Introduction
U2 is one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time, having sold over 170 million records worldwide since forming in 1976. The band is known for its epic live shows featuring state-of-the-art production and lighting as well as a setlist packed with hits. But how much does it cost to see U2 in concert? Let’s take a close look at U2 ticket prices and the factors that influence the cost of a U2 show.
Average Ticket Prices
According to data aggregated from major ticket vendors, the average price for U2 tickets on their most recent Joshua Tree Tour in 2017 was $228. However, prices can vary widely depending on the specific venue and seat location. General admission floor seats typically start around $200, while lower bowl and upper deck seats can be found for $100 or less. Front row and VIP tickets run upwards of $1,000.
Ticket Type | Average Price |
---|---|
General Admission Floor | $200 |
Lower Bowl | $150 |
Upper Deck | $100 |
Front Row | $1,000+ |
VIP Packages | $1,000+ |
As you can see, there is a wide range of ticket prices for U2 concerts, with floor tickets generally being the most expensive. However, deals can be found by looking at upper level and obstructed view seats. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that influence U2 ticket prices.
Tour Type
One of the biggest factors affecting ticket prices is the type of tour U2 is embarking on. For major tours like the Joshua Tree Tour celebrating an iconic album, or the Innocence + Experience Tour featuring a new album and elaborate stage production, prices are at the higher end. Tickets for these marquee events can average well over $200.
On the flip side, more abbreviated tours or residency shows tend to have lower average ticket costs. For example, prices for U2’s brief iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour in 2018 averaged around $150. Their short run of shows opening the Sphere arena in Las Vegas in 2009 saw tickets priced at just $95. So the type of event and scale of production influences costs.
Venue Size and Location
Where the show is taking place also impacts ticket prices in a big way. Concerts at large stadium venues that can accommodate over 50,000 fans tend to be on the cheaper side compared to arena shows, offering more affordable upper deck and nosebleed seats. But those big venues also have huge floors and front sections that still command premium pricing.
Smaller arenas that max out around 20,000 seats tend to drive prices up across the board. There are fewer “cheap seats” available and greater demand within a confined space. That said, arena shows often provide a more intimate concert experience compared to massive stadiums if you’re willing to pay more.
Geographic location is another consideration. Tickets for U2 shows in major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles carry higher average prices than shows in smaller cities and markets. Supply, demand, and local economic factors all contribute to location-based pricing variances.
Setlist Expectations
U2 frequently changes up their setlists from tour to tour, spotlighting different albums, eras, and songs. Naturally, tours centered around a landmark album like The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby with promised start-to-finish performances of that album fetch higher prices. Fans are willing to pay more for the guarantee of hearing certain rare or meaningful songs.
Conversely, tours with a more unpredictable, varied setlist or not focused on a single album tend to have lower average ticket costs. There is less certainty around exactly which songs will be played on a given night. Still, those shows offer their own special appeal for diehard U2 fans seeking an element of surprise and rarities.
Special Perks
From VIP packages to meet and greet add-ons, special perks and amenities push U2 ticket prices higher. Offerings like premium seating, exclusive merchandise, backstage tours, and front of line access are frequently bundled into special “Ultimate Fan” packages. These upgrades understandably come at a premium and can tack on hundreds or thousands to the base ticket price.
Even basic upgrades like floor access wristbands or concession perks that don’t guarantee extra frills will add to the overall ticket cost. Of course, those perks enrich the concert experience for fans willing to pay more. Every fan values those add-ons differently.
Reputation and Demand
At the end of the day, U2 has cultivated an incredible reputation over nearly 50 years as one of the world’s most vital live rock acts. That reputation fuels tremendous demand whenever U2 announces a new tour. Their huge global fanbase, many of whom never got to see U2 in prior decades, ensures sellouts and significant buzz.
That demand enables U2 to charge ticket prices aligned with their stature and prestige. It’s simple supply and demand economics. Many fans consider U2 tickets a worthy investment and must-see bucket list event given the band’s legacy. However, cost-conscious fans can still find relatively affordable tickets by being flexible on seating options.
How To Get Cheaper Tickets
While U2 tickets may seem expensive compared to shows by less famous bands, there are ways determined fans can find deals:
- Buy upper level or obstructed view seats
- Look for pre-sales and fan club offerings
- Purchase tickets well in advance of the show
- Consider less popular locations and tour markets
- Search secondary markets leading up to show dates
- Avoid added fees and bundles like VIP packages
Flexibility, persistence, and smart timing are key. Those on a tight budget may have to make sacrifices on seat location or amenities. But with the right strategy, even frugal fans can experience an amazing live U2 show on a budget.
Buying Tips
Here are some top tips for finding reasonably priced U2 tickets:
Jump on Pre-Sales
Take advantage of fan club, credit card, and venue pre-sales, which often offer access to seats before the general public. Sign up for U2’s fan club (U2.com) to get first dibs.
Be Ready Right Away
Buy early when tickets first go on sale to the general public. The best seats get snapped up fast. Set calendar reminders so you’re ready.
Shop Around
Check major vendors like Ticketmaster plus secondary sites like StubHub. Compare to find best deals. Beware extra fees.
Consider Obstructed Views
Obstructed view seats let you save big while still being in the room. You avoid the big markups floor seats command.
Get Upper Level
Nosebleed seats keep costs low. With giant screens and excellent acoustics, you can still get a great show experience.
