Getting to the top of the Ticketmaster queue to score those hard-to-get concert or event tickets can be a frustrating experience. With high demand shows often selling out in minutes, timing and preparation are key to beating the virtual waiting room and box office lines. Here are some tips and tricks for how to get ahead in the Ticketmaster queue and have the best chance at snagging those coveted seats.
Verify Your Account Ahead of Time
One of the most important things you can do is make sure your Ticketmaster account is verified and ready to go before tickets go on sale. This means having an account set up with your personal info, password, and payment details completed. The last thing you want is to be frantically trying to create or update your account while you see tickets slipping away. Verify well in advance so your account is show-ready.
Use Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan Program
For very popular events, Ticketmaster uses Verified Fan pre-sales to give buyers with interest a better shot at tickets. Fans can register ahead of the public on-sale, then get a text with a code to access the sale. This helps filter out scalpers and bots, and gives genuine fans an advantage. Boost your chances by signing up for Verified Fan when available.
Get Text Alerts for Presales
Many shows have special presales for groups like fan club members or credit card holders. Sign up for Ticketmaster’s text alerts about presales to get advance notice and codes before the general public. Presale tickets are limited but it’s a great way to get ahead in line.
Use Multiple Devices
Have backup devices like another computer, tablet, or cell phone ready to go when tickets go on sale. Using multiple devices gives you a better shot at getting through congested traffic to the purchase page. But make sure to only checkout tickets on one device – you don’t want duplicate purchases!
Use the Ticketmaster App
The Ticketmaster app can sometimes have better performance than the desktop website when traffic is high. Download the app ahead of tickets going on sale and have your account loaded on there as a backup way to purchase. Apps can also store your payment info and data to check out faster.
Get on Right at the On-Sale Time
Timing is everything when popular tickets go on sale. Be on the Ticketmaster website or app right as the clock strikes the advertised on-sale time. For very high-demand sales, they may sell out within minutes or even seconds. Don’t risk missing out by being even a minute late to the queue.
Avoid Constant Page Refreshes
Once you’re in the virtual waiting room, resist the urge to constantly refresh your browser. Refreshing too often can reset your place in line and push you farther back. Wait patiently for the page to refresh on its own as you move through the queue.
Use the Ticketmaster Interactive Seating Map
Once you make it through the waiting room, use Ticketmaster’s interactive seat map to visually hunt for good seats. The map shows you real-time availability so you can find where the best options are as you shop. Zoom in and out for a close-up view.
Shop for Single Tickets
If you are flexible, shop for single seat tickets instead of multi-seat packs. Single seats often get snatched up individually before entire rows or blocks do. You can end up getting better options by cherry-picking singles. Then just checkout each ticket separately.
Have Payment Ready
Save those precious seconds during checkout by having your payment details ready to go. Make sure cards are up to date and your default payment method is selected in advance on your Ticketmaster account. Every second counts when tickets sell out fast!
Use Ticketmaster Credit Card If Possible
If you have a Ticketmaster/LiveNation branded credit card, use it to checkout for extra perks. These cards give cardholders early access to many presales before the general public. Plus you can earn cash back rewards on ticket purchases.
Don’t Give Up Right Away If Tickets Sell Out
Often, more tickets are released over time leading up to shows. If you don’t score tickets initially, check back as the event date approaches. Venues may release holds on industry tickets, or the artist could add more seats. Persistence pays off!
Leverage Fan Club and VIP Presales
Connect with the artist’s official fan club or VIP groups, which typically get access to special presales. Join email lists, follow the band’s social accounts, and sign up for fan clubs to get codes for these presales to beat the crowds.
Use General Admission If Available
For some shows, floor and pit tickets are sold general admission instead of reserved seats. Shop for a single GA ticket instead of multi-seat packs to again get better options. Then just show up early!
Set Up Ticketmaster Account Manager
For frequent buyers, use Ticketmaster’s Account Manager. This lets you store multiple credit cards for faster checkout and save your seat preferences for easy reorders. Account Manager can help streamline the purchase process.
Conclusion
Scoring hot-ticket items on Ticketmaster comes down to preparation, timing, persistence, and using technology to your advantage. Have your account, payment method, and devices ready to go before tickets go on sale. Use tricks like verified fan presales and single ticket shopping to get ahead in line. Don’t give up right away – keep checking back for new seat releases. With the right techniques, you can beat the virtual waiting room and get closer to the front at your favorite shows.
