Booking shows in advance for a Las Vegas vacation can make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. While walk-up tickets are often available, pre-purchasing tickets provides some key benefits:
Guaranteed Entry
The most popular Vegas shows often sell out in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Buying tickets ahead of time guarantees you’ll be able to see the shows you want. This avoids the risk of arriving to find the box office is sold out for that day.
Better Seat Selection
Booking early allows you to browse the seating chart and select the exact seats you want. L waiting means being stuck with whatever leftovers are still available.
Time Savings
Standing in long box office lines wastes precious Vegas vacation time. Pre-booking eliminates this hassle so you can maximize your time on the Strip.
Package Deals
Many Vegas shows offer ticket + hotel packages that bundle discounted rooms with show seats. These deals allow huge savings but generally require booking 60-90 days in advance.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Most experts recommend booking your Vegas shows at least 30 days before your trip. Here are some general guidelines:
90+ Days Out
Book hotel + show packages and hot shows like recent residencies by Usher, Garth Brooks, or Aerosmith. These sell out fast.
60 Days Out
Reserve tickets for extremely popular shows like the Blue Man Group and Le Reve. Prime seats go quickly.
30 Days Out
Buy tickets for Cirque du Soleil, magicians like David Copperfield, and regular headliners. Good seats still available.
1-2 Weeks Out
Plenty of tickets left for smaller shows like hypnotist Anthony Cools and comedy acts. No need to rush.
Booking within a week, you risk availability for all but the least popular shows. Walk-up seats may be distant, off-center or totally gone.
Where to Buy Vegas Show Tickets in Advance
Several reliable outlets sell advance show tickets, both online and on the Strip:
Official Theater Box Offices
Most Vegas theaters like Caesars Palace and MGM Grand have box offices where you can pre-purchase show tickets in person. Available onsite only.
Show Websites
Many Vegas productions like Cirque du Soleil or the Blue Man Group sell tickets directly through their official websites. Easy online booking.
Discount Booths
Half-price ticket booths around Vegas sell advance tickets to smaller shows. Find them at casino hotel lobbies and entertainment plazas.
Online Resellers
Major ticket retailers like VividSeats and StubHub offer Vegas show tickets for re-sale by season ticket holders and tour operators. Prices vary.
Here’s a comparison of fees and restrictions among the top advance ticket outlets in Las Vegas:
Outlet | Fees | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Theater Box Office | Face value only | Onsite purchases only |
Show Website | Face value + website fees | Limited refunds |
Discount Booths | 50% off face value | No refunds |
Online Reseller | Market driven prices | High fees |
When Not to Buy Vegas Show Tickets in Advance
While pre-booking Vegas shows has many advantages, you may want to hold off in certain cases:
New or Unproven Shows
Brand new shows with no reviews or reputation might best be seen after opening and critical buzz. No sense pre-paying for a dud.
Kid Friendly Shows
With kids’ moods, you may not want to lock in specific show times too far in advance. Check schedules when you arrive.
Small Local Acts
Buying just before the show works fine for no-name comedians and minor tribute acts. No sell-out risk.
Free Shows
For the Circus Circus acrobat act, Mirage volcano, or Fremont Street performers, no tickets exist anyway. Just show up.
Nightclub Act Blowouts
If s superstar makes a surprise appearance at a nightclub, seats will instantly sell out. No amount of advance planning helps.
How to Buy Vegas Show Tickets
Here are step-by-step instructions for easily purchasing advance tickets for Las Vegas shows:
Check Show Calendars
Browse upcoming schedules online for your target shows and note available days/times during your Vegas visit.
Compare Prices
Check official box offices, discount booths, resale sites, and hotel packages to find the best deals.
Read Seating Charts
When possible, preview detailed seat maps to select optimal locations. Front/center is best for concerts, mid-hall for circus acts.
Create Accounts
For online purchases, you’ll need to set up user logins for show sites, ticket brokers, promo codes, etc.
Input Payment
Have a credit card or other payment source handy before starting transactions. Sites hold seats briefly during checkout.
Print Receipts
For will-call pickup, print confirmations with reservation numbers and booking codes. For e-tickets, use booking links.
Reconfirm Details
Before your trip, double check show dates, times, locations so you arrive at the right venue ready to enjoy the performance.
Conclusion
Booking Vegas show tickets in advance makes seeing the city’s famous productions easy and stress-free. While walk-up tickets work for some smaller shows, popular headliners and Broadway-style spectaculars often sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets online or onsite guarantees you entry, preferred seating, and time savings on your Sin City vacation. Carefully research shows, venues and ticket outlets to find great deals. Then enjoy the entertainment knowing you have reserved seats waiting for your arrival. Las Vegas puts the world’s biggest acts on one glittering stage – so get your tickets early and leave nothing to chance!