The American Music Awards (AMAs) are one of the biggest annual music awards shows in the United States. Created by Dick Clark in 1973, the AMAs honor outstanding achievements in the music industry. Attending the star-studded event is a dream for many music fans, but how much does it actually cost to attend the AMAs in person?
Ticket Prices
Getting tickets to attend the AMAs live can be difficult and expensive. Here is an overview of ticket prices and options:
- General admission tickets – These are standing room only tickets, usually located in the back sections of the venue. Prices range from $125 to $250 per ticket.
- Lower level seats – For seating closer to the stage, expect to pay between $500 – $1,500 per seat.
- Floor seats – The most coveted seats right by the stage can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $3,500 per ticket.
- Suite seats – Luxury suite seating includes amenities like food and beverages. Prices start around $5,000 per suite and go up to over $15,000.
As you can see, the costs vary widely depending on seat location and amenities. Generally, the closer you are to the stage, the more expensive the tickets. Tickets are usually available through the official AMAs website or ticket retailers like Ticketmaster.
Secondary Market Prices
Because AMAs tickets are limited and high in demand, prices on secondary resale sites like StubHub are often well above face value. Here are some examples of resale ticket prices:
Section | Resale Price Range |
---|---|
Upper Level Side/Corner | $400 – $1,000 |
Lower Level Side | $1,000 – $2,500 |
Floor Seats | $2,500 – $10,000+ |
Keep in mind with secondary market tickets there are risks like counterfeits and scams. But for fans intent on attending no matter the cost, the secondary market is an option to potentially get seats even if the event is listed as sold out.
Travel and Accommodations
Since the AMAs take place in Los Angeles, anyone not from the area will need to factor in travel and hotel costs. Here are some example costs for attendees traveling to LA for the event:
- Flight – $300-$500 roundtrip from another major US city
- Hotel – $200-$400 per night for 3-4 nights
- Ground transportation – Rental car ($50-$100/day), rideshares, public transit, etc.
- Meals & other expenses – $100-$300
All in all, non-locals should budget $1,000 or more just for travel to and accommodations in LA for the AMAs. This is in addition to the price paid for event tickets.
AMAs Ticket Packages
Some travel agencies and tour companies offer AMAs ticket packages that bundle rooms, transportation and event tickets to provide an all-inclusive experience. Here are sample prices for AMAs packages:
Package | Sample Price |
---|---|
2 Nights Hotel + Lower Level Seats | $2,500-$3,500 per person |
4 Nights Hotel + Floor Seats | $5,000-$7,500 per person |
4 Nights 5-Star Hotel + Suite Tickets | $15,000-$20,000 per person |
These all-inclusive packages simplify logistics but come at a premium price. The packages aimed at luxury travelers range from $15,000-$20,000 per person.
Booking Early
Like most live entertainment events, timing matters when buying AMAs tickets. Here are some tips for getting the best deals:
- Buy during presales – Get early access to tickets before the general public by using special presale codes.
- Buy on sale date – Be ready online right when tickets initially go on sale to the public to have first pick of seats.
- Avoid last minute – Prices tend to increase closer to the event as availability decreases.
Booking flights and hotels well in advance can also help minimize costs. Generally, earlier booking provides more options and better pricing.
Inside Connections
Having connections in the entertainment industry or at major brands that buy event packages can sometimes yield freebies or major discounts. This is arguably the best way to attend the AMAs without emptying your bank account. But this option is only feasible for select groups like:
- Music industry insiders
- Celebrities
- Influencers
- Media partners
- Corporate partners
Of course, everyday fans are unlikely to have these coveted industry hookups. For most folks, the main options are buying tickets at face value, marked up resale prices, or comprehensive travel packages.
Conclusion
Attending the American Music Awards can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for upper level seats to $10,000+ for VIP floor access and amenities. Factors like ticket type, seat location, travel costs and timing of purchase all impact the overall price.
Some strategies like buying early, traveling budget-friendly, and keeping an eye out for deals can help reduce costs. But there is no getting around the fact that the AMAs are a high-demand luxury entertainment event. For fans intent on seeing music’s biggest stars live, the financial sacrifice may be worth the unforgettable experience.