> There are signs all over the park, and I can find my own seat. I don't need an employee to demand to see my ticket, and simply point to where my seat is when I can already find it without their help.

Ushers serve an important function for disabled fans. I went to a few games several years ago while I was on crutches and in a walking boot due to ankle surgery, and I have an out-of-town friend who comes to games sometimes and relies on a wheelchair to get around because of organ failure-related muscular weakness. Neither of us would’ve been able to get to our seats without the usher’s help.

Ushers are also the first line of response for security concerns due to problem fans. If someone in a seat near you is drunk and disorderly and heading toward violent, you’re supposed to tell an usher so they can alert security. A kiosk can’t do that.