SeatGeek is a popular online ticket marketplace that allows users to buy and sell tickets for sporting events, concerts, theater shows, and more. Many people use SeatGeek to purchase tickets well in advance of an event. However, some may wonder if it is possible to get last-minute tickets on SeatGeek the day of an event.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can absolutely purchase tickets on SeatGeek the same day as the event you want to attend. SeatGeek facilitates ticket sales up until the last minute, making it easy to grab seats even just hours before showtime.
How SeatGeek Works
Before diving into the specifics of day-of ticket buying, it helps to understand how SeatGeek as a platform operates. SeatGeek is a secondary ticket marketplace – it does not sell the tickets directly but provides a platform for third party sellers to list and sell their tickets. Sellers can be individuals with extra tickets, season ticket holders with seats they cannot use, or even ticket brokers reselling inventory.
SeatGeek compiles inventory from hundreds of trusted sellers into a live ticket marketplace. Users can search events and see interactive maps displaying all available seats along with adapted pricing and deal scores. When a user makes a purchase, SeatGeek facilitates the transaction and provides buyer protections like a guarantee on the validity of tickets.
Day-Of Ticketing on SeatGeek
Since SeatGeek essentially provides an online marketplace, tickets can become available any time leading up to an event, even just hours before it starts. Sellers are able to list and adjust pricing until moments before an event goes live. Here are some key things to understand about buying day-of tickets on SeatGeek:
- Inventory is not guaranteed – Just like any secondary market, inventory fluctuates and there is no guarantee which events will have last minute tickets. Certain factors like the popularity of teams/artists and day of week also impact availability.
- Prices are dynamic – Ticket prices on SeatGeek are set by sellers and adjust according to demand. Prices tend to drop as the event nears if supply is high, but can sometimes increase if demand surges.
- All sales are final – There are no refunds on SeatGeek for day-of purchases given the immediate nature of the event. Make sure to double check event details before purchasing.
- Instant download – After purchase, tickets can be instantly downloaded via the app to access immediately.
When to Buy
If your goal is to get the lowest price, monitoring the ticket marketplace in the hours leading up to an event is key. Prices tend to drop up until a couple hours before start time as sellers scramble to offload inventory. However, waiting too long comes with the risk of missing out if another buyer scoops them up or if prices rise due to demand.
Here are some general guidelines on when to make day-of purchases on SeatGeek:
- The day before – Prices may still be dropping as game day approaches. Aim for end of the business day.
- Day of – Mid-morning is a good benchmark on event days. Sellers often reassess overnight.
- 2-3 hours before – Prices start to bottom out as sellers want to unload tickets.
- 1 hour before – Best deals, but very limited inventory. Be ready to act fast!
Of course, every event is different, so flexibility is key. Use price tracking tools and set deal alerts for your target events so you know when seats become available at your ideal price.
Where to Look
When buying day-of tickets on SeatGeek, keep in mind where you have the best chance of finding tickets below face value:
- Upper levels – The cheapest seats are typically in the upper decks, especially in the corners. Great for budget buyers.
- Obstructed views – Don’t mind a partial view obstruction? Big savings can be found on these seats.
- Singles/small groups – Larger blocks of seats are tougher to sell last minute. Try fewer seats.
- Weeknight games – Weekend events are in higher demand. Weeknights have more wiggle room.
Use the interactive seat maps to visualize where deals are located. Zoom in on individual rows for exact pricing and details.
Finding Deals
Beyond buying at the right time and checking high-value seating zones, there are other tricks to help find the best deals on SeatGeek:
Price Your Tickets
Use the price slider tool on event pages to display only tickets within your target budget. Adjust to filter lower until deals appear.
Turn on Notifications
Set up price drop alerts and get notified when deals that match your criteria become available. Act fast once notified to grab the seats.
Check Right Before
Tickets often drop in price at the very last minute as sellers get desperate to sell. Check back even an hour before to find new deals.
Buy Single Tickets
Sometimes the best deals can be found on single seats rather than pairs. Don’t be afraid to break up groups across rows to save.
Are the Tickets Guaranteed?
Given the immediate nature of day-of ticketing, you’ll want to ensure the tickets you are purchasing are valid and guaranteed. SeatGeek provides the following protections when buying same-day tickets:
- Verified tickets – All sellers must provide valid barcodes that are verified directly with the venue.
- Guaranteed access – If a ticket does not allow entry for any reason, SeatGeek will provide a refund or comparable replacement.
- Secure transfers – Tickets are delivered electronically to prevent counterfeits and ensure prompt delivery.
As long as you complete your transaction through SeatGeek, you can feel confident you will gain entry even with last-minute purchases. Review SeatGeek’s ticket policy for full details on buyer protections.
Buying Tips
Here are some final tips for seamlessly buying tickets on SeatGeek the day of an event:
- Set alerts – Get notified when price drops or inventory is listed for in-demand events.
- Compare listings – View all options and sellers side-by-side to find the best seats and prices.
- Check accessibility – Confirm seats meet your needs like ADA accessible areas if required.
- Read reviews – Check seller ratings and reviews to buy from reputable sources.
- Check policies – Understand delivery, fees, and other purchase policies before buying.
