or autographs are limited so they are not running over time.
Q: When will we get the schedules?
A: Typically about the week prior to the event. We have to wait until all celebrity guests are confirmed before putting the schedules out.
*Please Note: schedules are subject to change at anytime, due to unforeseen circumstances out of our control.
Q: I'm looking for places to stay. Do you have any recommendations?
A: We suggest searching for hotels in the downtown area if you are wanting to be closest to the event! A lot of One Tree Hill scenes were filmed in Downtown Wilmington and you will be within walking distance to food, shopping, and nightlife.
Q: I'm not able to make it to this event. Will you be having another event this year?
A: 21TreeHill was the LAST basketball game and large event. We are always working on smaller future events. We always announce events as soon as we have enough information to give. Once an event is confirmed on our end, we will make an announcement.
Q: I'm on the website to buy tickets but it's not letting me log in. Am I doing something wrong?
A: If you're not able to log in to the website to purchase tickets, it's either that you're not logged into your TRIC membership account or you don't have a TRIC membership account. The website is locked at certain times just for TRIC members when tickets are being released. Check again in about an hour and you should be able to log in.
Q: Do I have to be a TRIC Member to purchase tickets for your events?
A: No, you do not! Anywhere stating that TRIC Memberships must be in payment good standing is a reminder for current TRIC Members.
Q: How do you become a TRIC Member?
A: You can purchase TRIC Memberships for 2025 NOW. The final day to sign up to be a TRIC Member for 2025 is January 31st, 2025!
Q: If I haven’t heard a response from a question, should I direct message your staff’s personal social media?
A: Absolutely not! Our staff reserves their personal social media for personal use. We try to be as accessible as we can. Please utilize info@fwbcharityevents.com for any questions, comments, and/or concerns about our upcoming events!
Q: Can you help me with my tickets through direct messages?
A: Unfortunately not. While we know it may feel the easiest to shoot us a DM to ask about your tickets, we may not be able to complete your request on our phones and don’t want to forget about you. Please send ALL ticketing issues, questions, requests to info@fwbcharityevents.com.
Q: I emailed and sent a direct message 2 days ago. When can I expect a response?
A: If you have a question, we kindly ask you to only contact us in one form of contact. It helps to answer everyone’s questions faster. Please allow us 3-5 days to respond as it is only 2 of us working social media, emails, and doing most of the planning process of the events.
Q: Are there any age limitations for the events at FWB events?
A: No, there are no age limitations for any event, unless specified.
Q: My card got declined but I know I have funds, what do I do?
A: We always suggest clearing your cookies and browsing history then trying again. This works for most attendees. If that doesn't work, check with your bank to make sure it is not getting blocked on their end.
Q: Why are the prices so high?
A: We know it may seem like prices are high, but we truly do everything in our power to keep prices as fair as possible. There are so many unseen expenses (venue costs, equipment rental fees, celebrity guest fees, decor, etc.) that go into putting on these events which is where the pricing comes from. We are also a non-profit, so after expenses are paid, the proceeds go to a charity. Convention companies have very similar prices but they profit from those sales.
Q: Since FWB is a 501c3 non-profit, are tickets and donations tax deductible?
A: YES! Donations are tax-deductible! For a ticket purchase tax deduction, take the price of the ticket, subtract the fair market value of the ticket, and that gives you the total you can legally deduct from your taxes.
Q: How do I become a sponsor?
A: Please email us at info@fwbcharityevents.com for a sponsorship packet!
Volunteers FAQ
Q: What does a volunteer do?
A: Volunteers must be available to help with any/all event operations as needed. This can include assisting guests, door guarding, personal assistance, door check-in, etc. Volunteers must be friendly, professional, patient, and punctual.
Q: What if I am attending the event as a fan, but still want to volunteer?
A: We advise you to NOT be a volunteer if you don't want to miss parts of the event or if you're planning to purchase multiple photo ops/autographs.
Q: Do I get a free admission ticket as a volunteer?
A: All volunteers will receive a badge and t-shirt, which will allow entry into the event areas. However, these badges hold no special benefits or entry into special events i.e. sports game, Banquet, Cocktail Party, concerts, etc. unless specifically stated by FWB Charity Events.
Q: When will I know if I am accepted/needed as a volunteer?
A: We usually won't know until a month or 2 prior to the event. If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will receive an email from us.
Refunds/Upgrades/Exchanges/Reselling FAQ
Q: If I'm not able to attend, can I get a refund?
A: No, we do not offer refunds under any circumstance. Please review our REFUNDS POLICY prior to purchasing tickets.
Q: Can I resell my tickets if I can no longer attend?
A: No. All tickets are non-transferrable. Please review our RESELLING OF TICKETS POLICY prior to purchasing tickets.
Q: Why can't I just sell them to my friend? Why are tickets non-transferable?
A: We prevent the reselling/transferring of tickets to ensure attendees will not be scammed with potentially fake tickets, and to avoid scalping. We want everyone to have an equal and fair chance of attending each event. We will not allow your tickets to be transferable for any reason, once they are already purchased.
