Getting tickets to see Coldplay live can be a challenging experience due to their massive popularity. Many shows sell out within minutes, leaving fans disappointed. However, with some preparation and persistence, you can greatly improve your chances of securing tickets.
Check Tour Dates and Venues
The first step is to figure out when and where Coldplay will be performing near you. Check their official website and social media pages for tour date announcements. Once the shows are confirmed, make a note of the dates, cities, and venues. This will allow you to plan ahead.
Major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and London are likely to have very high demand. Smaller cities may be easier to get tickets for. However, diehard fans will travel far and wide to see Coldplay, so nothing is guaranteed.
Join Fan Presales
Many artists, including Coldplay, offer special pre-sales for fan club members and other groups. By joining the official Coldplay fan club, you can get first access to tickets before the general public. There is normally a membership fee, but it may be worthwhile if it allows you to score tickets.
Other pre-sales may be available through the venue, ticket vendor, or promoter. Do research ahead of the on-sale date to find out about any special pre-sales or codes you can use to buy early. Signing up for newsletters and following social media accounts can provide access to these opportunities.
Prepare for the On-Sale Rush
Once tickets go on sale to the general public, you will be competing with thousands of other fans online. Prepare to hop on your computer the minute tickets go live and be ready to wait in the virtual queue.
Make sure you have all the ticketing website links handy ahead of time. Have an account set up in advance with information like your payment details pre-saved. This will make the checkout process smoother.
Enlist any friends or family who don’t mind helping to jump in the ticket queue as well. The more people you have trying, the better chance you have of beating the bots and scalpers to those precious tickets.
Be Persistent and Don’t Give Up
Expect ticket websites to crash and freeze due to the massive influx of traffic. Don’t panic. Keep refreshing and trying again. New batches of tickets may be released as holds expire.
If you don’t score tickets initially, keep checking back in the following days and weeks. Venues often hold back tickets to release later down the line. There can also be returns if credit cards are declined.
Set up alerts so you are notified right away if new tickets become available. Ticket resale sites like StubHub may have marked up prices, but can sometimes be an option if you are truly desperate.
Beware of Scams and Fake Tickets
With such high demand comes unscrupulous resellers trying to make a quick buck. Be very cautious of deals that seem too good to be true or sellers on classifieds sites with no reviews.
Some warning signs of possible scams:
- Prices far below face value
- Requests to pay by wire transfer or crypto
- “Hard” tickets (modern tickets are mostly electronic)
- Seller cannot provide credible proof of ticket validity
Genuine sites like StubHub offer buyer guarantees, but private sellers have no such protection. Meet in person and verify tickets before paying cash. Reputable ticketing sites like Ticketmaster are always the safest option.
Be Flexible
The more flexible you can be with dates, venues, and seat locations, the better chance you have of getting tickets. Opening night will obviously be in highest demand.
Don’t rule out traveling a bit if a nearby city has better ticket availability. Also consider solo seats versus groups if you are having trouble finding several together.
Watch Out for Dynamic Pricing
Many ticket sellers now use “dynamic pricing” or “surge pricing” algorithms. This means that prices can rise and fall quickly based on demand.
Weekend and evening shows are generally more expensive. But even for the same days, prices can swing wildly. It pays to check back often if tickets are still available.
Third party resellers are more likely to jack up pricing drastically. Official ticket prices directly from the venue or artist tend to be more consistent over time.
Consider a VIP or Resale Package
If money is no object, many tickets get held back for special VIP packages. These can include perks like premium seating, pre-show receptions, and exclusive merchandise.
Similarly, the artist or venue may offer special resale packages closer to the event with official platinum level seating. These almost always command premium pricing, sometimes thousands of dollars per ticket.
These options are purely for wealthier hardcore fans. But they can be a last resort for those struggling to obtain regular tickets otherwise.
Plan Your Schedule in Advance
Once you finally secure those coveted tickets, make sure to start planning everything else. Book travel and accommodations ASAP before prices rise. Request time off work if necessary.
