Venue Fee and Spectator Question

Me and some friends plan on attending evo for the first time this year but we don’t really main any of the official tournament games. I wanted to be sure if the venue fee is only charged for people entering those main tournament games, while the byoc area, and other cabinets like the tekken tag 2 cabs brought by namco last year are open to “spectators”.

BYOC area and spectating are free last I remember…

I have a relevant question. If my understanding is correct, entering the venue just to spectate is free right?
One of my friends payed the $50 attendance fee without joining any of the tournaments(He thought everyone had to pay to attend).
I know there is a no-refund policy but is it possible for him to change his entry to join one of the tournaments? Or did he just spend $50 for nothing?