Getting tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert can be very difficult due to the extremely high demand from her massive fanbase. Many dates sell out in seconds, leaving countless fans without tickets. If you tried to buy tickets when they initially went on sale but couldn’t get any, you may have opted to join the waitlist for more tickets to be released later. So is it still possible to eventually get Taylor Swift tickets if you are waitlisted? Here is an in-depth look at the waitlist process and your chances of getting off of it.
How the Waitlist Works
When Ticketmaster tickets for a Taylor Swift concert initially go on sale and sell out, they don’t release 100% of the tickets to the public. They hold back anywhere from 5-20% of the tickets, depending on the venue, to sell later to fan club members, VIPs, or sponsors. Any remaining tickets that are held back go on sale at a later date through verified fan presales or sometimes even back to the general public.
Fans who want a chance at these held-back tickets can join the waitlist on Ticketmaster when tickets initially go on sale. This registers you into a random selection for a chance to get access to buy these released tickets when they later go on sale. So joining the waitlist does not guarantee tickets, but rather a chance to be selected to buy tickets later. Generally, the larger the venue, the more waitlist tickets tend to be released.
Waitlist Selection Process
Once the waitlist period closes, Ticketmaster randomly selects fans who are registered. The number selected depends on how many tickets they have to release. The selected waitlist fans receive an email notification that they have been chosen and can purchase these newly available tickets during the specified sales window.
This random selection typically happens 1-3 weeks before the event. So you have to hope you get that coveted notification email. If not, unfortunately you won’t be getting tickets through the waitlist.
Factors That Impact Your Waitlist Chances
Getting chosen from the Ticketmaster waitlist comes down to having luck on your side. But there are some factors that may marginally improve your chances:
How Quickly You Join the Waitlist
Joining the waitlist during the first hour of tickets going on sale seems to lead to slightly higher odds of getting picked. The earlier you register, the better your place in line. So don’t delay!
Large Group Size
If you register together in a large group (6+ people), your group is more likely to get chosen than individuals or pairs. That’s because it’s harder for the Ticketmaster system to find blocks of 6+ seats together, so they tend to select some large groups to help fill the seats.
Past Ticket Buying History
Accounts that have a track record of buying tickets to lots of events may get a small boost in waitlist priority. So if you’re a frequent Ticketmaster user for concerts and sports, advantage you!
Verifying Your Account
Having a verified Ticketmaster account with all your personal info completed accurately can help. Unverified or suspicious looking accounts tend to get deprioritized.
Sheer Luck!
At the end of the day, waitlist selection is mostly a random lottery. All you can do is cross your fingers and hope the Ticketmaster gods smile upon you!
Tips to Improve Your Waitlist Odds
While waitlist selection is random, there are a few tricks that may help give you a tiny edge:
Only Join the Waitlist For Your Top Venue Choices
Don’t join the waitlist for shows at 5 different venues in your city – this dilutes your chances. Pick 1 or 2 top choice venues and focus on those.
Use Multiple Devices
Try registering for the waitlist on a couple different devices like your phone, laptop, work computer, etc. Each device gets its own waitlist entry.
Use Multiple Accounts
You can sign up with different Ticketmaster accounts to score extra waitlist entries. Just be sure to use varied info and payment details for each account.
Team Up With Friends
Have everyone you know join the waitlist to maximize your group’s chances. Then you only have to beat the odds once!
Estimated Waitlist Odds of Getting Taylor Swift Tickets
Your specific odds depend on many factors like venue size and local demand. But in general, here are the estimated chances of getting tickets via the waitlist:
Venue Size | Odds of Getting Waitlisted Tickets |
---|---|
Small Theater or Club | 1 in 100 |
Mid-Size Arena or Amphitheater | 1 in 250 |
Large Stadium | 1 in 500 |
As you can see, your odds are long but not impossible. With smart strategies, you can give yourself the best shot at waitlist victory.
When to Give Up on the Waitlist
If you don’t get selected from the Ticketmaster waitlist after 1-2 weeks post-sale, it’s unfortunately time to move on to other ticket options. The waitlist selections are completely finished by that point. Some signs it’s over:
The Resale Market Floods
Once waitlist tickets are sent out, they quickly end up listed for resale on sites like StubHub. If you see thousands of tickets pop up for resale, the waitlist period has ended.
Tour Announcements Slow Down
Leading up to a tour, Taylor’s team strategically announces new dates over a period of months to build hype. When the announcements stop, so have the waitlist drops.
Your Friends Have Given Up
If all your Swiftie friends have thrown in the waitlist towel, it’s time for you to do the same. Misery loves company!
Other Ways to Get Taylor Swift Tickets
If the waitlist doesn’t pan out, here are some other options to score tickets:
Buy Resale Tickets
Resale sites like StubHub are flooded with overpriced Taylor Swift tickets. While you’ll pay a premium, you can often find tickets if you keep monitoring for good deals.
Look for Face Value Ticket Releases
Venues sometimes release last minute tickets at face value if production or capacity changes. Follow the venue’s social accounts to stay on top of things.
Enter Radio Contests
Radio stations will often give away coveted Taylor Swift tickets to lucky callers. Follow stations in your area and be ready to dial in.
Lurk Outside the Venue
Some fans have success buying extra tickets from scalpers right outside the show. But prices are inflated and availability varies.
Hope for a New Tour Leg
If your city is skipped over this time around, Taylor may return on a future leg of the tour and you can try again!
Should You Pay Scalper Prices?
If you are determined to see Taylor no matter what, paying inflated resale prices may be worth it to you. Some things to consider:
How Prices Fluctuate Over Time
Time Period | Average Price Fluctuation |
---|---|
Right After On Sale | +100% over face value |
1-3 Months Out | +50% over face value |
2 Weeks Out | +25% over face value |
Last Minute | At or below face value |
Prices are highest immediately after selling out, then gradually decline over time. Last minute is best for deals.
Only You Can Determine the Value
No one else can decide if paying thousands to see Taylor is worth it for you. Consider your budget, how important it is to you, and whether you’d regret not going.
Unique Experiences Are Priceless
Seeing Taylor live is a one-of-a-kind experience that creates lifelong memories. For super fans, the steep prices may be fully justified.
Your Happiness Matters
If going to the show will bring you immense joy and excitement, don’t undermine the value of that. Only you can determine what experiences are worth splurging on.
Final Verdict: Still Possible but Difficult
Getting Taylor Swift tickets from the waitlist is challenging but attainable through persistence, luck, and smart strategies. While not guaranteed, you still have fighting chance. And even if the waitlist doesn’t work out, don’t lose hope – where there’s a will, there’s a way for any true Swiftie! Never give up!