Figuring out when tickets go on sale can be confusing, especially for popular concerts and sporting events that sell out quickly. Ticketmaster is the largest primary ticket outlet, so most major events will release tickets through their platform. Here are some tips to know when tickets will go on sale on Ticketmaster.
Check the Event Page
The best way to find out when tickets go on sale for an event is to check the specific event page on Ticketmaster. This will usually list the on-sale date and time. Events are typically loaded into Ticketmaster’s system weeks or months in advance with pre-sale info, before the tickets officially go on sale to the general public.
Once you find the event page, bookmark it and check back often as the on-sale date approaches. Things can change last minute, like a pre-sale being added or the on-sale pushed back. Keep an eye out for any updates.
Artist and Venue Websites
Before an event gets posted to Ticketmaster, the information will be available on the artist, team, or venue’s website. Check the tour dates and announcement pages to find out when tickets will go on sale.
Often the venues, teams, and artists will share this info on their social media pages too. Following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help you get notifications about on-sale dates.
Ticketmaster’s On-Sale Calendar
Ticketmaster has a general on-sale calendar that shows upcoming events with the on-sale dates. You can filter by genre and city. This calendar includes major concerts, sporting events, theater shows, and more.
It’s a helpful overview of what’s going on sale, but be sure to still check the specific event page for the most up-to-date info. The calendar doesn’t show smaller local events or last minute schedule changes.
Fan Clubs and Presales
Many major tours and teams will offer special presales for fan club members or mailing list subscribers. This gives the most loyal fans first access to tickets before the general public.
Joining the official fan club is the best way to get presale passwords and codes. Venues and Ticketmaster also have presales for members sometimes. Sign up for these in advance so you’re ready when presale dates are announced.
Notification Services
There are some services like Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan that will send you alerts and give you access to presales. Sign up for these when available for popular tours you really want to see.
Songkick also has an on-sale notification service you can use for free. Just add the events you want to track and Songkick will email you when tickets are available.
Be Ready Right Away
For highly anticipated events, tickets will sell out extremely fast. Make sure to be ready on your computer or phone app right when tickets go on sale. Have accounts created in advance and payment info saved so you can checkout quickly.
Popular shows will have online waiting rooms and queues, so you need to be ready to go the moment tickets open to the public. Don’t hesitate or you’ll miss out.
Allow Extra Time
With so many people trying to buy tickets at the same time, sites like Ticketmaster will inevitably have delays and glitches. Build in some extra time in case you run into technical issues or long waiting rooms.
It’s better to be ready to go 30 minutes early than even 1 minute late. With high demand events, even a few seconds can make the difference between getting tickets and missing out.
Use Multiple Devices
Having multiple devices signed in and ready to go when tickets go on sale will increase your chances. Use your desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile phone all separately to access Ticketmaster right at the on-sale time.
This way if one device gets stuck in a queue or runs into an error, you still have other options to hopefully get through. Coordinate with friends and family too to have more devices going.
Check for Tickets Again Later
Don’t be discouraged if popular tickets sell out instantly. Venues often hold back some tickets to release gradually leading up to the event. Keep checking Ticketmaster periodically for more ticket releases or last minute deals.
Fans also return some of their tickets which get put back up for sale. StubHub and other resale sites are another option, although prices are inflated.
Summary
Here are some key tips for finding when tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster:
- Check the specific event page for on-sale date and time
- Follow the artist, team, and venue websites and social media
- Look at Ticketmaster’s on-sale calendar for upcoming events
- Join fan clubs and presales
- Use notification services like Verified Fan and Songkick
- Be ready right away on multiple devices when tickets go on sale
- Keep checking back for more ticket releases later
With high demand events, it takes diligence, patience and persistence to get tickets from the initial on-sale. But keep at it and don’t lose hope! There are usually more opportunities to get tickets later as shows get closer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do tickets go on sale?
For major concerts, sporting events, and theater shows, tickets usually go on sale around 2-6 months in advance. Smaller local events may only be on sale a few weeks or a month ahead of time. It varies, so check each event page.
How quickly do popular tickets sell out?
In demand tickets for things like Beyonce or major sporting events can sell out in seconds. Other shows may take a few hours or days. It really depends on the level of demand. The more popular the act or event, the faster tickets will go.
Where else can I get tickets besides Ticketmaster?
Some other places to find event tickets include:
- The venue’s box office or website
- The artist/team’s website
- Resale sites like StubHub
- Fan-to-fan exchanges
- Radio contests
But Ticketmaster will have tickets to most major live entertainment and sporting events in the United States and internationally.
What tips do you have for buying popular tickets?
Here are some top tips for scoring hard-to-get tickets:
- Get online ahead of time and be ready right at on-sale time
- Use multiple devices – desktop, mobile, etc
- Have accounts created with payment info saved
- Try fan club and venue presales
- Consider VIP packages that come with great seats
- Don’t give up! More tickets are often released over time
Why are some events marked ‘Presale’ on Ticketmaster?
Presales allow certain groups like fan club members or credit card holders to purchase tickets before the general public on-sale. This gives them first pick of seats. Public on-sale follows after the presale window closes.
What is Ticketmaster Verified Fan?
Verified Fan is Ticketmaster’s system that helps ensure real fans get access to tickets by requiring registration in advance. It helps prevent scalpers and bots from buying up all the seats immediately.
Conclusion
Ticket buying can be stressful, but take a deep breath and be strategic. With the right preparation and persistence, you can usually find tickets eventually even to the hottest events. Keep calm and refresh on!