Getting front row tickets to concerts, shows, and sporting events is often seen as the holy grail for fans. Being right up close to the action and the performers brings an unparalleled thrill and excitement. But how exactly do people get those coveted front row seats? There are a few key strategies and tips to know.
Buy tickets as soon as sales open
This is the most basic but essential strategy. For very popular events, tickets will sell out extremely quickly, sometimes within minutes. Being ready right when tickets go on sale and quickly completing the purchase gives you the best shot at getting front row or other prime seats. This often requires carefully tracking when tickets will go on sale through pre-sale emails, fan clubs, or announcements on the event’s website. Popular ticketing sites like Ticketmaster will also show upcoming on-sale info. Signing up for presales through fan clubs or credit cards like Citi can sometimes give you early access.
Use pre-sale codes
Many events will do pre-sales before the tickets go fully on sale to the general public. This gives fans who are “in the know” first crack at tickets. There are a few ways to get pre-sale codes:
– Joining the artist/team fan club – Fan clubs often get access to pre-sales
– Following the event social media accounts – Pre-sale codes are often announced on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
– Signed up for promotional emails – Check email inbox for special pre-sale links or codes
– Citibank or other credit cards – Partner cards provide pre-sale ticket access
Once you have a pre-sale code, log on right when the pre-sale starts and look for front row seats. There’s less competition during pre-sales, so chances of getting prime spots are better.
Buy VIP packages
Many major tours and events offer special VIP packages that bundle prime tickets with perks like meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise, or fancy add-ons like food and drinks. Of course the packages come at a premium price – sometimes thousands of dollars per seat! But for big spenders this can be a way to guarantee front row access.
Go through secondary market
If tickets are sold out through the primary ticketing channels, secondary resellers like StubHub are the next option. Here, fans re-sell extra tickets – sometimes at hugely inflated prices for hot shows. There’s risk of buying fake or invalid tickets, so buy from reputable platforms and check reviews. But the secondary market often has front row seats available since early buyers realize they can re-sell for a profit.
Buy resale tickets last minute
A counterintuitive strategy is to actually wait until the very last minute, even after the event starts. There is often a price plunge right before showtime as holders panic sell tickets below face value to recoup any money. Savvy last minute buyers can sweep in and find deals. Again, this is riskier for fakes, but persistence pays off. Using mobile ticket apps like Gametime can reveal last minute deals. There may also be tickets at the door if it doesn’t sell out.
Get seats from other buyers
If the event is general admission with first come, first served seating, consider paying other early attendees to let you have their spots. For example, paying the first few people in line outside the venue $50 cash to take their front spots when doors open. This is of questionable ethics, but can be effective if money is no object.
Buy season ticket packages
For recurring events like sports seasons, buying full season ticket packages often includes the best seat locations. Sports teams reserve their front row seats for long-tenured season ticket holders versus individual game buyers. Over years of renewing seasons tickets, you can gradually improve seat locations.
Get seats from corporate sponsors
Big corporate sponsors of major events often get front row ticket allocations. Developing relationships with decision makers at sponsoring brands can help access this inventory – although it’s unlikely as an average fan. Having connections in these industries or large corporate accounts is key.
Win radio call-in contests
Radio stations will frequently run ticket giveaways and contests. Calling in persistently and getting through gives you a shot at winning prime seats. The odds are low but it’s worth trying.
Buy wheelchair seats
This qualifies as unethical life hacking, but front row wheelchair spots are sometimes easier to obtain even without a disability. Justify it how you wish, but this technique does work.
Travel to less popular locations
For touring concerts or shows, target less popular markets that may not sell out as quickly. What’s considered a prime seat in a smaller city arena won’t be as in-demand as a major market like New York or Chicago. There’s a better chance at front row seats in under the radar cities.
Conclusion
Getting front row seats requires a combination of preparation, persistence, and spending power. Having strategies like buying right when sales open, leveraging pre-sales, or using the secondary market gives you a leg up. But a little bit of luck and connections can also go a long way. Ultimately front row tickets deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences for fans, which is why people go to such great lengths to get them. As long as there is intense demand for the hottest events, expect intense competition for those coveted seats right up close.