Ticketmaster is the largest ticket sales and distribution company in the United States. They sell tickets online and at retail outlets for concerts, sports games, theater shows and more. Ticketmaster continues selling tickets right up until the event starts, but stops sales at different times depending on the event. Here is an overview of when you can expect Ticketmaster to stop selling tickets for a concert.
When Ticketmaster Stops Selling Tickets
Ticketmaster typically stops selling tickets for a concert 3-7 days before the event. The exact cutoff time depends on the artist, venue and situation. Here are some general guidelines:
1-3 Days Before
For very high demand concerts in major venues, Ticketmaster may stop sales 1-3 days beforehand. This includes large arena concerts or shows on an artist’s major tour. Venues want to have time to distribute tickets and prepare for crowds. Popular artists like Beyonce, Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber often have sales end 1-3 days early.
3-5 Days Before
Mid-size amphitheaters, theaters and clubs tend to end Ticketmaster sales 3-5 days before a show. This allows a couple days for will call ticket pickup and distribution. Expect this for big name artists playing smaller venues or up-and-coming acts selling out mid-size places.
5-7 Days Before
Ticketmaster typically cuts off sales 5-7 days beforehand for smaller clubs, independent music venues and arts theaters. These intimate venues need extra time to organize ticketing and get ready for crowds. More niche artists and bands tend to have this longer 5-7 day sales window.
Exceptions and Situations
While 3-7 days is the norm, there are always exceptions. Here are some situations where Ticketmaster may stop sales earlier or later than usual:
High Demand Shows
For extremely popular shows that sell out quickly, Ticketmaster may halt sales 7-10 days early. This prevents overselling venues and gives more time for distribution. Expect very high demand reunion or farewell tours to have extra early sales cutoffs.
Low Ticket Sales
If an event is not selling well, Ticketmaster may keep sales open longer – sometimes right up until showtime. Poorly selling concerts could have tickets available hours before the doors open.
Venue Policies
Some venues have specific cutoff policies, such as ending sales 72 hours before an event. This overrides typical Ticketmaster policy. Check the venue website for any ticket sale rules they enforce.
Artist or Management Requests
Artists and their management may request a specific cutoff time for Ticketmaster sales. Their needs or preferences could make the sales window shorter or longer.
Last Minute Releases
If the performer releases extra tickets at the last minute, Ticketmaster may reopen sales temporarily. This does not happen often but is possible.
Technical Issues
In very rare cases, technical problems may disrupt sales. If ticketing systems crash, shows may be postponed or sales paused until it is fixed.
How Venues Manage Late Ticket Sales
Once Ticketmaster sales end, the venue has to manage any remaining ticket inventory and distribution. Here is how they typically handle late ticket sales:
Box Office Sales
Remaining tickets are sold at the venue’s on-site box office. There are usually limited quantities available for walk-up sales. Patrons can buy tickets right up until showtime, if any are left.
Will Call Pickup
Many held tickets are distributed through will call. Fans with print-at-home tickets and guests of the performer often need to pick up tickets on the day of the event. Venues manage will call pickup once Ticketmaster sales close.
Release of Production Holds
The performer and venue often hold a number of production tickets. As showtime gets closer, some of these reserved tickets may get released for sale if they are unneeded.
Late Releases
In very rare cases, the artist might release extra tickets at the last minute. If so, the venue has to quickly manage distribution and sales on short notice.
Tips for Getting Tickets
To get tickets before Ticketmaster sales end, here are some tips:
Buy Early
Get tickets as soon as you can once they go on sale. Popular shows sell out quickly. Sign up for presales to get early access.
Check Constantly
Keep checking back for ticket releases as the event approaches. More inventory may open up over time.
Try Other Retailers
In addition to Ticketmaster, check the venue and band websites for ticket links. Fan clubs and radio stations may also have ticket offers.
Go For General Admission
If reserved seats are sold out, general admission floor tickets may still be available. These don’t require specific seat assignments.
