Getting tickets to popular concerts can be incredibly difficult these days. Shows often sell out in minutes, leaving many fans frustrated that they missed their chance to see their favorite artist live. This has led some to wonder if Ticketmaster holds back tickets only to release more right before the concert, capitalizing on demand from last minute shoppers. Here’s a look at whether there is any truth to this theory.
How Ticketmaster’s Ticketing System Works
First it’s important to understand how Ticketmaster’s ticketing system works. When an event first goes on sale, the artist/promoter determines how many tickets will be available and the price levels. This inventory is loaded into Ticketmaster’s system.
Ticketmaster then distributes these tickets through various channels – their website, mobile apps, box office sales, and presales/fan clubs. Tickets are removed from inventory as they are purchased. Any unsold tickets remain available in the system up until the event occurs.
Promoters may hold back some tickets for various reasons. These could include production holds, fan club presales, or tickets allocated for the artist. However, the total ticket inventory is fixed upfront and does not increase as the event date approaches.
Why It May Appear More Tickets Are Released
While more tickets do not magically get added to the system, there are some reasons it may appear that way leading up to an event:
- Production holds get released back into general inventory. As the stage setup gets finalized, some seats initially held for production obstruction may get released.
- Fan club presales finish. Any unsold tickets from presales get released to the general public.
- Speculative holds get released. Brokers sometimes hold large blocks of tickets that end up not selling, so they release them close to events.
- Cancelled orders. As with any ecommerce site, some orders inevitably get cancelled leading up to events.
All these factors can make it appear like new tickets have been injected back into the system, even though it is just existing inventory becoming available again.
Last Minute Ticket Releases
In very high demand situations, artists/promoters may request that Ticketmaster release extra tickets. This is not the norm, but can occasionally happen when venues are able to open up obstructed seats or make room for standing room areas. Some major examples include:
- Beyonce and Jay Z released additional tickets for their On The Run II tour due to “overwhelming demand.”
- Harry Styles added last minute tickets for his 2018 arena tour as well as his Love on Tour in 2022.
- Taylor Swift released extras for her Reputation Stadium Tour on the day before and day of each show.
When these surprise releases happen, they tend to sell out extremely quickly. So it’s still unlikely casual buyers coming late to the party will score tickets. The benefit is mainly for diehard fans actively looking for seats as soon as they become available.
Buying Options Close to Concert Dates
Just because Ticketmaster doesn’t directly release new seats does not mean tickets can’t still be found near concert dates. There are a few options to consider:
Ticket Resale Sites
StubHub, Vivid Seats, and other resale platforms have an abundance of postings near event dates. Brokers typically slash prices at the last minute to recoup some value on their unsold inventory. Buyers can score great deals, but often don’t know the seat location until receiving the tickets.
Ticketmaster Resale
Ticketmaster itself operates a resale site for fans to resell extra tickets. There is high availability for sold out events as show dates approach. One advantage over other resale sites is the tickets are verified and show the specific seat locations.
Box Office Releases
A limited number of tickets are sometimes held back at the box office to sell on the day of the event. Diehard fans may line up hours in advance for first crack at these seats. But it’s risky with no guarantee of getting tickets or the seats available.
Scalpers Outside the Venue
Buying from scalpers on the street is always an option, though an illegal one in many cities. Thetickets may also carry a risk of being fraudulent or counterfeit. But for buyers willing to negotiate, last minute scalper prices can represent huge savings from face value.
Is It Worth Waiting Until the Last Minute?
Scoring tickets at the last second comes down to a buyer’s risk tolerance. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:
Potential Advantages
- Cheaper prices. Last minute tickets can be significant discounts over face value.
- Good availability. There is more selection closer to event dates as sellers slash prices.
- Get in the door. Last minute is sometimes the only way to get into sold out shows.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited choices. Best seats are long gone, leaving mostly singles and obstructed views.
- Unknown locations. Resale sites hide seat info until delivery leaving buyers blind.
