Ticketmaster’s waiting list feature allows fans to request tickets for sold-out events. If tickets become available, fans on the waiting list will be notified via email and have a short window of time to purchase the newly released tickets.
How to join the Ticketmaster waiting list
There are a few ways to get on the Ticketmaster waiting list for an event:
- Search for the event on Ticketmaster. If it is sold out, there will be a “Join Waitlist” button on the event page.
- Click the “On Sale Info” tab on the event page before tickets go on sale. There will be an option to “Get Waitlist Alerts.”
- Follow the event on Ticketmaster and opt-in to waitlist alerts.
- Join Ticketmaster Verified Fan. This gives you early access to tickets and waitlist options.
After joining the waiting list, you’ll receive an email confirmation from Ticketmaster. Make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts so the notification doesn’t go to spam.
How the Ticketmaster waiting list works
The Ticketmaster waiting list operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you join the waiting list, the better your place in line for newly released tickets.
As people purchase tickets, seats become available one at a time or in small groups. Ticketmaster sends notifications to the next groups of fans in line on the waiting list as tickets are released.
The size of the waiting list varies dramatically between events. More popular concerts tend to have longer waiting lists. But even less popular events may have hundreds or thousands of fans waiting in line.
Ticketmaster does not publicly share waiting list numbers, so there is no way to know your exact place in line. You simply have to wait for the notification email if tickets become available.
Ticket limits
There are usually ticket limits in place for waiting list purchases. This prevents resellers from buying up all the newly released tickets.
Typical limits are 2 or 4 tickets per customer. There may also be limits on how many floor/field tickets vs. seated stadium tickets you can purchase.
These ticket limits help get tickets into the hands of as many individual fans as possible from the waiting list.
Notification period
The notification period is the window of time you have to purchase tickets after receiving a waiting list email. This window is usually very short – sometimes only 1-2 hours.
This is because tickets get snapped up very quickly. Ticketmaster wants to ensure fans on the waiting list don’t miss their opportunity to purchase tickets.
If you don’t log in and purchase the released tickets during the notification period, they get released back into the pool for the next group of waiting list members.
Removing yourself from the waiting list
You can remove yourself from the Ticketmaster waiting list at any time if you change your mind or find tickets elsewhere. Simply log into your Ticketmaster account and cancel the waiting list request.
However, you cannot rejoin the waiting list once removed. So only remove yourself if you are certain you no longer wish to purchase tickets.
Refunds
Tickets purchased through the Ticketmaster waiting list are typically non-refundable. This is to prevent fans from hoarding tickets then reselling them at a higher price.
However, exchanges may be allowed in some cases. Check the specifics for your event.
Pros of using the Ticketmaster waiting list
Here are some benefits of joining the Ticketmaster waiting list when an event is sold out:
- Get notified when tickets are released – This gives you first dibs on newly freed up seats before they go on sale to the general public again.
- More intimate venues – Small groups of seats are often released, allowing you to potentially get closer seats.
- No markup – Waiting list tickets are sold at face value original prices.
- Safe and secure – No risk buying from scalpers. Waitlist is operated through official Ticketmaster site and app.
Cons of using the Ticketmaster waiting list
Here are some potential downsides to keep in mind with the Ticketmaster waiting list:
- No guarantee – There is no guarantee tickets will become available. You may end up waiting for nothing.
- Short notification window – You have very little time to purchase, usually 1-2 hours. Easy to miss it.
- Fewer choices – You can’t be picky about seat location with newly opened seats.
- Non-refundable – Most waiting list tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Tips for getting tickets through the waiting list
Here are some tips to improve your chances of scoring tickets through the Ticketmaster waiting list:
- Join as early as possible – This gives you the highest place in line as tickets are released.
- Check your spam – Add Ticketmaster to your email contacts so you don’t miss the notification.
- Act quickly – Log in and purchase immediately once notified. Don’t hesitate or tickets may be gone.
- Be flexible – You may get seats in a different location than you hoped, but take what you can get.
- Only join if serious – Don’t take up a waiting list spot if you aren’t certain you want to attend the event.
- Follow up if issues – Contact Ticketmaster support if you encounter any issues with waiting list notifications or purchasing.
Waiting list alternatives
If the Ticketmaster waiting list doesn’t work out for an event you want to attend, here are some other options to potentially get tickets:
- Ticket resale sites – StubHub, Vivid Seats, and other resale marketplaces. But prices are inflated.
- Fan groups – Join fan clubs or Facebook groups for the artist. Fans sometimes sell extra tickets at face value.
- Box office releases – Check the box office day of show for last minute ticket releases.
- Scalpers – Buy from scalpers outside the venue. Riskier but can get last minute deals.
- Giveaways – Enter radio station contests and follow the performer’s social media for possible ticket giveaways.
The Ticketmaster waiting list should be your first step when an event is sold out. But if you don’t get notified, don’t lose hope. Explore other avenues to find tickets with persistence and patience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Ticketmaster waiting list?
A Ticketmaster waiting list allows fans to request tickets for sold-out events. If tickets are released closer to the show date, fans on the list get first dibs to buy tickets before the general public.
How long is the Ticketmaster waiting list notification period?
The Ticketmaster waiting list notification period is usually very short, often just 1-2 hours. This gives fans a small window to login and purchase the newly available tickets before they are released to the next group of fans.
Can you rejoin a Ticketmaster waiting list if you remove yourself?
Unfortunately no. Once you voluntarily remove yourself from a Ticketmaster waiting list, you cannot rejoin the list again. Only remove yourself if you are certain you no longer want to attend the event.
Are all events on Ticketmaster eligible for a waiting list?
Not necessarily. Participation in the waiting list feature is at the discretion of the event organizer or artist’s management team. Typically larger concerts by major touring artists will utilize Ticketmaster’s waiting list functionality when shows sell out quickly.
What are some tips for getting tickets through the Ticketmaster waiting list?
Tips include joining the list early, frequently checking your email, acting immediately on notifications, being flexible about seat locations, and following up with support if you encounter any issues with the waiting list process.
Can you return or exchange waiting list tickets if you can no longer attend?
In most cases, tickets purchased through the Ticketmaster waiting list are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. This is to prevent ticket hoarding and resales. However, some events may allow exchanges under certain circumstances, so check with Ticketmaster.
How do you know if an event has a Ticketmaster waiting list?
If an event is sold out on Ticketmaster, navigate to the event page and look for a “Join Waitlist” button. This signifies that a waiting list is available. There may also be a waiting list prompt under the “On Sale Info” tab for upcoming events.
Conclusion
While joining the Ticketmaster waiting list requires patience and luck, it can be a great way for die-hard fans to score seats to sold out events. Just be diligent about monitoring your email, act fast when notified, and don’t hesitate if given the opportunity to purchase waitlist tickets.
Remember there are no guarantees with the waiting list system. But it costs nothing to join. With smart tips and strategies, your chances of securing tickets through the Ticketmaster waiting list will greatly increase.
So next time your must-see concert sells out immediately, don’t lose hope. Quickly join the Ticketmaster waiting list for a second shot at great seats! With persistence and a little luck, you may end up with an amazing ticket after all.