Q: What if the only celebrity guest I have a photo op with cancels? Can I get a refund on my general admission ticket, since that's the only person I wanted to see?
A: Unfortunately, no. General admission tickets are non-refundable for any reason. We do not recommend attending the event for one specific guest.
Q: If I buy an individual photo but want to upgrade to a duo or group, can I do that and pay the difference?
A: Unfortunately, upgrades and/or exchanges are not allowed.
Q: In a circumstance where an event is canceled or a celebrity guest is unable to attend, how long will it take to receive a refund?
A: If we have to refund a ticket during one of these circumstances, full refunds will be issued within 30 business days
Day of Event - General FAQ
Q: Where is the event located?
A: TRIC! The address is - 1121 S Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Q: Where do I park?
A: We HIGHLY suggest utilizing Uber or Lyft as there is limited parking surrounding TRIC. You will need to utilize street parking for all events at TRIC. Our parking lot is blocked off for the event itself.
Please see MAP of where to park. The yellow stars are drop off areas. The green lines are street parking.
Q: What kind of bag am I allowed to bring in?
A: Please refer to our BAG POLICY.
Q: Do you have a coat check/bag check? Can I bring my luggage if I have to since I’m leaving my hotel?
A: We do not have a coat or bag check, and you may not bring your luggage with you, if you are arriving or departing from your hotel. Please make these arrangements prior to coming to the event or we will unfortunately have to turn you away.
All bags must abide by our approved bag policy.
Q: Why can’t I wear a TRIC shirt?
A: Our staff/volunteers wear TRIC shirts so we need them to be very easily visible in case of questions or any emergencies.
Q: What types of shoes can I wear?
A: We always suggest comfortable shoes as you will potentially be on your feet most of the day. No heels are allowed at any events!
Q: Is there a place to change my clothes?
A: There are bathrooms on site if you would like to utilize them to change your clothes.
Q: I can't find my tickets! Can you help me?
A: We WILL NOT be able to help you retrieve your tickets the day of the event. You will need to go back through your emails and find your tickets.
Q: Am I allowed to leave and come back, after my general admission ticket has already been scanned?
A: Re-entry is allowed at our event so we encourage you to come and go as you please. After your general admission ticket is scanned, our staff will put your wristband on. Please keep your wristband on and visible at all times to avoid questioning. This will ensure you are able to exit and re-enter the venue throughout the day.
Q: What is there to do during the event, other than photos and autographs?
A: Enjoy the experience and watch the event unfold! You will be able to watch the celebrity guests interact with fans from afar, shop exclusive merchandise, purchase a brain blaster & hang at the bar, and take pictures with decor to commemorate your experience. However, we HIGHLY recommend purchasing photo ops and autographs to get the best experience possible.
Q: Will there be food/drinks/merch available for purchase?
A: We plan to have food trucks set up outside of TRIC and will announce once confirmed. We encourage you to utilize these food trucks and show them support and appreciation for joining us!
OTHMerch will be set up and available for you to shop some exclusive One Tree Hill merchandise.
Q: Can I bring in my own food and drinks?
A: Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks if you do not want to utilize the food truck during the photo and autograph sessions!
Q: Can I purchase tickets at the event?
A: Tickets can be purchased on our website the day of the event, if they're still available.
Q: Why do you have a security team posted to escort the celebrities?
A: This is for everyone's safety, not just the celebrities. We have security to keep everyone under control. We want everyone to feel safe at our events.
Q: What if an event is running late?
A: We will make every effort to announce any schedule changes on our social media (could be Instagram or Facebook - we suggest you turn on notifications for our pages for updates) as well as announce in person in the event venue.
Photo Op & Autograph FAQ
Q: Do we need to get a general admission ticket to redeem any photo ops?
A: You MUST have a general admission ticket in order to redeem any photo op or autograph tickets. Your general admission ticket does NOT include any photo op or autograph tickets. All tickets are sold separately. There is a separate general admission ticket for each day.
Q: How many attendees may appear in one photo op?
A: Two attendees (each with general admission) may appear together in one photo op for the initial price.
Q: If I have one general admission and two attendees are allowed in photos, does my friend, spouse, etc. need a general admission since they’ll be in the photos with me?
A: YES! Any attendee entering the venue MUST have a general admission ticket. If two attendees would like to purchase one photo op and be in the photo together, they can, but each attendee must have a general admission ticket. If each attendee would like their own photo, they must purchase 1 photo op ticket per attendee. (5 years old and under don’t need a general admission ticket)
Q: I know two attendees may participate in any photo op for the initial price, but we have three of us who would like to be in the photo. Can we pay an additional fee to add a third person?
A: Unfortunately, no. Our photo ops will only allow for two attendees in one photo.
Q: Can my child be in the photo with me?
A: Yes, if your child is 5 years of age or younger, they are admitted for free and can join in the photo. If your child is over 5 years of age, they must have a general admission ticket in order to be in the photo and will count as one of the attendees in the photo.
Q: If I have a duo photo op and one celebrity guest is unable to attend, can I just get an individual photo op with the other celebrity guest?