Be sure to budget for extra costs like transportation, food, and merchandise. Parking also tends to run expensive near major venues.
Allow plenty of extra time in your schedule. There are often extremely long lines at popular shows. You don’t want to miss the opening songs!
Arrive Early
Get to the venue several hours before showtime if possible. This ensures you have ample time to park, get through security, find your seats, and grab food and merch beforehand.
Scope out where entrances and key facilities are located. Identify where your seating section is ahead of time.
Bring essentials like earplugs, phone charger, and anything you may want signed if meeting band members. But don’t overdo it since security will restrict what you can bring in.
Charge Your Phone
Phones are crucial for scanning your digital tickets, connecting with companions if split up, taking photos/videos, and contacting Uber/Lyft for transportation.
But phones get heavy use at concerts and may die quickly, especially if running camera, GPS, and other apps continually. Bring an external charger or battery case to ensure your phone stays powered.
Mind the Sound Levels
Coldplay concerts are renowned for their elaborate light shows, confetti blasts, and thumping bass. The noise levels border on hazardous over prolonged exposure.
Earplugs help prevent permanent hearing damage without sacrificing sound quality too much. Get a set designed for music attenuation. Foam or wax earplugs sold at pharmacies work in a pinch.
Standing closer to the stage may seem ideal, but this area normally has the most punishing audio. Hanging back a bit can allow a more comfortable experience.
Hydrate and Use the Restroom
Outdoor summer shows in particular can involve waiting for long hours in the sun. In enclosed arenas, thousands of fans combined body heat quickly ratchets up temperatures.
Drink plenty of water leading up to and during the event to avoid dehydration. Use restrooms beforehand since facilities inside get overcrowded.
If allowed, bring an empty refillable water bottle. Vendors charge exorbitant prices for bottled water inside. Metal bottles may be prohibited since they can be projectiles if thrown.
Watch Your Belongings
Crowded concerts pose a prime opportunity for pickpockets. Keep wallets and phones secure in front pockets or bags. Never leave items unattended.
Avoid taking bags if possible since security does bag checks and they can get annoying to keep track of. Leave valuables like jewelry at home.
Carry cash in small amounts separate from your wallet to avoid flashing big bills. Only carry ID and payment cards you absolutely need.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Thrilled fans have a tendency to crush towards the stage, especially for popular acts like Coldplay. Avoid getting caught in a stampede situation.
Watch out for moshing or overly rowdy attendees. Politely ask them to settle down if needed. Seek assistance from security for anything serious.
Note marked emergency exits in case of any dangerous scenario. But avoid using them casually since alarms may trigger.
Pace Yourself
Adrenaline runs high seeing favorite musicians perform live. But concerts are marathons, often standing for hours. Conserve energy so you can rock out for the entire show.
Sit during opening acts if possible. Bring comfortable shoes and cushions for standing areas. Have a hearty meal beforehand and snacks on hand.
Moderately enjoy alcohol if permitted, but avoid binging to a point of illness or rowdiness. Stay hydrated since drinking dehydrates.
Soak in the Experience
Most importantly, take time to soak in the phenomenal experience. Sing, dance, and fully immerse yourself in the magic taking place on stage.
Put your phone away at times. Photos and videos are great, but enjoy some of it with your own eyes and ears.
Chat with neighboring fans and make new friends. This shared love of live music bonds you.
After the lights come up, relish that concert afterglow. Replay memories from a truly unforgettable night.
Conclusion
Securing Coldplay tickets takes time, persistence, and planning. But all the effort pays off exponentially once you are there chanting along to “Viva La Vida” surrounded by thousands of ecstatic fans.
Follow these tips and tricks, and your chances of scoring tickets are greatly improved. Stay safe and make smart choices at the show. Embrace the collective energy pulsing through the venue.
Now get ready to rock as Chris Martin’s magical voice washes over you! Enjoy every second of Coldplay performing their iconic hits live.