- Scams. Fake or duplicated tickets increase closer to event dates.
- No guarantees. Plans may be ruined if last minute tickets fall through.
Ultimately it comes down to the buyer’s needs and willingness to gamble. Last minute can bring huge rewards but also carries higher risks.
Planning Ahead Still Ideal
While last minute deals provide hope for budget-conscious fans, planning ahead is still the best approach for popular shows. Here are some tips for obtaining tickets during the initial sales period:
- Know the presale schedule. Sign up ahead of time for artist, venue, and credit card presales.
- Be ready at sales open. Log in ahead and refresh at the scheduled start times.
- Aim for best availability. Shoot for weekday or matinee shows over peak weekends.
- Act quickly. Have payment and seating preferences ready to check out in seconds.
- Consider VIP packages. Guaranteed seats and exclusive extras provide peace of mind.
While not always cheap, presales and early online sales give the most choice of seat locations before the best ones disappear.
Monitor New Releases Leading Up to the Show
For buyers that miss getting tickets initially, it can still pay to monitor inventory leading up to the event. As mentioned earlier, new seats sporadically pop back up over the weeks and days preceeding shows. Places to routinely check include:
- Ticketmaster’s main website and apps
- Ticket resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats
- Fan forum boards related to the artist
- Social media posts by the artist, promoter and venue
Signing up for alerts on various sites is also an option. While not common, surprises like the extra Beyonce and Taylor Swift seats highlight the value of relentlessly staying on top of all channels.
Using Caution With Last Minute Buys
For buyers willing to take a chance on last minute seats, there are some precautions advised to avoid getting burned:
- Vet the source. Only buy from trusted vendors like Ticketmaster Resale or big brokers like StubHub.
- Understand policies. Know refund/support policies in case the tickets don’t work.
- Leave time as a buffer. Don’t buy at the absolute last second in case there are issues.
- Verify legitimacy. Double check barcodes and certification marks on any hard tickets.
- Be discreet with use. Don’t broadcast buying tickets from unofficial sources or scalpers.
While scams are infrequent on major resale sites, fraud risk inherently increases the closer to show dates. Following these tips helps minimize the chances of problems.
Alternatives If All Options Fail
Despite best efforts, it’s inevitable that some fans will not land tickets as show dates approach. If a last minute miracle doesn’t materialize, there are still some other options to potentially see artists live:
Attending Tour Rehearsals
Major tours often have open rehearsals leading up to opening night. In partnership with radio stations they may give away tickets or allow fans to line up outside. Rehearsals don’t have full production, but provide early access at minimal or no cost.
Entering Radio Contests
Local radio stations regularly run ticket contests leading up to big concerts. Persistently entering increases the odds of scoring free last minute seats.
Getting on Guest Lists
Artists and promotoers maintain guest lists to accomodate VIPs, friends, and industry folks. While nearly impossible for the average fan, it can’t hurt to politely inquire with venues about availability.
Trying Standby Lines
Some concerts allocate extra seats for released production holds or no-shows that are filled last minute. Superfans may line up hoping to snag these standby seats, which are handed out at the box office right before showtime.
Volunteering at the Venue
Volunteering as an usher or concession worker is another route to hopefully gain free admission. The odds are long considering venues plan staffing far in advance.
None of these provide guarantees, but they do represent last ditch efforts for diehard fans shut out of buying tickets. Where there’s a will, there’s often a way.
Final Thoughts
Scoring tickets at the last minute comes down to persistence, patience, and luck. While Ticketmaster does not intentionally hold back inventory, cancelled orders, production releases, and other factors can lead to last minute availability.
Fans unable to purchase early should routinely monitor all sales channels for new postings as shows approach. However, buyers should use caution buying secondhand and understand the risks like prices, seat locations, and potential scams.
Ultimately there is no magic bullet to find tickets at the last second. Fans increase their chances by staying informed, being strategic, and spreading their efforts across multiple avenues. But planning ahead and buying early remains the surest way to secure seats before the most desirable tickets disappear.