- Download instantly – Access tickets on your phone immediately after purchase.
By following these tips and tricks, you can master the art of getting tickets at the last minute using SeatGeek. So next time you want to attend a hot event on short notice, don’t hesitate to jump on SeatGeek and grab seats on game day!
The Benefits of Buying Day-Of Tickets on SeatGeek
Purchasing tickets on SeatGeek the same day as an event comes with several unique benefits:
Better Prices
Day-of tickets tend to be cheaper with last-minute discounts as sellers drop prices. Score seats for below face value.
Wider Selection
More options open up last minute as sellers release previously held tickets. Find seats you may not have seen before.
Immediate Access
Download tickets instantly on your phone rather than waiting for shipping. Get tickets and go!
Flexibility
Make a spur of the moment decision to attend an event as plans change. No need to plan far in advance.
Exclusive Deals
Take advantage of flash sales and specials only available leading up to the event date itself.
Downsides of Buying Last Minute
Despite the many advantages, buying day-of tickets on SeatGeek does come with a few cautions to keep in mind:
Uncertain Availability
There is no guarantee which events will have last minute tickets. Some may sell out completely in advance.
Rushed Purchase
Last-minute buying requires acting fast when deals appear. Less time to evaluate all options.
High Demand Events
Major games or concerts often see prices rise day-of as demand spikes. Deals are harder to find.
No Refunds
All sales final on last-minute purchases. Make sure to get event details right before buying.
Split Groups
Might only find singles and pairs. Your group may need to split up across rows.
Is Buying Day-Of Right for You?
Purchasing tickets on the day of an event can offer big savings, flexibility, and access to high demand events. But it does require effort, luck, and some risk. Buying day-of is best for shoppers who:
- Want access to sold out events and games
- Can make last minute plans to attend events
- Are flexible on seating locations and groups
- Have patience and persistence to find deals
- Understand the risk of tickets selling out
Buying well in advance is still ideal for things like travel planning, grouping seats together, and guaranteeing access to the most popular games and concerts. Evaluate your specific needs to decide if buying day-of makes sense.
Unique Ways to Use SeatGeek for Last Minute Tickets
Capitalize on Canceled Plans
If friends bail last minute, quickly jump on SeatGeek to sell their ticket or find someone to take their spot and join you. Recoup costs or extend the invite!
Day Trip to a Game
Seize a nice day to take a spontaneous trip to catch a baseball or football game in a city within driving distance.
Surprise Gift
Gift experience tickets on a moment’s notice for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions coming up.
Students Seeking Deals
High school and college students can score affordable last minute access to shows and sporting events in their town.
Turn a Weather Delay into a Game Day
If rainy weather spoils outdoor plans, use the free time to your advantage and find an indoor event to attend instead.
Score Autographed Memorabilia
Getting into a game last minute gives opportunity to arrive early for batting practice or warm ups to get autographs.
Family Bonding Time
Search together for deals on events your whole family would enjoy as a fun spontaneous activity.
Reward Good Behavior
Surprise kids with tickets to a show or game they’ve wanted to see as a reward for accomplishments.
Extra Date Ideas
Impress your significant other by seamlessly scooping up tickets on your phone to a concert or show as you are out together.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
For those new to purchasing tickets on SeatGeek, especially last minute, here are some helpful beginner tips:
Download the App
The SeatGeek app makes last minute ticket buying easy with instant access, notifications, and more.
Save Your Payment Method
Have a card on file to check out instantly when you find good deals at the last second.
Turn on Notifications
Allow SeatGeek to send price drop and listing alerts so you never miss a deal opportunity.
Read Seller Reviews
Verify seller ratings to buy from reputable sources when buying just before an event.
Understand Fees
Factor in service and delivery fees so final checkout prices are not a surprise.
Compare Ticket Sites
Cross-shop prices across top ticket platforms for the best day-of deals.
Buy an Event Voucher
Gift an open-dated voucher to give flexibility to find a last minute deal for someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy tickets day of on StubHub?
Yes, StubHub also facilitates ticket sales up until the last minute for events. Check both StubHub and SeatGeek when looking for day-of deals.
What happens if my SeatGeek ticket is invalid?
SeatGeek provides a 100% guarantee on the validity of tickets. If a ticket does not allow entry for any reason, they will provide a full refund or find replacement tickets.
How late can you buy tickets on SeatGeek?
Tickets remain available on SeatGeek up until the scheduled start time of the event. However, last minute purchases close to event time are risky as inventory sells out quickly.
Can you get student tickets on SeatGeek?
Yes, sellers often list discounted student ticket options on SeatGeek. Use filters to narrow your search to student tickets when available.
What is the cheapest day to buy tickets?
For the lowest prices, buying 1-3 hours before the event provides the cheapest tickets in most cases as sellers slash prices to sell remaining inventory.
The Bottom Line
Through SeatGeek’s live ticket marketplace, it is perfectly possible to score seats to concerts, games, theater, and other events even just hours before showtime. Buying day-of allows flexibility and potential savings, but requires closely tracking inventories and prices. Use strategies like price alerts, comparing sellers, and checking right before go time to find the best last minute deals the day of an event on SeatGeek.