Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for concerts, sports events, theater shows and more. With so many events happening all the time, Ticketmaster needs to stay on top of inventory and availability. This leads to a common question – does Ticketmaster automatically update ticket availability and prices?
The short answer is yes, Ticketmaster does automatically update their ticket listings. However, the specifics of how and when they update depends on the event. In general, Ticketmaster aims to provide real-time inventory updates to customers. So as tickets sell out or become available, their site reflects those changes. However, it’s not instantaneous across the board.
Below we’ll dig into more details on how Ticketmaster handles updating:
- Frequency of updates
- Dynamic pricing changes
- Sell outs and restocks
- Differences between event types
Understanding Ticketmaster’s update system can help you get the tickets you want at the best prices.
How Often Are Updates Made?
Ticketmaster does not provide an official update schedule, however updates are made frequently. For high demand events like major concerts or sports games, Ticketmaster will update in near real-time. As tickets are purchased, new tickets will be released, prices can fluctuate, and sell outs will be reflected on the site within minutes.
For lower demand events, updates may be a bit less frequent. But in general expect to see updates multiple times per day. The availability you see on Ticketmaster will closely match what is available directly through the venue’s box office in most cases.
Ticketmaster has agreements with venues, promoters, leagues and bands to get updates on availability. They use advanced technology and inventory management tools to sync the details with their site. While not quite instant, it is one of the fastest updating inventories you can access as a customer.
Dynamic Pricing Updates
In addition to availability, Ticketmaster also frequently adjusts pricing dynamically. Major factors that impact pricing include:
- Current demand
- Number of tickets remaining
- Day and time of event
- Artist/team popularity
As demand increases, prices will rise accordingly. Similarly, they will lower prices if demand is lagging. This dynamic pricing model is used widely across transportation, hospitality and live event industries. Ticketmaster utilizes complex algorithms to determine optimal pricing points.
Price drops or increases can occur rapidly. If a tour announces additional shows in a city, prices may immediately decrease due to increased supply. For major concerts, sport events or Broadway shows, significant pricing moves can happen daily or hourly.
Sell Outs and Restocks
When an event does sell out on Ticketmaster, they are quick to update the listings. The tickets will show as unavailable within minutes in most cases. However, sell outs are not always permanent.
Additional tickets may be released over time leading up to an event. Venues will hold back some inventory for various reasons. Also the artists or promoter may dictate more be made available. Ticketmaster will promptly list newly released tickets after a sell out.
Fans frustrated by an initial sell out should check back periodically. Opening up your search to multiple dates or including reseller tickets also provides more opportunities. Persistence and flexibility can help you score tickets even after a “sell out”.
Differences By Event Type
While Ticketmaster aims for real-time updating across the board, some event types see more frequent changes than others. The frequency of updates roughly correlates to demand and price levels.
Below are some examples to demonstrate the differences:
Major Concerts
High demand concerts like Taylor Swift or major festival shows have prices starting high and lots of activity. These events sell out extremely quickly. Dynamic pricing adjusts rapidly based on market demand. Sell outs occur within minutes or hours. Additional releases are common. Updates happen continuously.
Sports
Pro sports and college sports also see extremely high demand on Ticketmaster. Big games can sell out season tickets in minutes. Dynamic pricing adjusts aggressively based on team performance, day, and opponent. Games may release additional upper deck or standing room only tickets over time. Updates happen daily or hourly.
Theater
Broadway and other theater shows on Ticketmaster have less availability changes than concerts or sports. However, pricing does adjust based on day, time, and demand. Underperforming shows may drop prices, while extremely popular ones will increase. Updates happen daily.
Smaller Concerts
Shows at small clubs or independent bands see fewer updates. Once initial tickets sell, availability and pricing remain mostly static. Unless the show gains major popularity, updates only happen every several days.
Comedy and Theater
Comedy shows, performing arts and other small venue events have minimal changes after tickets initially go on sale. Unless it sells out, availability and pricing remain largely unchanged. Updates may occur weekly or less.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
Given the constant changes and updates, here are some tips to get the best pricing and availability on Ticketmaster:
- Check back often leading up to an event, especially after a sell out
- Be flexible on dates and seats for high demand events
- Consider reseller tickets which are integrated into Ticketmaster’s listings
- Sign up for presales to get first access to tickets
- Use the Ticketmaster app for notifications on price drops
- Consider VIP or bundled packages for popular events
- Join fan clubs or credit card programs for special access
Conclusion
Ticket availability and pricing on Ticketmaster sees frequent automated updates, especially for high demand events. While not completely instantaneous, they provide one of the most accurate real-time ticketing marketplaces. With prices and availability changing minute to minute in some cases, you need to stay on top of the listings.Persistence, flexibility and using technology can help you score access at the best prices.