See Weekday Shows
Tickets for weekday shows are typically cheaper than weekend dates in the same city. Flexibility helps.
Are U2 Floor Seats Worth It?
U2 floor seats put you right down front in the action. You’ll pay a huge premium over cheaper upper deck seats. Are floor seats worth it? Here are the pros and cons:
Pros
- Immerses you at center of excitement
- Closeup views of band and screens
- Large open floor to stand, dance, and move
- Chance for interaction with band
- Often includes access to floor-only bars
- Exclusive entrance and amenities
- Flexibility to find the perfect spot
Cons
- Very expensive – often 5X+ upper deck pricing
- Can feel cramped during popular songs
- Views sometimes obstructed by people’s heads
- No chairs – need to stand for long periods
- Spots with direct view are first come, first served
- Some venues have bleacher-style floor seating
While the energy and experience on the floor is unmatched, the soaring cost gives pause. Upper deck seats provide nice views at a fraction of the price. It comes down to personal budget and preferences. For a true diehard fan, floor seats may be worth going all-in. But the cheaper option still delivers great live U2 enjoyment if funds are limited.
How Do U2 Prices Compare to Other Artists?
U2 occupies rarified air as a bucket list arena rock act with prices to match. But how do their average ticket costs compare to other huge touring bands? Here’s a sampling of average ticket prices on recent big tours:
Artist | Avg. Ticket Price |
---|---|
U2 | $228 |
Rolling Stones | $226 |
Lady Gaga | $275 |
Drake | $200 |
Post Malone | $182 |
Bruno Mars | $189 |
Elton John | $146 |
As you can see, U2 aligns closely with legacy rock acts like the Rolling Stones in average ticket cost, outpacing many contemporary pop acts. Artists like Lady Gaga and Drake fall more in the modern pop segment. Within rock, U2 prices are higher than bands touring small clubs and theaters, but comparable to giants playing huge venues in terms of sheer demand.
How Tour Type Affects Costs
One key differentiator is tour type, production scale, and associated costs. U2 and the Stones mount massive global treks in giant venues, elevating prices. Acts focused on less elaborate tours or limited residency engagements have lower average ticket costs in a given city. But U2 has earned their ticket premium through decades of excellence and still reasonably delivers great value to fans based on their stature.
How Has U2 Pricing Changed Over Time?
Let’s take a look at how U2 ticket prices have trended and changed over their touring history. Here are average prices adjusted for inflation on a sampling of their major tours:
Tour | Year | Avg Price (adjusted) |
---|---|---|
War Tour | 1983 | $25 |
Unforgettable Fire Tour | 1985 | $40 |
Joshua Tree | 1987 | $60 |
ZOO TV | 1992 | $75 |
PopMart | 1997 | $100 |
Vertigo | 2005 | $125 |
360° | 2009 | $140 |
Joshua Tree 2017 | 2017 | $225 |
We can see prices rising steadily over time, but with periodic jumps tied to major iconic tours like The Joshua Tree anniversary show. Overall, U2 ticket prices have increased around 9X from the 1980s to today. While steep, that pace aligns generally with inflation. Back then, shows were in small clubs and theaters vs. today’s huge stadiums and production complexity.
Factors Increasing Prices
Here are some of the key factors that have driven up U2 ticket prices over the decades:
- Inflation – $25 in 1985 equates to around $65 today
- Bigger venues – Larger capacity equals higher gross potential
- Elevated productions – Massive stage designs, video, pyro, etc.
- Scarcity – Less frequent touring now than 1980s
- Band’s iconic status – Stronger global brand over time
While the inflation-adjusted increase is fairly reasonable, prices have certainly reached a level only within reach of upper-middle class and wealthy fans now. Their 1980s shows were accessible to fans of more modest means. Still, U2 delivers a world-class production worthy of their price point.
Best Ways To Get Discount U2 Tickets
For fans hoping to score bargain U2 tickets, here are some money-saving strategies:
- Buy upper deck or obstructed seats
- Join fan clubs and take advantage of pre-sales
- Purchase blocks during presales to get better pricing
- Wait to buy last-minute during the week of the show
- Search secondary ticket sites for price drops as event nears
- Look for seat pairs and singles – avoid 4 seat blocks
- Avoid convenience fees and bundled extras like insurance
- Buy partial view and production hold seats once released
With the right techniques, even popular shows can be attained for $100 or less all said and done. Persistence and planning pays off!
Is U2 Worth the Price Today?
Given the sky-high prices commanded by U2 in 2022 and 2023, are their shows still worth the investment? For many fans, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:
- Once in a lifetime experience to see rock legends
- Setlists packed with iconic hits and fan favorites
- Elaborate production and visuals worth seeing live
- Strong performances reflecting U2’s musical pedigree
- Rare opportunity as touring becomes less frequent
- Bucket list event and meaningful shared memories
Yet the rising prices also mean some loyal fans get priced out from a band they’ve followed their whole lives. love. It’s a unfortunate consequence of their success and status as a beloved arena act. Still, deals can be found for the budget-conscious to make memories at a U2 gig.
Conclusion
In the end, U2 concert tickets demand a premium price reflecting their prestige as one of history’s most decorated live rock acts. While the average cost hovers around $200, seats can be found for far less through smart shopping techniques. Their shows deliver an incredible spectacle and night of hits worth the investment for many. Yet fans of modest means may find today’s U2 tickets out of reach, an unfortunate side effect of their enduring worldwide appeal.