It depends. If the event is cancelled or postponed, Ticketmaster will notify ticket holders and provide options like refunds or exchanges. However, if the event goes on as planned but doesn’t sell out, unused tickets may still be valid. Here are some key things to know about using Ticketmaster tickets for undersold events:
Tickets Remain Valid
In most cases, all originally issued tickets will still grant entry into the event, regardless of how many tickets go unsold. Ticketmaster’s ticket sales are not dependent on achieving a certain attendance threshold. So if you have a valid ticket, you can still use it to attend the event even if empty seats are visible.
Overcapacity Is Unlikely
Venues rarely sell more tickets than they have seats available. Unless it’s festival-style “general admission” with standing room only, your Ticketmaster ticket is almost guaranteed to have an actual seat behind it. Events don’t purposefully oversell and then turn ticket holders away at the door.
Refunds May Be Available
If an event is undersold, the artist or promoter may voluntarily offer refunds to ticket holders as an incentive to improve attendance. Check Ticketmaster’s site periodically leading up to the event to see if a refund option becomes available. This is not guaranteed, but is something that undersold events have been known to do on occasion.
Exchanges Are Always An Option
Ticketmaster allows ticket exchanges at any time up until 48 hours before an event. So if you decide you don’t want to attend an undersold performance, you can exchange your ticket for another event through their site. The new event must be available for purchase at the time, and price differences may apply.
Reselling Tickets Is Possible
If allowed, unused tickets can be resold on reseller sites like StubHub. This provides a way to recoup some costs. Be sure to transfer or cancel the tickets through Ticketmaster first. List them for less than face value to attract buyers hesitant about low attendance.
Common Causes of Low Ticket Sales
There are a few common reasons why an event may fail to sell out all its tickets:
Lack of Audience Interest
Sometimes events simply don’t resonate with audiences or generate enough hype and anticipation. A boring event theme, unattractive pricing, or performers that aren’t in high demand can lead to low sales. Extensive promotion and brand awareness are required to spark ticket buyer interest.
Overpriced Tickets
Ticket prices set too high will price out many prospective attendees. Event organizers have to be careful to choose prices appropriate for the performers and experience being offered. Mainstream acts and popular events can justify higher prices. But pricing for niche performers and unknowns needs to stay affordable to attract crowds.
Competition From Similar Events
When multiple similar events occur around the same time, audiences split between them. Music festivals, conventions, and shows that overlap on theme or genre divide ticket sales between them. Each event then struggles to sell out. Scheduling events further apart avoids cannibalizing audiences.
Declining Popularity
Performers and franchises that were once hugely popular can fade over time. Nostalgia acts with “glory days” decades past still draw crowds, just smaller ones. Similarly, film and TV franchises see diminishing excitement for sequels and spinoffs. Lagging interest leads to undersold events.
Overestimated Demand
Organizers don’t always accurately predict interest levels, especially for new events with no track record. Forecasting is an inexact science. When demand is overestimated, too many tickets get issued. Venues and seating get booked above realistic sales figures.
Factors in Attending an Undersold Event
If you have tickets to an undersold event, consider the following factors when deciding whether or not to attend:
Chance of Cancellation
Research if organizers have a minimum audience threshold, below which they’ll cancel. If you bought flights or made other arrangements, make sure the event is still 100% confirmed.
Quality of Experience
An empty venue can impact energy and entertainment value. A concert feels different with a sparse crowd. Check reviews of past undersold events to manage expectations.
Special Offers
Look for special promotions aimed at filling more seats. Common strategies are discounted parking, food and drink specials, seat upgrades, meet and greets with performers, or exclusive extras.
Importance to You
Assess your personal investment in the event. Are you a huge fan that doesn’t mind low energy? Or were you lukewarm about attending to begin with? Prioritize events you’re passionate about most.
Schedule Flexibility
Make sure attending won’t require you to change important plans, travel excessively, or use valued vacation days. Remaining flexible will be easier if the event fits conveniently into your schedule.
Pros and Cons of Attending an Undersold Event
Below is a comparison of some potential advantages and disadvantages:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Better chance to interact with performers | Sparse crowds diminish atmosphere |
Easier parking and transportation | Risk of cancellation persists |
More space to move around | Fewer concessions and amenities open |
Possible special offers added | Wasted time if not fully refunded |
Unique experience overall | Potentially shortened event |
Tips for Attending an Undersold Event
If you plan to use your tickets for an undersold show or performance, here are some tips:
Arrive Early
Take advantage of stress-free parking, short lines, and easy entrance procedures. You’ll have your pick of prime seats.
Review the Venue Layout
Find seating charts and maps online. Locate where crowds may cluster in a mostly empty arena. Focus on busier sections for better atmosphere.
Bring Activities
With few attendees to converse with, have back-up sources of entertainment like books, portable games, or tablet downloaded with videos.
Talk to Staff
Chat with ushers, vendors or other staff. Ask about crowd predictions, schedule changes, cancellation policies, and other inside information.
Be Flexible
Be prepared to move around if organizers try to consolidate attendees to certain sections. Go with the flow for the best experience.
Conclusion
In most cases, Ticketmaster tickets will still grant entry into undersold events as promised. While sparse crowds can be a drawback, the unique experience also offers some perks. Arrive informed and ready to make the most of the situation. With an open mindset, an event with empty seats can still make for an enjoyable time overall.