Buying concert, sports, and theater tickets can be a frustrating experience, especially if you just need a single seat. Ticketmaster is the largest primary ticket outlet in the US, so chances are the event you want to attend is being sold through their platform. The problem is that Ticketmaster doesn’t make it easy to buy single seats. Their interface is designed around buying pairs and groups of tickets. However, it is possible to purchase a solo seat if you know a few tricks. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to buy a single ticket on Ticketmaster.
Should You Buy a Single Ticket?
Before jumping into the process, you should know the pros and cons of buying a single seat so you can decide if it’s the right choice:
Pros:
- You can attend events solo without having to coordinate with a group
- Often cheaper than buying multiple tickets
- Allows you to sit wherever you want rather than being tied to a group’s preferences
Cons:
- You may end up with a less desirable seat location since single seats are limited
- You won’t have anyone sitting with you during the event
- May be more challenging to resell just one ticket if your plans change
If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for you, then buying a single ticket on Ticketmaster is a viable option. The key is making sure you thoroughly understand the process and set reasonable expectations.
When Do Single Seats Become Available?
Single seat inventory is extremely limited for most major events, so timing is critical. Here’s when you can expect to see single seats on Ticketmaster:
- During the initial on-sale: There will be a very small number of singles released during the first on-sale. These will sell out in seconds, so you have to be extremely quick.
- After the initial sell-out: More scattered single seats will become available over time as orders get canceled or groups split up. Check back frequently.
- Right before the event: Last minute cancellations will free up single seats. Check the day of the event or even hours before it starts.
- After the event starts: If the venue doesn’t sell out, singles left unsold will pop up once the event is underway.
Repeatedly check Ticketmaster leading up to and during the event you want to attend. Have your payment info saved and be ready to move fast when you see a single ticket available.
Where to Look for Single Seats
Now let’s get into the specifics of how to filter Ticketmaster’s seat maps to isolate single seats. Here are the main options:
Search Using the “Quantity” Filter
When viewing a venue’s seating chart, check the filters on the left side. Open the “Quantity” dropdown and select “1 ticket”. This will highlight any scattered singles:
- Pros: Simple way to see all singles at once.
- Cons: Doesn’t work if no singles are currently available.
Manually Scan the Seating Chart
Carefully examine each section, row, and seat on the chart to look for gaps indicating a single unsold seat:
- Pros: Allows you to find singles even when the quantity filter shows none.
- Cons: Extremely tedious and time consuming to scan large venues.
Use the “Best Available” Tool
Click “Best Available” and enter 1 ticket. It will pull up the next available single seat:
- Pros: Conveniently retrieves singles without hunting for them.
- Cons: Only shows one option at a time.
Combine all three tactics to cover your bases and maximize your odds of finding an available single ticket.
Grab Single Seats as Soon as You Find Them
One challenge with buying a single ticket on Ticketmaster is that inventory comes and goes quickly. As soon as you spot an available solo seat, you need to act fast to claim it:
- Don’t delay or browse other sections first. Purchase the ticket immediately.
- Enter your payment details rapidly. Have them saved in advance to make checkout faster.
- Don’t worry about getting the “best” single seat. Take what you can get and get it quickly.
Hesitating for even a few seconds could result in someone else swooping in and taking the seat. Move fast, and accept that you likely won’t end up with the perfect single seat – just be thankful you secured one at all.
Techniques to Try During High Demand
For extremely popular events, even a few seconds of delay can mean missing out on single seats. Here are some pro tips to help you compete with other fans vying for singles:
- Use multiple devices: Stay signed into your Ticketmaster account on two devices. Refresh seat maps on both to double your chances of seeing singles right when they pop up.
- Don’t give up: Keep refreshing and re-checking for new singles periodically. Just because you don’t see any now doesn’t mean some won’t free up later.
- Clear your schedule: Don’t plan anything else the day tickets go on sale. Be ready to stay glued to your computer all day hunting singles.
- Team up with friends: Have friends also search for singles to buy. Whoever finds seats first can purchase and then sell extras to the group.
Landing that coveted single ticket may take persistence and luck. But utilizing these intense tactics could help secure you a seat to otherwise sold out events.
Alternatives to Buying Directly from Ticketmaster
Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to acquire a single seat through Ticketmaster as inventory is extremely limited. Here are some alternative options to consider:
Look on Resale Sites
Scalpers and third party resellers will scoop up singles during on-sales then repost them on sites like StubHub and VividSeats at inflated prices. The convenience may be worth it if Ticketmaster has no singles left.
Attend Without a Ticket
For less popular events that don’t sell out, you can show up and buy a single ticket at the venue’s box office right before it starts. Lines should be shorter than online queues.
Find Someone to Go With
Consider rounding up a friend or making a new one online to attend with instead. Buying two seats together on Ticketmaster will be much easier than getting just one.
Wait Until the Last Minute
Instead of buying ahead, take your chances and wait until right before or day of the event. Last minute singles often pop up as people cancel.
Getting a single ticket directly from Ticketmaster can be frustrating. But it is possible with preparation, persistence, and flexibility. Follow these tips to beat the odds and secure a solo seat to sold out events.
Conclusion
Buying a single ticket on Ticketmaster requires strategy and diligence but it can be done. The key is understanding when and where singles are likely to become available, then being ready to purchase immediately when you find one. Utilize quantity filters, meticulous scanning, and the Best Available tool to uncover scattered single seats. Act fast as soon as you spot an option to avoid losing it to another fan. Consider resorting to resellers, box offices, making a new friend, or waiting until the last minute if Ticketmaster has no singles left. With preparation and persistence, you can beat the odds and successfully buy a solo ticket on Ticketmaster.