Getting tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert can be incredibly difficult, especially when she is on a major tour. For her recent Eras Tour, Taylor implemented a Verified Fan presale that required fans to register in advance for a unique code to access ticket buying. This was done in an effort to get more tickets directly into the hands of her fans rather than scalpers and bots. However, it still left many fans without the ability to get tickets. The question remains – is it possible to buy Taylor Swift tickets without an official code?
The Challenge of Buying Taylor Swift Tickets
Taylor Swift has become one of the biggest pop stars in the world, selling out stadiums and setting records across the globe. Her popularity has made getting tickets to her concerts extremely competitive. Here are some of the factors that make Taylor Swift tickets so hard to get:
– High demand – Taylor has millions of fans worldwide wanting to see her live. Stadium venues she plays at often only hold 50,000-70,000 people.
– Bots and scalpers – Many tickets end up going to ticket brokers and professional scalpers who use bots and other tricks to buy up all the inventory.
– Exclusive presales – Taylor uses verified fan presales requiring pre-registration and unique codes to try to get tickets directly to real fans first.
– Immediate sell outs – Popular shows sell out instantly, within minutes or even seconds. You have to be ready and waiting online to ever have a shot.
– Expensive resale prices – With such low supply and high demand, resale prices typically end up in the hundreds or thousands of dollars per ticket.
Ways Fans Try to Get Taylor Swift Tickets
Dedicated Taylor Swift fans have gotten creative trying to increase their chances of scoring the coveted tickets to her tours and concerts. Some of the ways fans try to get tickets include:
– Registering for presales – Taylor often does Verified Fan presales for her top fans who register in advance. You have to be selected to get a code.
– Online waiting rooms – Ticketmaster now uses online waiting rooms before you can access tickets. You wait in a digital line.
– Buying fan club memberships – Becoming an official fan club member can sometimes get you access to special presales.
– Targeting less popular venues – Trying for shows at larger venues or in markets with less demand can help.
– Working with fan groups – Taylor fan forums and groups often share tips and presale codes.
– Buying VIP packages – VIP ticket packages cost thousands but include premium seats and backstage access.
– Checking late releases – More tickets sometimes get released last minute as production holds and vendor reserves are released.
Ways to Get Taylor Swift Tickets Without a Code
Getting Verified Fan presale codes or special fan club codes can definitely help, but they are not a guaranteed way to get Taylor Swift tickets. And codes often get shared and lose their advantage. Here are some of the main ways to try and get Taylor Swift tickets without having an official code:
Use the General Public Onsale
While the presales offer the very best chance due to inventory being held just for verified fans, there are still tickets released during the general public onsale. This is when sales open up to everyone. Having fast internet, being on the ticket site right at the onsale time, and utilizing waiting rooms are key. Refresh and keep trying if tickets initially show sold out, as some tickets are held back and may get released later.
Check Resale Marketplaces
Many Taylor Swift tickets end up on resale sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster Resale. Buyers should beware of extremely inflated prices. Sort by lowest price first and look for last minute deals on tickets closer to show dates if prices were initially too high. Also check reputable fan exchange and resale groups.
Do Not Use Scalpers or Scammers
Avoid buying tickets from illegal scalpers, ticket brokers, or unfamiliar sites advertising cheap Taylor Swift tickets. Scammers often pretend to sell tickets they never have to unsuspecting fans online. Stick to trusted marketplaces. Meet a seller in person before sending money if buying from individual resellers.
Look for Last Minute Ticket Releases
In the final days and hours leading up to show times, venues will often release held-back tickets if they have not sold out. Production and vendor holds get released back for general sale. Check both the primary ticket sites as well as resale sites for newly opened up tickets. Prices tend to drop last minute as sellers scramble to offload inventory.
Consider a Related Event
If you simply can’t obtain tickets to Taylor’s actual concert, look into related events in the same city while she is touring there. Nightclubs may host afterparties or concerts featuring opening acts. Bars or venues near the stadium may also have special viewing parties. This allows you to get in on the Swift action without stadium access.
Enter Radio Contests and Giveaways
Radio stations will frequently run Taylor Swift ticket giveaways and contests leading up to big shows. By regularly tuning in and entering, you may win free or discounted tickets. Some local businesses may also sponsor contests. This is a long shot but could pay off.
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
General Public Onsale | – No code needed – Fair shot at tickets |
– High competition – Limited inventory |
Resale Marketplaces | – Full selection of tickets – Can find last minute deals |
– High prices – Risk of fakes |
Contests & Giveaways | – Chance to win free tickets | – Very low odds – Tied to specific events |
Related Events | – Experience concert atmosphere – Easier to get access |
– No stadium access – Not the real concert |
Tips for Improving Your Chances
Landing Taylor Swift tickets without special access codes requires diligence, flexibility, and a bit of luck. Here are some top tips for boosting your chances of scoring seats:
Be Ready Right at Onsale Time
Have accounts set up on primary vendor sites like Ticketmaster ahead of time. Be logged in and on the page 10-15 minutes early. Check for waiting rooms opening. Refresh at the exact onsale time for a chance at the best seats as they are released.
Aim for Less Popular Shows
Try for dates in cities with lower demand versus obvious hot spots like New York or Los Angeles. Weekday shows and additional dates added late to the tour also tend to be easier targets.
Use Multiple Devices
Have friends and family try on other devices too to increase your odds. The more devices attempting to get tickets, the better chance you have of beating the competition.
Get Ready to Act Fast
Have payment details saved and be ready to check out lightning fast when tickets are in your cart. Take whatever seats come up – you can swap later if needed. Hesitation leads to missing out.
Keep Trying for Dates Near Showtime
More tickets tend to get released in the final days leading up to concerts as vendor holds get released. Check frequently as dates approach. Last minute unsold tickets will also drop in price.
Conclusion
Scoring Taylor Swift tickets as a regular fan without special access or insiders advantages can certainly present a challenge. But it is still possible with the right preparation, persistence, flexibility and a bit of luck. Your best bets are to target public onsales, keep an eye on resale platforms, enter contests and giveaways when possible, and look for related events nearby. With smart strategies you can still achieve your goal of seeing Taylor live without breaking the bank!