The NBA Draft is an exciting event for basketball fans, as it marks the entrance of the next generation of players into the league. Many fans are eager to attend the Draft and watch as the future stars of the NBA have their dreams realized. However, purchasing tickets to the NBA Draft can be tricky. Here is what you need to know about getting tickets to the NBA Draft:
When and where is the NBA Draft held?
The NBA Draft is held once a year, usually in late June. The Draft spans two rounds, with the first round taking place on the first night and the second round happening the next day. Recently, the Draft has taken place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. However, the location can change from year to year.
Who can attend the NBA Draft?
Attendance at the NBA Draft is limited. The majority of the seats are taken up by team representatives, Draft prospects, NBA officials, media members, sponsors, and invited guests of the NBA. There are some tickets made available to the general public, but they are very limited.
Can the General Public Buy NBA Draft Tickets?
The NBA does release a small number of tickets for each night of the Draft to the general public. However, the demand for these tickets far outweighs the supply. Tickets are first made available to Caesars Rewards members through an online pre-sale. Any remaining tickets are then released to the general public through Ticketmaster.
Public tickets are primarily Standing Room Only tickets. In 2022, public tickets were $75 per night. Seating tickets for the general public are extremely limited. The available tickets typically sell out within minutes or hours of going on sale.
When do NBA Draft tickets go on sale?
The on-sale dates and times for NBA Draft tickets vary from year to year. Typically, the pre-sale for Caesars Rewards members will take place 1-2 weeks before the Draft. Any remaining tickets are released to the general public 1-3 days after the pre-sale. The limited quantity means you have to be ready to purchase immediately when the public on-sale begins.
Here is an overview of when tickets went on sale in recent years:
Year | Caesars Pre-Sale Date | Public On-Sale Date |
---|---|---|
2022 | June 15 | June 17 |
2021 | July 12 | July 15 |
2019 | June 10 | June 13 |
As you can see, the timeline changes annually. Your best bet is to monitor NBA.com and follow the NBA Draft social media accounts in the weeks leading up to the Draft to stay on top of any ticket sale announcements. Signing up for Ticketmaster Verified Fan can also help you get access to tickets.
Where can I buy NBA Draft tickets?
There are only a couple of official sources for NBA Draft tickets:
– Ticketmaster – This is the primary source for any tickets released to the general public. You can access them online through Ticketmaster.com or via the Ticketmaster app.
– Caesars Rewards – Members get access to an exclusive pre-sale online prior to the public on-sale.
Third-party ticket resellers like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek may also obtain some tickets to resell. However, there is risk buying from unofficial channels and prices are often inflated. Your best bet is to go through the NBA’s official Ticketmaster page.
Tips for Buying NBA Draft Tickets
If you hope to purchase the very limited NBA Draft tickets available to the public, here are some tips to increase your chances:
1. Join Caesars Rewards
Becoming a Caesars Rewards member will give you access to tickets before the general public during the member pre-sale. Sign up well in advance of the Draft to take advantage.
2. Use the Ticketmaster Verified Fan system
Ticketmaster uses a Verified Fan system for high-demand events like the Draft. Registering as a Verified Fan before tickets go on sale can help you get a code to access tickets before others.
3. Be ready right when tickets go on sale
Have accounts set up on Caesars Rewards and Ticketmaster ahead of time. Be ready online the minute public tickets are released to get in the virtual queue instantly. You can’t hesitate at all.
4. Try for single tickets
If buying a block of tickets, your chances are very slim. Focus on securing just one or two seats to increase your odds of getting tickets.
5. Get on the waitlist if tickets sell out
If you miss out initially, make sure to get on the Ticketmaster waitlist. You may get lucky and have a shot at tickets released later.
6. Be prepared to pay premium prices
The extreme demand drives up prices, especially on the secondary market. Manage expectations on budget and be ready to pay over face value if you really want to attend.
Attending the NBA Draft Without Tickets
If you are set on joining in the NBA Draft excitement without actually having tickets, you do have some options:
Watch the Broadcast
The Draft airs live on ESPN. You can watch all the picks and player reactions from home. For the full experience, consider hosting a Draft viewing party.
Attend the NBA Draft Fan Fest
The NBA hosts a Tip-Off Fan Fest during Draft week, which includes player & legend appearances, activities, exhibits, and more. It is free and open to the public.
Hang out near the Venue
Barclays Center is located near a number of bars and restaurants in downtown Brooklyn. You can try your luck bar-hopping near the arena and taking in the Draft energy.
Conclusion
Getting tickets to the NBA Draft is an extremely difficult task, with very limited seats available to the public. But entering the Caesars and Ticketmaster sales the moment they open up and using strategies like Verified Fan give you a fighting chance. Persistence and preparation are key. If you don’t manage to score tickets, attending associated fan events or just being in the Brooklyn area for the Draft are great ways to soak up the excitement. With the right approach and a bit of luck, you may fulfill your dream of witnessing the NBA Draft live.