Getting tickets to see your favorite band or artist perform live can be a frustrating experience. Ticket prices seem to get higher every year, and tickets often sell out in minutes online. Many fans are left ticketless or forced to pay exorbitant prices on resale sites. However, with some planning and insider tricks, you can beat the system and get the tickets you want without breaking the bank.
When do tickets go on sale?
The first key is knowing when tickets go on sale. Specific on-sale dates and times are usually announced ahead of time on the artist’s website and social media pages. Sign up for email/text alerts from the artist, venue, and ticket seller to stay on top of this info. On-sale times are typically at 10am local venue time, but can vary.
Mark your calendar and set a reminder as soon as you know the exact on-sale date and time. Be ready and logged in to buy at that precise moment. Waiting even five minutes could mean missing out.
Which ticket outlets should you use?
Popular ticket outlets like Ticketmaster and AXS are convenient but can have high traffic volume when in-demand tickets go on sale. This can lead to long queues, website crashes, and tickets selling out before you complete your purchase.
Check whether the artist/venue has its own ticketing site or box office. Sometimes getting tickets directly from the source can offer better availability. Local independent ticket shops in the city where the show is held are also worth checking.
Don’t rule out calling the box office either. If you don’t mind phone holds, speaking to a real person can get you tickets even when sites are slammed.
Have accounts set up and payment ready
Make sure to have accounts already set up on any ticket outlets you plan to use. Entering your personal info and credit card details when under time pressure could lead to costly mistakes.
Many sites also allow you to store a credit card for fast checkout. Make sure this card is up to date and has sufficient funds.
Some ticket sites like Ticketmaster utilize Verified Fan sales for high demand shows. Fans register ahead of time for a chance to get a unique code granting them access to the ticket on-sale a few days before the general public. This helps filter out scalpers and bots.
Be strategic about sections/seats
The best seats obviously go fastest, but lesser sections can still sell out quickly too. Have a game plan on which seats you’ll target.
Are being close to the stage and seeing the artist up-close worth paying a premium? Or would you be fine sitting further back for a cheaper price? Checking the seating chart and prices ahead of time helps your decision making when under pressure.
Consider solo seats too. Single seats scattered throughout the venue are harder for resellers to snag in bulk.
Have a back-up payment method
Debit/credit card declines or issues can torpedo your purchase at the last second. Have a secondary form of payment ready like another credit card or PayPal account in case your primary method fails for some reason.
Use multiple devices
Don’t rely on just one device to get tickets. Use multiple laptops, phones, etc and have friends/family try too. Whoever gets through the queue first can purchase and the rest can ditch out.
Make sure to be on a stable high-speed internet connection as mobile data can be flimsy when sites get hammered.
Keep trying if you don’t succeed initially
Don’t lose hope if you struggle getting tickets on the initial on-sale. Re-releases, production holds, and fan ticket exchanges can free up seats later.
Set social media alerts for the artist/venue handle to stay updated on any ticket announcements. Persistence and quick action on these late releases can pay off.
Is it worth using a ticket reseller/broker?
If you still can’t get tickets, using a ticket broker or reseller (StubHub, Vivid Seats, etc) is an option, but comes with risks.
Reseller tickets can cost 2-5x face value or more. There’s also a chance tickets could be invalid or get cancelled if suspected of being purchased via bots or other prohibited means.
If going the resale route, vet the seller carefully. See how long they’ve been on the platform. Read reviews of previous buyers. Only buy from reputable sellers with a money-back guarantee in case issues come up.
Beware of scams
With any high demand event, scammers crawl out of the woodwork. Be extra cautious of the following:
- Fake ticket seller websites – Check URL is legitimate and secure
- “Cheap tickets” on Craigslist, Facebook, etc – Only buy from trusted platforms
- Requests to pay by wire transfer, gift card, Venmo/CashApp – Use credit cards only for buyer protection
- Listings using fake venue addresses – Verify correct address on venue site
Join fan clubs and presales
Many artists have official fan clubs that grant access to presales before the general public on-sale. Joining these groups (often free or low cost) can give you early crack at tickets.
Check fan club and artist social channels on how to sign up and get presale passwords. Presales typically happen a few days before the main on-sale.
Credit cards like American Express also sponsor presales for popular events. Having an eligible card could provide presale code access.
Consider VIP packages
Pricier VIP tickets come with extra perks like premium seating, exclusive merchandise, backstage tours, pre-show events with the band, etc. They’re expensive but usually easier to get since they don’t sell out as quickly.
Plan ahead for the big shows
For the most in-demand artists like Beyonce or Taylor Swift, planning ahead and taking extra measures is key:
- Get refundable flights/hotels in the event city in case you score tickets
- Take the day off work when tickets go on sale
- Set up accounts/payment ahead on multiple sales channels
- Follow fan forums and social media for latest insider info
- Enlist friends and family to help try for tickets too
Securing tickets to major events takes effort. But being strategic with when, where and how you buy gives you the best shot at getting seats at face value. With preparation and persistence, you’ll get into that must-see concert and have an amazing live music experience.
Conclusion
Scoring tickets to hot concerts is never easy or guaranteed. But going in with the right knowledge on when tickets go on sale, having accounts/payment ready on primary and alternate ticket sites, trying on multiple devices at once, and persisting through any initial failures can greatly improve your chances. Staying away from shady resellers and scam listings is also key. While nothing is foolproof given extreme demand, using insider strategies makes getting the tickets you want possible without being ripped off.