The MTV Video Music Awards, also known as the VMAs, are a prestigious annual awards show that honors the best music videos of the year. The VMAs first aired in 1984 and have become one of MTV’s most popular annual events. Fans love the live performances, celebrity appearances, unpredictable moments and of course, finding out which artists and videos take home the coveted Moonman trophies.
If you want to attend the star-studded VMAs in person, you’re probably wondering – can you buy tickets for the MTV Video Music Awards? The short answer is yes, tickets are available to the general public. However, they are extremely limited and sell out very quickly.
When and Where are the VMAs Held?
The MTV VMAs are traditionally held at the end of August or beginning of September each year. The ceremony is typically hosted in New York City or Los Angeles. Some venues that have hosted the VMAs include Radio City Music Hall, the Forum, Barclays Center, Microsoft Theater, Prudential Center, and Yankee Stadium.
In 2023, the VMAs will take place on Sunday, August 27th at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. This marks the 5th time Newark has hosted the ceremony.
Types of VMAs Tickets
There are different ticket tiers available for the MTV VMAs:
General Admission
General admission/floor seating tickets allow you access to the general standing room area in front of the stage. These tickets are first come, first served in terms of getting the best view. Prices usually range from $150-$250.
Lower and Upper Level Seating
You can purchase reserved seating tickets in the lower and upper decks of the arena. Lower level seats are more expensive, ranging from $300-$500. Upper level seats are cheapest, starting around $125.
VIP Packages
VIP packages provide perks like meet and greets with talent or access to private lounges. They are very expensive, costing $1,500 or more.
Ticket Type | Price Range |
---|---|
General Admission/Floor | $150-$250 |
Lower Level Seating | $300-$500 |
Upper Level Seating | $125+ |
VIP Packages | $1,500+ |
When Do VMAs Tickets Go on Sale?
Tickets for the MTV VMAs usually go on sale 4-6 months prior to the event. There isn’t a set public sale date every year. Sign up for Ticketmaster Verified Fan or follow MTV on social media to find out when tickets go on sale.
Due to extremely high demand, tickets sell out in minutes or even seconds in some cases. Many fans try unsuccessfully for years to purchase tickets. To increase your chances, register for Ticketmaster Verified Fan which sometimes gives members preferred access to tickets. Also be ready on your computer right at the sale time with an account already set up.
Where to Buy VMAs Tickets
There are a few options for purchasing MTV VMAs tickets:
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster is the official ticketing partner for the VMAs and will have the largest supply of tickets. Create a Ticketmaster account ahead of the on-sale date and sign up for Verified Fan.
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is a reliable resale marketplace that will have tickets to purchase, likely at inflated prices. Sign up for alerts on when VMAs tickets are posted.
StubHub
StubHub is another popular resale site to check for VMAs ticket availability. Prices are generally higher than face value.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek aggregates ticket listings from various providers. It compiles them in one place to compare options. There is often a good VMAs selection.
VMAs Website
For past shows, MTV has offered limited pre-sales and giveaways for VMAs tickets on their website. Details are usually announced on MTV social media when a pre-sale occurs.
Tips for Getting VMAs Tickets
Because the VMAs are such a hot, exclusive event, tickets go fast. Use these tips to try to secure the tickets you want:
Act Quickly
Have accounts set up ahead of time on Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, StubHub, etc. Be ready to make the purchase the moment tickets go live. Hesitating or delays can mean missing out.
Access Pre-sales
Try to take advantage of artist, credit card, and radio station pre-sales when available. This gives you early access before the general public on-sale.
Increase Your Budget
The most expensive tickets like floor seats and VIP packages have the highest availability. If you can afford it, open up your budget.
Be Flexible on Dates
If the ceremony doesn’t sell out right away, consider attending rehearsals and other events rather than the live show. There are more tickets available for these.
Try Re-Sellers
If you don’t score tickets initially, check re-seller sites leading up to the event. Prices usually drop closer to the show.
Conclusion
Yes, you can buy tickets to the MTV Video Music Awards. However, the tickets are extremely limited, expensive and sell out within minutes. Prepare in advance, act quickly, and be flexible to try to secure the tickets you want. Attending the VMAs takes persistence, patience and luck. But getting to be part of music’s wildest night is well worth the effort for die-hard music fans!