This is a common question for music fans trying to get tickets to sold-out concerts. While nothing is guaranteed, there are often more tickets released in the final weeks and days leading up to a big show. Here’s an overview of why and how last-minute ticket releases happen.
Why More Tickets Become Available
There are a few key reasons why more concert tickets tend to become available as the event date approaches:
Cancellations and Returns
As the concert date gets closer, some ticketholders inevitably have to cancel their plans and return their tickets. Life circumstances change, other obligations come up, travel falls through, etc. Venues and ticket sellers then put these returned tickets back on sale.
Production Holds
Venues and event promoters often hold back some seat inventory for production purposes like wide-angle camera positions, crew workspace, etc. As the logistics firm up, they may release holds on some of these production seats and make them available for general sale again.
Sell-Down of Platinum/Dynamic Pricing Tickets
Many ticketing systems now use “platinum” or dynamic pricing, where prices fluctuate based on demand. These hyper-expensive tickets are often the last to sell. As the event nears, platinum prices drop to match demand, making these previously unattainable tickets affordable again.
Newly Added Tickets
Venues may open up new sections or seating inventory as the on-sale continues. Often floor seats are added based on stage/production design. Newly added inventory gets released for sale as it becomes available.
When New Tickets Are Released
Timing of these late ticket releases varies, but they often follow patterns:
4-8 Weeks Out
This is when venues firm up their production plans and start freeing up ticket holds. Platinum prices also start coming down around this time.
2 Weeks Out
A big wave of returns and cancellations happens at this mark as people finalize travel plans. Expect a flurry of tickets to hit the market.
24-72 Hours Out
In the final days, unsold platinum tickets get repriced to move inventory. Last-minute cancellations also free up tickets. Check often for deals.
Day Of Show
Last chance for great deals! Same-day released tickets get sold or given away cheap. Check fan exchange sites and social media.
Where to Find Newly Available Tickets
Keep checking these sites leading up to the event date:
Primary Ticket Sellers
Always check the primary ticket sellers (Ticketmaster, AXS, etc) first. This is where the bulk of returned tickets are re-released. Set up alerts for newly opened seats.
Venue Box Office
Returned tickets are sometimes sold exclusively at the box office. Check the venue’s social media and website for box office release announcements.
Fan Ticket Exchanges
Sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats have ticket marketplaces where fans resell extra tickets. Great resource for last minute deals.
Social Media
Twitter and Facebook groups for concerts are flooded with fans trying to buy and sell as the date approaches. Worth monitoring.
Strategies to Find the Best Deals
Use these tips to score last-minute tickets at the lowest prices:
Check Daily
New seats are scooped up quickly. Check ticket sites multiple times per day in the final 2 weeks.
Be Flexible
Taking any available seat vs. holding out for a specific section opens up more options.
Wait Until the Last Minute
Like airfare, prices drop dramatically in the final 24 hours as sellers panic. Have patience.
Buy Singles & Pairs
It’s easier to find scattered singles and pairs. Don’t hold out for a block of 4+ seats together.
Use Alerts
Set up ticket alerts on band websites and major ticket sellers to get notified immediately of new seats.
Check Fan Sites
Fan ticket exchange boards have under-face-value deals from fans who can’t go and need to sell.
Is It Worth Waiting?
Scoring last-minute tickets takes effort and patience. Here are the pros and cons of waiting vs. buying early:
Buying Early | Waiting for Last Minute |
---|---|
Guaranteed tickets | Risk of missing out |
Better seat selection | Take whatever seats are left |
Potentially higher prices | Chance at great deals |
Locks in plans | Uncertainty until the last moment |
Ultimately it’s a gamble either way. Buy early for peace of mind, or wait until the end for possible deals. There’s no right or wrong answer!
Tips for Buying at the Last Minute
If you decide to gamble on late ticket releases, keep these tips in mind:
Set Price Drop Alerts
Use tools on ticket sites to track plunging platinum prices as the date nears.
Be Ready to Buy
Have accounts set up with payment info saved so you can checkout fast when tickets drop.
Spread the Word
Let friends know you’re looking – they can help monitor fan exchanges for deals.
Avoid Resale Right After Onsale
Wait a few weeks for speculators to drop initial inflated prices as demand softens.
Be Cautious Meeting Strangers
Take safety measures when buying from individuals via social media or in person.
Read the Fine Print
Understand ticket transfer policies and fees. Use PayPal Goods and Services for protection.
Alternatives if You Miss Out
If last minute tickets don’t pan out, all hope is not lost! Consider these options to still experience the event:
Check Other Dates
See if the act added more shows in nearby cities you can travel to.
Try for a Music Festival
Big multi-day festivals often have tickets available up to showtime.
Look for Ticket Giveaways
Radio stations and band fan clubs sometimes do last-minute ticket giveaways.
Go to the Venue
Scalpers and fans wanting to ditch extra tickets congregate outside venues.
Consider a Live Stream
Many acts now live stream shows online when they sell out.
The Verdict
Patience and persistence are key to scoring tickets at the last minute. While nothing is guaranteed, more inventory does tend to open up as the event date approaches. Fans who are diligent in checking sources regularly can often land amazing deals.
Following ticket buying best practices and smartly leveraging multiple sales channels massively improves your odds. But there’s always an element of unpredictability when buying at the last second.
At the end of the day, take comfort knowing that even superstars play hundreds of shows, so more opportunities to see your favorites live are always on the horizon!