Trying to get tickets to a hot concert or event on Ticketmaster can be frustrating when you get stuck in a long virtual queue. With so many people trying to access the site all at once, the wait times can be agonizing. However, there are some tricks you can use to improve your chances of getting through the queue quickly and securing your tickets.
Use Multiple Devices
One of the best ways to speed up your queue time is to use multiple internet-connected devices simultaneously. Open the Ticketmaster website on your computer, tablet, and smartphone and get in the queue on each device. This effectively gives you multiple places in line, so whichever device gets through first gives you the chance to snatch up tickets.
Just be sure not to open multiple windows on the same device, as Ticketmaster’s system recognizes this and will kick the duplicates out of line. But using entirely separate devices with different IP addresses is fair game.
Use Ticketmaster’s Mobile App
In a similar strategy, try using Ticketmaster’s mobile app in addition to your desktop browser queue. The app runs on a different server, so you get two chances at ticket inventory this way. If the desktop queue stalls, the app may progress faster and let you score seats.
Download the Ticketmaster app ahead of time on iOS or Android so you’re ready to go when tickets go on sale.
Log In Ahead of Time
Make sure to log into your Ticketmaster account ahead of the tickets going on sale. This saves you time during the frantic on-sale rush from having to enter passwords or go through verification steps.
On your account, make sure your payment details are pre-filled as well. You don’t want to lose time inputting your credit card or shipping address while trying to checkout.
Use the Ticketmaster Website Directly
Always try to buy from Ticketmaster directly, rather than third-party reseller sites. Ticketmaster gives its direct customers priority access to tickets during the pre-sale and general on-sale. If you go through a reseller site, you’ll likely be stuck further back in the queue.
Consider Presales and VIP Options
If there is an artist or venue presale ahead of the general on-sale, take advantage and get in queue early. Presales typically have lighter demand and faster queue times. There may also be special VIP ticket packages that give early queue access.
Check the event page ahead of time for presale dates and passwords. Fan club members, credit card holders and local radio partners often have their own dedicated presales as well.
Use an Ethernet Connection
If trying for tickets on your desktop computer, plug directly into your router with an ethernet cable rather than relying on WiFi. Wired internet access is faster and more reliable than wireless, which can help your queue move quicker.
Close any other programs using bandwidth as well, like video streaming or large downloads, so your computer’s full processing power is devoted to the Ticketmaster queue.
Be Ready Right at the On-Sale Time
Timing is critical when big events go on sale, so be queued up and waiting the minute tickets go live on Ticketmaster. Even a few minutes can make the difference between getting seats or being shut out.
Make sure your computer clock is synced properly to the real time so you don’t miss the on-sale start. Plan to be at your computer with devices ready 15-30 minutes early.
Consider Ticketmaster Verified Fan
For very popular events, Ticketmaster may use its Verified Fan system, which requires registering ahead of time for a code to access the sale. This aims to give real fans priority over scalpers and bots.
Make sure to register early when events offer Verified Fan, as codes are limited. Once you get a code, you still have to be quick on sale day but may have an advantage over non-Verified queues.
Team Up With Friends
Get friends and family to help by having them queue up for tickets on their own devices with their Ticketmaster accounts. Whoever gets through the queue first can purchase tickets for the whole group.
You can pay them back later. Multiple people targeting inventory gives you a better chance at getting enough tickets.
Use the Ticketmaster Rewards Program
If you attend Ticketmaster events frequently, join their Ticketmaster Rewards program. This gives loyal customers early access to tickets and discounts. Points can be redeemed for upgraded seats too.
Membership levels like Ticketmaster Rewards Elite offer the best on-sale advance access and queue prioritization.
Try General Admission Sections
For stadium concerts with sections like the floor/pit or lawns, those general admission areas often sell out last. If you just want to get in the door, target those sections instead of reserved seats.
The queue may move faster with less competition from others chasing the best seats.
Persist Through Errors
Don’t give up if you encounter error messages, get kicked out of the queue or can’t access the site. Keep trying and refreshing, as Ticketmaster’s servers are under extreme load. Persistence and repetition is key.
The queue can pause and seem stuck but eventually does progress. Have patience and stick with it.
Leverage Convenience Fees for Priority
Ticketmaster now offers an optional non-refundable “Official Platinum” ticket tier for many events, with extra convenience fees built in. In return, these tickets get front-of-line queue access during on-sales.
For super high demand events, it may be worth paying inflated convenience fees to skip the standard queue and still get tickets.
Use an Adblocker
Install an adblocking browser extension like AdBlock Plus to prevent ads from slowing down the Ticketmaster website and queue speed.
Adblockers prevent these auxiliary images and videos from impeding your queue progress. The cleaner site loads faster.
Try Incognito Browser Windows
Open an incognito or private browsing window to log into Ticketmaster rather than a normal browser window. Some users have reported faster queue speeds in incognito mode.
This prevents other tabs and cookies from interfering with the Ticketmaster server connection.
Leverage Season Ticket Access
For regular events like sports seasons, season ticket holders often get exclusive presale access before the general public. If you know any season ticket holders, ask them to purchase tickets on your behalf.
Offer to pay a premium or take them out to dinner. Season ticket queues move quickly with limited competition.
Avoid Peak Traffic Times
The peak on-sale rush is obviously unavoidable. But for general tickets sales after the initial frenzy, try accessing Ticketmaster at off-peak hours.
Early mornings and late nights tend to be less busy, with lighter website traffic and shorter queues.
Conclusion
Navigating Ticketmaster’s online queue system can be a daunting task, but using multiple devices, presales, and other strategies can give you a big advantage. With persistence and preparation, you can hopefully bypass the slowest queues and score those coveted seats. The key is having a game plan ready to go when event tickets go on sale.