Buying concert tickets after the show has started can be tricky. While it’s not impossible, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to get last-minute tickets. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about buying tickets to a concert that’s already underway.
Why would you want to buy tickets after a show starts?
There are a few reasons you might find yourself wanting to get into a concert that’s already started:
- You didn’t get tickets in time and still want to see part of the show
- You have friends already there and want to join them
- You’re nearby and hear the music, and decide you want to check it out
- You got stuck in traffic or had other delays getting there on time
While it’s always best to buy tickets well in advance, sometimes plans change or you make a last-minute decision. Don’t assume it’s impossible to get into a show that’s already happening.
Is it possible to buy tickets after the start time?
In most cases, yes – you can still buy tickets to a concert that’s already underway. Venues want to fill all their seats if possible, so will often sell tickets up until the end. There are a few caveats though:
- Availability may be limited. The most desirable seats likely sold out already.
- Prices may drop as demand decreases closer to showtime.
- Some venues stop ticket sales an hour or two after the start.
- Very popular shows may truly sell out if demand exceeds capacity.
So while you can usually still buy tickets, the selection may be limited compared to pre-show sales. The good news is you might score a last-minute deal!
Where to Buy Tickets After a Concert Starts
If you find yourself wanting to buy tickets after showtime, here are some options to get your hands on passes:
The venue box office
This is probably your best bet for last-minute tickets. Most box offices will remain open through the beginning of the show and sometimes well after, selling any remaining tickets they have. Box office reps will know exactly what’s still available and can advise you on seats. The downside is you’ll have to go there in person.
Ticket resale sites
Online ticket marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats and SeatGeek are worth checking even after a show starts. Speculators may drop prices as it gets closer to showtime. You can shop resale tickets from your phone and complete the purchase online fast. Availability may be limited, however.
Ticket consolidators
Businesses like TicketNetwork and ScoreBig aggregate remaining inventories from various sources when shows start. This gives you more options than a single venue. Beware higher fees, however, and make sure to compare multiple consolidators.
Scalpers outside the venue
In person resellers who hang around outside events may have extra tickets to get rid of. This option involves risks, however – no guarantees the tickets are valid or authentic. Most recommend avoiding scalpers and using reputable sources.
Buying Process After the Show Starts
The process of actually buying tickets doesn’t change much after showtime. Here are some things to expect:
Limited inventory
Don’t expect a huge selection of seats. You may have to compromise on location. Review the seat map carefully before purchasing.
Full price tickets
Some sources will still charge full price even after a show starts. Shop around for deals.
Instant mobile tickets
Most last-minute tickets will be delivered instantly to your phone to scan at the venue. Printed tickets are rare these days.
Fewer ticket perks
Buying just before showtime means you’ll miss out on prepaid parking, early venue access, and other ticket package perks that require advance planning.
Changing prices
Ticket prices may fluctuate leading up to and during the show, depending on demand. Prices could go up or down.
Limited entry points
To get in faster, the venue may restrict which entrance gates can still be used by late arrivals. This will be indicated on your mobile tickets.
Tips for Buying Tickets After Start Time
If you do end up buying tickets for a concert already underway, keep these tips in mind:
- Act fast! The longer you wait, the fewer options there will be.
- Use your phone to shop online while heading to the venue.
- Be flexible about seating location – you may have to take what’s available.
- Check multiple sources like the box office, Ticketmaster, StubHub, etc.
- Get tickets on your phone – it’s usually all digital at the last minute.
- Arrive early and locate the correct entry gate mentioned on tickets.
- Don’t buy from scalpers – high risk of fraud.
Sample Price Comparison
Here’s an example to show how prices for the same tickets can vary between different sellers once the show starts:
Seller | Section | Row | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Box Office | 200 Level | Row M | $250 |
StubHub | 200 Level | Row M | $225 |
SeatGeek | 200 Level | Row N | $200 |
Scalper | 300 Level | Row U | $100 |
This shows how resellers start dropping prices closer to showtime compared to box office prices. The same seats can be $50-150 cheaper.
Attending Only Part of the Concert
One downside to buying tickets after the scheduled start time is missing part of the performance. Concerts typically run over two hours, so arriving halfway through means you won’t see the full show.
How much you’ll miss
Most major concerts have an opening act that performs first, so you may only miss them if arriving within the first hour. Headliners generally take the stage an hour or more after the printed start time. But every show is different, so there’s no guarantees.
Worth buying tickets?
Even if you can only catch part of the concert, it may still be worthwhile buying tickets – but factor in:
- How far into the show is it?
- Is the main act still yet to perform?
- Are ticket prices discounted enough to justify only seeing a portion?
For very popular shows that are sold out, it may be hard to pass up the chance to see even part of the concert. For lesser-known acts, it’s a tougher call.
Alternatives to arriving late
Instead of showing up halfway and missing part of the concert, you could also:
- Buy tickets for the next show (if there is one) and see the full concert then.
- Wait for a few songs to finish before entering, so you don’t disturb others mid-song.
- Listen to the beginning songs out in the lobby if you can still hear them.
Pros and Cons of Buying Tickets After Start Time
Here are some key pros and cons to weigh when considering purchasing tickets after the scheduled start of a concert:
Pros | Cons |
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Policies Around Late Arrivals
Most venues and artists are quite welcoming of late arrivals – after all, they want to fill all seats possible. But some concerts do have firmer policies, so check ahead of time.
Kanye West
Kanye is notorious for start times being delayed hours after the printed time on tickets. Buying tickets late for his shows is extremely common. But he also strictly prohibits late entry during songs. Patrons must wait for songs to finish before entering.
The Symphony
Symphony concerts and operas are more formal affairs. Late seating may only be allowed between pieces or acts due to disruptions. Tickets often warn if late seating is restricted.
Comedy Shows
Comedians want total focus during their sets, so late arrivals are very disruptive. Many comedy venues don’t allow late entry at all once the show has started.
Festivals
For outdoor festivals with multiple stages, arriving late is generally no problem. Sets run all day long so you can still catch many acts at any time.
Conclusion
While buying concert tickets after the scheduled start time isn’t always ideal, it can enable you to see part of a show you initially missed out on. With limited inventories and no guarantees on exact entry time, it requires flexibility and managing of expectations. But using reputable sources, comparing prices across sellers, and acting quickly, you can often still purchase tickets after a concert is underway – just likely at a discount. Arriving late certainly beats missing the show altogether!