This is a common question that many people have when buying tickets for concerts, sports games, theater shows, and other events. The short answer is that it depends on the event, but tickets tend to get more expensive the closer you get to showtime. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at how ticket prices fluctuate over time.
Factors That Influence Ticket Prices
There are several key factors that impact how ticket prices change as the event date approaches:
- Supply and demand – As an event sells out, remaining tickets become more scarce, driving up prices. High demand events tend to have prices go up over time.
- Type of event – Sporting events and concerts tend to have prices go up, while theater and comedy shows may get cheaper.
- Popularity of acts/teams – Headlining performers and championship contenders command higher prices.
- Day of week – Weekend events are often more expensive than weekdays.
- Venue size – Smaller venues tend to have steeper price increases.
- Speculators – Ticket resellers may drive up prices due to demand.
In general, the earlier you can buy, the better price you will get. But you also want to avoid buying too early in case an event gets postponed or canceled.
Sporting Events
For high-demand sporting events like pro football, basketball, baseball, and hockey games, ticket prices tend to increase over time. Teams will strategically adjust prices based on factors like team performance, day of the week, opponent, and more. Some examples:
- NFL – Tickets can more than double leading up to marquee matchups like playoff games.
- NBA – Prices may increase 25-50% as teams heat up down the playoff stretch.
- MLB – Rivalry and interleague games will be more expensive than low-interest contests.
- NHL – Ticket prices are generally stable, but will spike for rivalry games.
Season ticket holders often resell their tickets on secondary markets, further driving up costs for single-game buyers. The best deals are typically found months before the season starts.
Average MLB Ticket Price by Days Before Game
Days Before Game | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
60+ days | $45 |
30 days | $71 |
14 days | $83 |
5 days | $104 |
Day of game | $117 |
As you can see, MLB tickets more than double on average from 60+ days out to the day of the game.
Concerts
Concert tickets tend to follow a similar trajectory to sporting events. The earlier you buy, the better pricing you will get. Concert prices are heavily influenced by the artist’s popularity. Established acts like Bruce Springsteen or Taylor Swift will command higher prices over up-and-coming groups. But even lesser known artists often see ticket prices rise in the final weeks before a show.
Front row, VIP, and resale tickets are extremely expensive for top artists like Beyonce, Drake, and Harry Styles. These coveted seats can cost 5-10x the base price. If you want these premium experiences, you’ll need to buy months in advance.
Package deals with meet-and-greets, merchandise, and other perks also go up in price as the concert date approaches. Buy early if you want these special offers.
Average Concert Ticket Price by Days Before Show
Days Before Show | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
90+ days | $65 |
60 days | $86 |
30 days | $105 |
14 days | $150 |
Day of show | $215 |
Average concert ticket prices typically double from 90+ days out to the day of the event, with the steepest increase in the final two weeks.
Theater Shows
Compared to concerts and sports, theater shows like Broadway musicals, plays, and comedy shows tend to be more stable or even get cheaper closer to showtime. These events rely more on last-minute travelers and locals looking for a fun evening out. Discounts are common on short notice.
For extremely popular Broadway blockbusters like Hamilton, The Lion King, or Wicked, prices remain high all the way to showtime. But more niche productions will start offering discounts a few weeks out to fill seats. Last-minute rush tickets are often available at half price or less.
Off-Broadway and local theater tends to be much more affordable with smaller venues and lower production costs. Tickets to improv comedy shows at local clubs can sometimes be found for just $5-10 on the day of the event.
Average Broadway Ticket Price by Days Before Show
Days Before Show | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
90+ days | $130 |
60 days | $110 |
30 days | $90 |
14 days | $75 |
Day of show | $65 |
For Broadway shows, average ticket prices decrease steadily as the performance date approaches. Last-minute theater deals can offer big savings.
When To Buy Tickets
In general, here are some recommendations on the best time to purchase tickets to different event types:
- Sporting events – At least 2-3 months in advance for the regular season. Immediately when they go on sale for playoffs and championships.
- Concerts – 1-3 months in advance if possible. At least 2 weeks out minimum for major acts.
- Theater – 1 month in advance for popular shows. Can buy much closer to showtime for less popular productions.
- Comedy shows – Can often buy week of or day of, unless a huge comedian is in town.
- Smaller venues – Buy closer to event date, more discounting occurs.
- Weekdays – More last-minute deals than weekend events.
Following these general guidelines will help ensure you don’t overpay too much or miss out on big discounts. Be wary of buying too far in advance in case the event is postponed or you can no longer attend.
Where To Buy Tickets
Always try to buy from official sources like the venue box office or ticketing partners. Official tickets will be 100% valid and come with buyer guarantees. Here are some places to look:
- Venue website
- Artist/team website
- Ticketmaster
- Stubhub
- VividSeats
- SeatGeek
If buying resale tickets, make sure the site offers buyer protection in case the tickets are invalid. Reviews of the seller help gauge reliability for private ticket markets.
How To Find Deals
Here are some tips for finding the best ticket prices:
- Buy group tickets – Many events offer discounts for groups 6+ people.
- Look for presales – Special presales are sometimes offered to fans or credit card holders.
- Buy season tickets – Long-term packages provide big savings per game/show.
- Be flexible – Weeknight and matinee performances are usually discounted.
- Check venue website – Box office prices avoid fees compared to third-party sellers.
Following your favorite venues, artists, and teams on social media can provide access to special promo codes and ticket giveaways as well.
Conclusion
In most cases, ticket prices will be cheapest when they first go on sale to the public. Prices then tend to rise leading up to the event date as availability decreases and demand increases. Sports and concerts exemplify this pattern with sometimes extreme price spikes.
Theater and comedy shows are more stable or can even get cheaper at the last minute. Flexible travelers can find some amazing discounts on hotels and entertainment by purchasing tickets and packages 1-4 weeks out.
Buy early for the best selection and pricing on premium seat options. Be ready to act fast when tickets first go on sale to beat the crowds. Following sales patterns from prior years can provide clues on optimal timing.
While prices typically go up over time, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to events. Dynamic pricing, promotions, lagging demand, and other factors can still lead to deals popping up closer to showtime. It never hurts to check back nearer the event if your budget is tight.
With demand higher than ever for live entertainment, ticket costs remain elevated coming out of the pandemic. But by buying early, being flexible, and keeping an eye out for deals, you can avoid overpaying and have the funds left for parking, merchandise, and refreshments!