Trying to buy tickets for a popular concert or event on Ticketmaster can often feel like a race against time. As soon as tickets go on sale, fans rush to secure their spots before seats sell out. During this frantic process, one common question arises – if you refresh the Ticketmaster page while waiting in the online queue, will you lose your place?
The Waiting Room
When high demand is expected for an event, Ticketmaster will often use a virtual waiting room system. This requires fans to join an online queue before tickets go on sale. Users are assigned a random spot in line when they enter the waiting room. The only way to improve your position is if others ahead of you leave the line.
So how exactly does the waiting room work? Ticketmaster’s system is designed to maintain fairness and order in the ticket buying process. When you click to join the queue, you are assigned a randomly generated entry time. This entry time will determine when you can access the ticket sales page. Those with earlier entry times will gain access first. Your entry time is unaffected by refreshing or closing your browser.
The key point – your entry time and place in line are tied to your device’s unique digital fingerprint, not the specific browser session. Your spot will remain the same if you refresh. But if you switch browsers or devices, you will likely get sent to the back of the line again.
The Main Advantages of the Waiting Room System
- More fair access – Spots are assigned randomly rather than first-come, first-served.
- Reduced server strain – Staggered entry prevents overload from spike in traffic.
- No need to rush – Fans can relax until their allotted time rather than stress about connecting instantly.
The On-Sale Countdown
Once your assigned entry time starts, you will be able to access the ticket sales page. At this point, you will see an on-sale countdown clock indicating the remaining time until tickets become available.
This brings us back to the key question – if you refresh during the countdown, will you lose your spot or have to restart the queue?
Why Fans Refresh During the Countdown
There are several reasons fans may feel compelled to refresh at this stage:
- Ensuring the page doesn’t time out or freeze
- Loading updates if the countdown seems stuck
- Alleviating boredom or anxiety as the countdown runs
However, these reasons are not cause for concern. Refreshing is completely safe leading up to the moment tickets go on sale. Your place in line remains secured during this period. The frequent refreshing behavior comes more from nerves or habit than any technical necessity.
What Happens Right at On-Sale Time
Within the Ticketmaster system, the actual ticket sale is triggered by the countdown clock expiring. At the precise on-sale moment, the servers unlock ticket inventory and fans can begin selecting seats.
This is where refreshing becomes risky. If you happen to refresh at the exact second the clock hits zero, you may inadvertently lose connection to Ticketmaster servers. It takes time for the browser to reload, and that brief delay could allow others to snap up tickets. This impact of refreshing immediately at on-sale time is essentially just bad luck.
How to Avoid Losing Your Place
- Stop refreshing several seconds before on-sale time.
- Allow the page to load new content automatically once the countdown expires.
- Refresh shortly after on-sale if your browser seems frozen.
Following these tips will minimize the chances of a refresh costing you tickets. Just be patient and avoid any manual refreshing at the critical moment.
After Entering the Ticket Buying Process
Once tickets go on sale, you will be prompted to select seats and enter payment information. At this stage, refreshing or closing your browser can definitely cause issues.
Each time you access Ticketmaster’s website, your browser gets assigned a new session ID. When selecting tickets, your specific selections are tied to your current session. If you refresh and restart the session, those ticket reservations may be lost.
Closing the whole browser is especially risky. You would likely have to restart the queue or ticket selection process. At best you may have to re-input payment details. At worst, you could lose your held tickets entirely if someone else claims them.
Tips for the Ticket Buying Process
- Avoid closing your browser until seats are confirmed.
- Don’t refresh excessively once selecting seats.
- If issues arise, try going back a page instead of refreshing.
- Complete the transaction fully before closing browser.
Following the ticket purchase through to payment confirmation is crucial. Only once your order is 100% finalized is it safe to refresh or close the window without risk.
Special Cases
While refreshing generally poses risks during the ticket sales process, certain special situations may actually call for it:
- Page errors – If some aspect of the page fails to load or functions incorrectly, refreshing may help.
- Frozen pages – Sometimes pages freeze up and stop responding. A refresh may get things moving again.
- Glitches – If you encounter some glitch or error message, refreshing is worth trying to correct it.
In these troubleshooting cases, refreshing is intended to make things work rather than speed up the process. Just don’t overdo it. And avoid refreshing just before on-sale time.
Alternatives to Refreshing
Rather than endlessly hitting refresh, here are some other options to consider:
Switch to Another Browser Tab
Opening a new tab leaves your spot intact in the queued Ticketmaster tab. You can pass time or monitor other sites for ticket updates.
Interact with Your Phone
Scrolling apps or texting friends also kills time without losing your place.
Step Away from Your Device
Going for a short walk or having a snack can help relieve stress.
Use Ticketmaster’s Official Updates
Ticketmaster provides official status updates on some event pages and via email. These can give useful info without refreshing.
Can Other People Knock You Out of Line?
Thankfully, others refreshing or joining the queue cannot impact your position. Your entry time and place are unique to you. Only you leaving the line will forfeit your spot.
However, inventory is limited. If tickets sell out fully before you access sales, refreshers are not to blame. The problem is high demand and low supply.
Best Practices Summary
Here are some key tips for avoiding refresh issues on Ticketmaster:
- Don’t refresh at the precise on-sale time.
- Refresh moderately when selecting seats.
- Never close browser until transaction is 100% complete.
- Troubleshoot specific errors/glitches with limited refreshes.
- Consider alternatives like status updates or distractions.
While refreshing seems innocent, it can lead to lost tickets if done excessively or at the wrong times. With smart and selective refreshing, you can safely navigate Ticketmaster without losing your coveted spot.
Conclusion
Refreshing Ticketmaster constantly is not necessary and can actually jeopardize your place in line. The key moments to avoid refreshing are right as tickets go on sale and during the ticket selection process. Outside of isolated troubleshooting, restraint is advised. Focus instead on completing the transaction fully before allowing a refresh. With limited, well-timed refreshes, you can feel confident you won’t lose your spot.