Getting access codes for concerts can unlock special presales, vip packages, and other exclusive offers. Access codes allow fans to purchase tickets before the general public. This gives fans the best chance at getting great seats for highly anticipated shows. So how exactly can you get access codes for concerts you want to attend?
Sign Up For Artist or Venue Email Lists
One of the most common ways to get concert access codes is by signing up for email lists from the artist touring or venue hosting the event. Artists will often share presale codes with their biggest fans first through their official email lists. Venues like theaters and arenas also maintain email databases and send out presale codes for all events happening at their location.
Go to the website for the artist or venue and look for a place to submit your email. This may be under a tab like “Email List” or “Presales”. Check the boxes to opt in for any presale or special offer announcements. Then be sure to check your email when a show you want tickets for is coming up. Presale codes are usually sent 1-3 days before the presale begins.
Double Check Your Spam Folder
Presale codes will sometimes get filtered to the spam or promotions folder. So be diligent about checking there if you signed up but didn’t get a code.
Join Artist Fan Clubs
Many musicians have official fan clubs you can join, which give you access to presales. There is typically an annual membership fee to join. Fan club members often get first access to tickets before any other presales. Perks also include exclusive merchandise, meet and greets, and more. So for big fans, the cost is worth it!
Some examples of major artist fan clubs include:
- Beyhive for Beyonce
- Deadhead for Grateful Dead
- Iron Maiden’s Fifth Member Fan Club
Do an online search for “[artist name] fan club” to find official memberships. Sign up well in advance of concerts so you are already a member when presales begin.
Consider VIP Fan Club Packages
If regular fan club membership seems pricey, check for special VIP packages. These bundle fan club membership with extra perks like premium seats, exclusive merch, and backstage access. They are more expensive but offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Get Presale Codes From the Venue
If you want tickets to a hot show at a specific venue, join that venue’s email list too. Major venues like Madison Square Garden and LA’s Staples Center have database emails. Subscribers get presale codes for all events happening at that location.
This strategy works best for larger arenas and amphitheaters in your area. Look up their website and find the signup form for show announcements and presales. These codes tend to be general access rather than fan-specific. But signing up still gives you a better shot at tickets before the main public on-sale.
Search Social Media
Venues will also post presale codes on their social media pages like Facebook and Twitter leading up to events. So follow or bookmark your preferred venues in your area to get alerts.
Use Presale Passwords Websites
There are a number of websites that aggregate and list presale passwords for upcoming concerts. These include Presale Password Info, Presale Codes List, and PreSale Password. They obtain exclusive codes through industry sources and make them available to the public.
Search the sites for your desired concert and artist. If there is a presale, they will list the date, time, and official code needed. These sites are free to use, but offer paid membership tiers with early access. Check them leading up to an on-sale date for the most up-to-date presale info.
Beware of Fake Codes
Be cautious of any suspect or unofficial looking presale passwords on these sites. Some may be inaccurately labeled or fake codes posted by trolls. Verify a code works before sharing it elsewhere.
Get Presale Codes Through Ticket Providers
If you have accounts with major ticket sellers like Ticketmaster and AXS, leverage them for early ticket access. These companies often run their own presales before the general on-sale.
Existing customers on Ticketmaster can get presale codes emailed to them. Sign in and check your Ticketmaster account for any offers. These are based on your purchase history and activity on the site.
Likewise, if you have an AXS account, check for presale offers under AXS Premium. Enroll in AXS Premium or buy tickets through AXS for future presale code access.
Use Presale Links
Ticket provider presales usually don’t require codes, just links. Follow the links in your ticket account or email to access these presales. Be logged in and ready to search for tickets at the specified presale time.
Get Presale Codes From Sponsors
Concert tours are often sponsored by corporate brands, which in turn get their own presales. For example, Citi is a common concert sponsor and provides cardholder-only presales.
If you already use a brand that sponsors concerts, check their website around the time of shows. There may be special offers, presales, or codes available to customers and cardholders. Brands like American Express, Chase, Spotify, and more have all sponsored presales.
Consider a Sponsor’s Credit Card
If there is a sponsor presale for an event you really want to attend, consider signing up for that company’s credit card. This gains you instant access to their presales. However, only do so if the card makes sense financially for you beyond just presale access.
Look For Presales at Local Retailers
Some concerts promote special local presales through retail stores and radio stations. For example, when major tours come through Boston, the band may partner with a store like Newbury Comics for an exclusive presale.
Keep an eye out for these if you live near where a concert is happening. Presales may be offered at stores, bars, radio stations, or other local businesses. It’s an easy way get to early tickets without complex codes.
Listen to Partner Radio Stations
Pay attention to radio ads for any concert presales. The stations advertising usually get an exclusive first presale. Tune in and listen close to get the presale details.
Use Presale Codes For Past Buyers
If you bought tickets to an artist’s past tour, you may get a presale code for their current tour. Check your email leading up to an on-sale. Artists and venues want to reward returning fans with early access.
For very popular artists like Bruce Springsteen or Harry Styles, legacy fan presales are common. You only get the code if you purchased directly through the artist before. So buy direct when possible to get on the list for future presales.
Save Your Old Confirmations
When you get concert tickets, save the order confirmation email. It likely lists the presale details for next time. File it away in a folder to ensure you have the information.
Conclusion
Access codes are the key to scoring the best concert tickets before everyone else. Now that you know where to find presales and exclusive offers, you can outsmart the competition. Sign up for multiple email lists, follow fan clubs on social media, and keep tabs on retailer presales.
The more dedicated you are about finding codes, the better your chances. Set reminders leading up to on-sale dates so you never miss a presale window. With persistence and the right presale codes, you can land amazing concert experiences.