Ticketmaster is the largest ticket sales and distribution company in the world. They sell tickets for concert, sports, theater, and other live entertainment events. When you want to purchase tickets for an event, Ticketmaster provides several options to view and compare ticket prices.
Finding Ticketmaster prices can be confusing due to the different types of tickets available. Prices can vary greatly depending on the seat location, whether it’s general admission or reserved seating, add-on fees, and more. Doing research ahead of time is key to getting the best deal on event tickets.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to find and understand Ticketmaster prices for any event you are looking to attend.
Check the Event Page for Pricing Details
The first place to start when looking up Ticketmaster prices is the specific event page for the concert, game, or show you want to attend. Here is how to find it:
- Go to Ticketmaster.com and use the search bar to search for the event.
- Select the correct event from the list of search results.
- Review the event page details including venue, date, etc. to ensure it is the correct event.
The event page will contain important pricing information including:
- Price range – Gives you the lowest and highest ticket prices available.
- Median price – The midpoint ticket price if all prices were lined up from low to high.
- Average price – The arithmetic mean price.
- Number of tickets available in each price range.
- Detailed seating chart showing ticket prices for each section.
Study this pricing overview carefully to get an idea of the full ticket price range and the amount of tickets available in your desired price point.
The event page also lets you view a detailed seating chart of the venue. This shows you exactly which seats are assigned to each ticket price. You can compare location and price to find seats that meet your budget and preferences.
Check for Ticket Type Options
Ticketmaster offers several different ticket types beyond basic general admission and reserved seating. The options available depend on the event promoter and venue. Common Ticketmaster ticket types include:
Ticket Type | Description |
General Admission | Standing room only, first come first served. |
Reserved Seating | Assigned seat in a specific section and row. |
VIP/Premium Seats | Prime seating locations near stage or field. Higher priced with added benefits. |
Suite/Box Seats | Private enclosed luxury seating areas for groups. |
Platinum Tickets | Dynamic demand-based pricing, prices fluctuate with market demand. |
Season Tickets | Tickets for a series of events, usually at a discount. |
The pricing for these ticket types varies significantly. Make sure to check for all available ticket options to find your best fit.
For example, you may find cheaper nosebleed seats, but floor seats in the back corners by the stage are only $20 more. Or platinum seats with market-based pricing are out of your budget, but there are affordable premium seats still available.
Understand All Fees
The initial ticket price is not the final amount you will pay. Ticketmaster adds on various fees to each order. Make sure you are aware of all charges so there are no surprises at checkout:
- Service fee – This fee goes to Ticketmaster for using their platform. Typically $10-$25 per ticket.
- Facility charge/venue fee – This extra fee goes to the venue hosting the event, not Ticketmaster.
- Order processing fee – Smaller per order fee for processing transactions.
- Delivery fee – If having tickets shipped, a delivery or will call pickup fee applies.
- Taxes – Local taxes like sales tax, amusement tax, etc. will be added to your order.
These fees can add a significant amount to your total event cost. Shipping and taxes vary, but expect at least $20 in fees per ticket on top of the base price.
Some events have all-inclusive ticketing where the fees are already built into the initial ticket price. This simplifies finding the total cost.
Ticketmaster provides an order total summary during checkout so you can see the full pricing breakdown before completing your purchase.
Check Resale Sites
In some cases, you may find cheaper ticket prices through Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace. Here’s how it works:
- Season ticket holders and other fans resell extra tickets through Ticketmaster at set prices.
- Prices are often below face value for less popular events or last minute deals.
- Tickets are guaranteed valid like from the box office, unlike scalper sites.
- Tickets are delivered instantly via your Ticketmaster account.
You can access the safe resale marketplace on any Ticketmaster event page under “Tickets”. Compare resale listings to box office prices for potential savings.
Popular high demand events likely won’t have heavily discounted resale tickets. But it’s worth checking concert dates towards the end of a tour or weekday games for slower-selling sports teams.
Use Presales and Promo Codes
Ticketmaster presales and promo codes provide exclusive early access to tickets before the general on-sale. This gives you first pick of seats before they sell out:
- Presales – Special presale events prior to public on-sale give early ticket access to groups like fan club members, credit card holders, Spotify subscribers, and more. You must register ahead of time with the specific group to get a presale code.
- Promo codes – Ticketmaster issues special discount codes for newsletter subscribers, social media followers, and other marketing promotions. Check Ticketmaster emails and relevant social accounts.