Consider Resale Sites
StubHub, Vivid Seats and other resale marketplaces offer tickets being resold by fans. Prices are inflated but tickets are obtainable.
When Selling Typically Ends for Different Venues
Here is an overview of when Ticketmaster usually stops selling tickets based on the venue:
Venue Type | Typical Cutoff Window |
---|---|
Major Arenas | 1-3 days before |
Amphitheaters | 3-5 days before |
Theaters/Clubs | 5-7 days before |
Small Music Venues | 5-7 days before |
Of course, these are just general guidelines. Specific artist and event factors can affect the exact stop date. Small club shows may end sales 5 days out, while major artists in arenas could end a week before the concert. Check the event information for specific details.
Stop Date Depends on Event Demand
In general, the higher the demand, the earlier sales will halt. Stadium concerts from mega-stars like Taylor Swift or BTS will likely end sales a full week early. Small venues for emerging artists may sell tickets right up until showtime. Sellout shows need more preparation time and cutoff ticketing sooner.
Here are examples of typical end-of-sale times based on demand:
Event Demand | Cutoff Window |
---|---|
High Demand (Swift, Bieber) | 7-10 days before |
Moderate Demand (Luke Bryan) | 3-5 days before |
Low Demand (Small Club) | 1-3 days before |
The amount of time available to buy tickets decreases for more popular concerts with high attendance expected.
Extra Time Allows for Distribution
Ending Ticketmaster sales 3-7 days early gives venues extra time to process and distribute tickets. Tasks like will call pickup, box office sales and comp tickets for the artist all take considerable time. Major concerts may have tens of thousands of tickets to sort and hand out in a short window. Additional days are essential to handle these logistics.
Some specific purposes for the extra time include:
Will Call Pickup
Fans need to be able to swing by the venue and collect print-at-home and hard tickets left under their name. This can mean long will call lines on the day of the event.
Box Office Sales
Any leftover tickets get sold at box office windows. Wait times also get very long, especially for big shows. The box office needs time to handle in-person sales.
Comps and Promos
There are often comp tickets set aside for friends, family, industry contacts and promotional purposes. Special ticket access takes coordination.
Production Holds
The performer and crew need tickets held for gear, equipment and tour staff. Extra time gives flexibility to release unused holds.
Updated Seating Charts
With all inventory shuffling, seating maps need constant adjusting. It takes time to finalize charts and get them printed and distributed onsite.
Preparing Infrastructure
Things like barricades, fencing, security stations and POS systems need to be installed and tested ahead of big crowds arriving.
Late Ticket Releases Still Possible
While Ticketmaster sales close 3-7 days out, it is still possible for late ticket releases to happen. Here are some ways last-minute tickets can free up:
Production Holds Released
Near showtime, unused holds get freed up for sale. These could be crew, family or radio contest tickets no longer needed.
Upgraded Capacity
Sometimes seated venues will open up general admission floor space to accommodate demand. Stadiums might open up obstructed view sections.
Returned Tickets
A few ticket buyers will return or resell tickets close to the event. Exchanges for a different date or refunded orders put tickets back in inventory.
Slow Sales Open Inventory
Very unpopular events that were not near selling out may release most held tickets. This rarely occurs but is possible.
Extra Show Announced
If a performer adds another show due to demand, more tickets get issued. Old show tickets might get released in the process.
However, these situations are uncommon and late ticket seekers should not bank on extra releases. It is best to purchase early when there is guaranteed availability.
Conclusion
In most cases, Ticketmaster stops selling tickets for major concerts 3-7 days before showtime. High demand arena shows end sales 1-3 days out. Smaller clubs and theaters cutoff 5-7 days ahead. This helps venues organize ticketing and prepare for crowds.
Popular artists tend to have earlier sales stop dates due to quick sellouts. Check event details closely, as specific circumstances can alter the exact end-of-sales time. While late ticket drops are possible, they are rare. Fans are best off buying tickets well in advance to ensure access. With preparation and research, you can secure seats before the Ticketmaster cutoff hits.