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Verify Your Account Ahead of Time | Complete your Ticketmaster account details before tickets go on sale |
Use Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan Program | Register for presales to get special codes and early access |
Get Text Alerts for Presales | Sign up for alerts about special presales for fan clubs, credit cards, etc. |
Use Multiple Devices | Have backup computers, phones, etc. ready in case of traffic jams |
Use the Ticketmaster App | Apps can sometimes work better than desktop sites when traffic is high |
Get on Right at the On-Sale Time | Popular tickets sell out very quickly so timing is critical |
Avoid Constant Page Refreshes | Refreshing too much can lose your place in line |
Use Interactive Seating Maps | Zoom in on maps to visually hunt for best available seats |
Shop for Single Tickets | Singles often get purchased before groups so you can get better options |
Have Payment Ready | Saved payment details help checkout faster before sell outs |
Use Ticketmaster Credit Card If Possible | Ticketmaster cards provide presale access and rewards on purchases |
Don’t Give Up Right Away If Tickets Sell Out | More tickets are often released over time leading up to events |
Leverage Fan Presales
Die-hard fans get first crack at tickets through official fan club and artist presales. Sign up for email lists, follow social media accounts, and join fan clubs to get special codes that unlock these presales before the general public. It’s one of the best ways to beat the Ticketmaster queues.
Some top fan presales include:
Official Artist Presales
Most touring artists have some level of official fan group that provides advance ticket access. Common names are the artist’s Fan Club, VIP Club, Inner Circle, etc. Membership can range from free to paid subscribers, with perks like presale codes, merchandise discounts, and more.
VIP Package Presales
VIP ticket packages that bundle seats with exclusive perks like meet & greets, backstage tours, or premium seating are often sold through special presales first. These packages come at a premium price but get you the best experience.
Album Presales
When releasing a new album, bands will sometimes offer a ticket presale when you preorder the album. Order the album ahead of release and you’ll get a code for early ticket access.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster Presales
Live Nation and Ticketmaster run their own presales for members. Eligible buyers can include concert goers who have purchased from Ticketmaster before, those signed up for Live Nation’s newsletter, or Ticketmaster credit card holders. Check your Ticketmaster account for notices about general presales.
Spotify Presales
Spotify partners with Live Nation to provide presale ticket access to high-streamers of a band or artist on the platform. Listen heavily to an artist on Spotify and you may unlock a special presale code.
Local Radio Station Presales
Many radio stations, especially rock and pop music channels, partner with concert promoters to provide presales for loyal listeners. Tune into your favorite station when new tours are announced for presale details.
Venue Presales
Some theaters and arenas offer presales for their existing customers. If you have purchased tickets at your local venue before, check their website and social media for presale codes before the general on-sale.
Use General Admission Strategically
General admission or GA refers to open floor tickets that are first come, first served instead of assigned seats. When concerts have a GA pit or section, take advantage by shopping for single tickets instead of groups. Purchasing individual spots in the crowd can help you beat the competition to get a GA ticket. Show up early on the day of the event to get a front row view!
GA is very common for the floor area at rock concerts and festivals. It creates a high-energy setting for fans to stand, dance, and mingle without confined seats. GA provides maximum freedom and flexibility. Other key tips for making the most of general admission:
Arrive Early
Get to the venue many hours before doors open to get in the front of the GA line. The earlier you show up, the better your spot will be.
Secure Your Spot
Once inside, stake out your position in the crowd and hold your ground. Natural shifts will occur, but claim your space.
Focus Your Energy
When the band takes the stage, don’t waste energy pushing and shoving. Keep just enough contact with those around you to hold position. Focus on enjoying the show!
Stay Hydrated
Water and electrolytes are crucial when packed into a crowd. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid overheating and dehydration.
Watch for Crowd Surfers
Pay attention so crowd surfers don’t kick you in the head! Help pass them safely along.
Protect Your Hearing
Bring earplugs for hearing protection during loud performances. Avoid permanent ear damage.
With some GA strategies, you can get up close without a reserved spot. Embrace the unity and energy of general admission!
Conclusion
Conquering the Ticketmaster queue comes down to preparation, diligence, and a little bit of luck. Have your account set up in advance and payment ready to go. Take advantage of special presales through fan clubs and Ticketmaster programs. Shop strategically for single seats and general admission. Persist as more tickets are released over time. While popular shows will always involve some competition, with the right techniques you can optimize your place in line and get ahead on Ticketmaster.