Figuring out when tickets are going on sale can be tricky. Popular concerts and shows often sell out very quickly, so you need to be ready to buy tickets the moment they become available. Here are some tips on how to know when tickets are about to go on sale so you can get yours before they’re gone.
Sign up for presales
Many shows will offer presales before the general public on-sale date. Presales give fans early access to buy tickets before everyone else. There are a few common ways to get presale passwords or codes:
- Join the artist’s fan club – Fan club members often get first dibs on tickets
- Follow the band’s email list or social media – Presale codes are frequently announced ahead of time
- Check with your credit card company – Some cards offer presale ticket access as a perk
- Join venues’ email lists – Venues will email presales to their mailing lists
Once you have a presale code, log on right when the presale starts to get the best selection of seats. Set a calendar reminder so you don’t forget.
Mark your calendar
As soon as a concert or show is announced, mark the on-sale date in your calendar. That way you won’t forget or miss it. Set a reminder on your phone to go off a few minutes before on-sale time too.
Keep checking back on the event page as the on-sale date approaches. Sometimes on-sale times get moved up or postponed, so you want to watch out for any last minute changes.
Be ready at your computer
When it’s almost time for tickets to go on sale, get ready at your computer. Make sure to log into the ticketing website ahead of time so you don’t waste precious seconds at checkout.
Have your payment information saved in your account or have your credit card ready. Ticket sales move blazingly fast, so you need to be ready to complete the purchase as quickly as possible.
Look for on-sale announcements
In addition to checking the event page frequently, follow the band, venue, and promoters on social media. On-sale info is usually announced on platforms like Facebook and Twitter leading up to the day.
You can even set up notifications for posts from those accounts so you never miss an important on-sale announcement.
Consider ticket presales
Ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster often have presales before the general on-sale. There are a couple ways to access these presales:
- Have an American Express card – Amex cardholders get early ticket access
- Use a special presale code – Check the ticketing site ahead of time for presale passwords
Presales give you a head start on buying tickets before the rush. Just don’t wait too long or else all the good seats might get snatched up.
Use multiple devices
When ticket sales start, don’t just rely on your desktop. Have your phone ready to go too. Pull up the ticketing site on both devices a few minutes early.
That way if you get stuck in a waiting room on one, you can keep trying on the other. The more devices you have trying, the better your chances are of getting through quickly.
Act fast when you get access
As soon as those tickets go on sale, move fast. Have a seating chart pulled up and know ahead of time which seats you’re aiming for. Add tickets to your cart quickly before others scoop them up.
Don’t hesitate or deliberate too long over seat selections. It’s better to getsomething than miss out altogether.
Try ticket resale sites
If you strike out when tickets initially go on sale, check sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats and SeatGeek. Resellers often buy up tickets quickly and then list them at higher prices.
You’ll pay more than face value, but it’s an option if you really want to go and tickets are sold out elsewhere. Just beware of fake tickets and outrageous markups.
Don’t lose hope on sell outs
Even if your first attempts don’t succeed, keep checking back for tickets. Venues sometimes release last-minute seats as production requirements are sorted out.
Fans also return or resell tickets they can no longer use. Don’t give up hope – you never know when something might open up.
Try general on-sales if you miss presales
While presales offer the best opportunity, don’t assume all hope is lost if you miss out. There are still tickets held for general on-sales.
Competition is higher, but general sales give the entire public a shot at buying seats. Follow all the same strategies in terms of timing, devices, and speed.
Consider less popular shows
The biggest headliners sell out instantly, but lesser-known acts often have tickets available for weeks or months after the on-sale date. Expand your search to similar genre artists or shows at smaller venues.
You can still see a great concert, just with fewer crowds and more affordable ticket prices.
Wait in queues or ticket lines
For very popular shows, ticketing sites sometimes use virtual waiting rooms or queues to stem demand. Don’t get discouraged by long wait times.
As long as you join the queue as early as possible, you can still get tickets. It just requires some patience compared to instant sell outs.
Know the venue’s sales approach
Some venues sell tickets through traditional online sales. Others use more exclusive approaches like ticket lotteries or in-person sales.
Research how the specific venue handles hot shows so you know the best way to try for tickets. That inside info can really improve your chances.
Conclusion
Scoring tickets to in-demand shows takes equal parts planning, speed, and persistence. By following ticket sales closely, signing up for presales, acting quickly, and employing multiple devices, you can vastly improve your chances of getting seats before they sell out.
It can take effort to beat out the competition, but the reward of seeing your favorite band or artist live is worth it. With smart preparation, quick fingers, and a little luck, you’ll be front row for that unforgettable concert experience.
Strategy | How it Helps |
---|---|
Sign up for presales | Gives you first access to tickets |
Mark your calendar | Ensures you don’t forget on-sale dates |
Use multiple devices | Gives you more opportunities to get through |
Act fast | Allows you to checkout before tickets sell out |
Check resale sites | Lets you buy if initial sales are sold out |
Other Helpful Tips
- Try less popular shows if hot tickets sell out too fast
- Join ticket queues and waiting rooms to get a shot at seats
- Research the venue’s specific sales approach
- Keep checking back even for “sold out” shows