A: If a celebrity guest is unable to attend for any reason, any of their individual and duo photo ops, as well as their autographs, will be automatically refunded. If you would like a photo op with the other celebrity guest that was in your duo photo op, you must purchase a photo op with them.
Q: If I miss out on buying an individual photo with a celebrity guest, can I buy a duo they're in and have the other one step out to get the individual photo?
A: No, you cannot and it will not be tolerated. If you do this, you will be asked to leave and potentially banned from future FWB Charity Events and/or OTHMerch Events. We do not want any of our celebrity guests to feel unappreciated or mistreated in any way.
Q: How will I know what time each photo op and autograph session is?
A: The schedule will be posted on our website & social media, and will be sent via email approximately 7 day prior to the event.
Q: What time should I arrive for my photo op? How long before a photo op can I line up?
A: You should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time your photo op or autograph is set to start.
You cannot get in line for your scheduled photo op or autograph before its start time, unless appointed to by a volunteer/staff member. Example: If Sophia’s photo ops are from 1pm-2pm, you may get in line starting at 1pm.
Q: If I buy multiple photos and autographs that are scheduled at the same time, will I get them all?
A: OF COURSE! As long as you are in line at the start time for your scheduled photo op and/or autograph, we will make sure you receive it. If you have photo ops or autographs that are overlapping, PLEASE find a volunteer so they can help you navigate your schedule. If you have two photo ops and/or autographs at the same time & one is a 30 minute time block and the other is a 60 minute time block, we suggest heading to the 30 minute time block op first since it will end prior to the 60 minute time block op.
Q: If my flight is at _____ time and the photos/autographs start at _____ time, will I be able to get my op that I paid for before I leave for the airport ? Will I be refunded if I have to leave?
A: We will not accommodate refunds for any photo ops or autographs missed due to flights. We suggest never flying in or out on event days, as there can be delays with the event as well as flights.
Q: If I miss my photo/autograph, what do I do?
A: Please find a volunteer IMMEDIATELY! We will do our very best to make up the photo op or autograph, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to due to unforeseeable circumstances (such as - celebrity guest has already left for the day).
Q: Will I be allowed to view the photo that is taken to make sure it is good before I leave the photo op?
A: We have volunteers assigned to check photo ops after they are taken to ensure eyes are open and the photos are not blurry.
Q: What if my eyes are closed in my photo?
A: Please find a volunteer ASAP so we can get the photo retaken.
Q: What kind of background will we have? And what color?
A: Backgrounds will be the authentic TRIC brick! See EXAMPLES.
Q: Will I be able to request a pose with the celebrity guest?
A: This is up to the celebrity guest’s discretion. We will let you know prior to the photo op if poses will be allowed.
Q: Will there be mirrors so I can see myself before photos?
A: There will be mirrors in the bathroom that you can see yourself in. We suggest bringing your own compact mirror if you want to check right before you take your photo.
Q: Can I hug the celebrity guest before the photo?
A: No, unfortunately not! Please ensure you are respectful of all boundaries of each celebrity guest. Anyone who acts inappropriately with any celebrity guest in attendance will be immediately asked to leave and will be banned from all future FWB Charity Events and/or OTHMerch Events.
Q: How long am I able to talk to the celebrity guest during photo ops and autographs?
A: Photo ops are a quick hello, how are you, thank you and move along.
Autographs allow a little bit more time to interact with the celebrity guest while they are signing your item.
Q: Can my friend record my interaction?
A: This is at the discretion of the celebrity guest. Some contracts prohibit recording interactions with fans. If your friend is not taking the photo op or getting that autograph, they may be able to stand off to the side at an approved distance and record your interaction. FWB + OTHmerch reserve the right to ask fans to stop recording at any time.
Q: When will I get my photos?
A: Hopefully, instantaneously! Our photographers work very hard to get everything uploaded as soon as possible but if there are extenuating circumstances (Wi-Fi down, equipment not working properly, etc.) photos may be delayed. But rest assured, you will get them as soon as possible.
Q: Will my photo be printed so I can have it signed?
A: No, we do not have printers on site for photos to be printed. If you would like a photo printed, you will need to make your own arrangements.
Q: How many items can I get signed with an autograph ticket?
A: One autograph ticket is good for one item signed.
Q: What am I allowed to bring to be signed?
A: Anything that is appropriate! If something is deemed inappropriate, talent may not choose to sign at their discretion.
Q: Will you have headshots that I can purchase to be signed?
A: We will not. We will have other merchandise you can purchase to have signed, but not headshots. You are welcome to bring your own if you would like a headshot signed!
Q: Can I take a selfie at the autograph table?
A: Unfortunately, no. An autograph ticket is just for an autograph. There are no phones allowed at the autograph tables and you’ll be asked to put your phone away while standing in line.
Q: Can I get a personalized autograph?
A: This is up to the celebrity guest’s discretion. We will let you know prior to the autograph if personalization will be allowed.
If there is a question we have missed, please join our Facebook Group! This is a great way to find all information we have posted about the event and see other fan questions that may help answer your own. Utilize the search bar function to find answers to questions that may mirror your own questions. If your question still goes unanswered, please feel free to email us at info@fwbcharityevents.com.