During the presale or promo code purchase period, you’ll have less competition for tickets. This results in better seat options at lower prices. Set a calendar reminder for any presales and scout for promo codes to score the best deal.
Be Flexible on Date and Venue
The most in-demand shows at major venues will have the highest Ticketmaster prices and sell out fast. But you may find better ticket availability and pricing if you:
- Pick a weekday show instead of a weekend.
- Choose a show later in a tour instead of right at the beginning.
- Go to a smaller more intimate venue rather than a huge stadium.
- See the event in a different city that has lower demand.
Comparing prices across show dates and locations can reveal big differences. If your schedule is flexible, snatch up cheaper tickets for lower key event dates. Just make sure to weigh added travel costs if you choose an out-of-town venue.
Wait for the General Public On-Sale
As soon as an event goes on sale to the general public, prices typically jump higher due to increased competition for tickets. Try this strategy to get lower prices:
- Identify the on-sale date and time.
- Join the online waiting room 30-60 min before the on-sale begins.
- Have billing info saved to your Ticketmaster account for fastest checkout.
- Be flexible on seat location – grab something affordable quick.
Popular shows will sell out in seconds, so speed is key. But joining right as the general on-sale starts can beat presale demand. Stick to a flexible budget to grab any seats before the inevitable price hikes.
Use the Ticketmaster App
The Ticketmaster app provides the best user experience for finding and purchasing tickets. Key app features for saving money include:
- Notifications – Get alerts when preferred events get listed or go on sale.
- Waitlist – Sign up for sold out events to get notified if tickets become available later.
- Maps – View interactive seat maps to find cheap seats easily.
- Scanner – Store tickets in the app to enter events using your phone.
You also earn bonus Ticketmaster reward points for using the app which can unlock special offers. Download and install the app to have full ticket purchasing power right on your smartphone.
Join Ticketmaster Verified Fan
For super hot events, Ticketmaster uses a Verified Fan system for ticket sales. Fans register ahead of time for a chance to get a code for buying tickets. This aims to get more tickets directly to real fans and cut down scalpers.
As a Verified Fan, you’ll still pay face value for tickets. But it gives you access to in-demand events without competing with scalper bots scooping up all the seats.
Increase your chances of getting a Verified Fan code by:
- Registering early – As soon as an event is announced, sign up for the Verified Fan presale.
- Ensuring full registration – Provide all requested info accurately. Verify your email and phone number.
- Linking accounts – Connect your Ticketmaster account to Facebook, Spotify, etc
- Engaging as a fan – Follow event social accounts, listen to artist playlists, etc.
Score your Verified Fan code, then log in right at the presale time for the best shot at purchasing competitive tickets directly.
Leverage Group Discounts
Ticketmaster offers special group discounts in certain cases:
- Groups of 8+ may qualify for savings up to 20% on sports or theater tickets.
- Groups of 10+ on concert tickets get access to bulk ticket blocks before public on-sale.
- Season ticket holders, fan clubs, corporate partners etc. may have group discount codes.
Gathering a group together, either friends & family or coworkers, maximizes perks on bulk Ticketmaster purchases. Plus you get to enjoy the event together!
Check with the event promoter or venue ahead of time to learn about any applicable group discounts or benefits for bundling 10+ tickets.
Become a Season Ticket Holder
For recurring annual events like a sports team’s home season or concert subscription package, look into season tickets.
Benefits of being a season ticket holder include:
- Lowest possible prices when bundled as season tickets.
- First access to purchase playoff or bonus event tickets.
- Ticket exchange program to swap dates if needed.
- VIP parking, merchandise discounts, fan experiences.
You pay one lump cost upfront for tickets to the entire season or concert series instead of individual events. This bundled bulk discount saves 10-20% off normal single game/show prices.
Split season tickets with friends or colleagues to share games/dates and enjoy the savings perks.
Conclusion
Finding the best Ticketmaster prices takes a bit of work, but the savings are worth it. Start on the event page to gauge the full price range. Check all available ticket types for cheaper options in less popular areas of the venue. Account for fees so your final total doesn’t balloon at checkout.
Take advantage of presales, promo codes, and fan programs for early ticket access at lower costs. Be flexible on dates or locations if possible. Use the Ticketmaster app for a seamless mobile experience.
Stay savvy when shopping Ticketmaster by following these tips. You’ll gain the knowledge needed to score affordable seats at face value prices. Soon you’ll be enjoying all your favorite live entertainment events on a budget.