Getting tickets to popular concerts, shows, and sporting events can be extremely difficult when they sell out quickly. However, with some persistence and clever strategies, it’s often still possible to score hard-to-get tickets even when the event is listed as “sold out.” Here are some tips and tricks for getting your hands on sold out tickets.
Be ready right when tickets go on sale
This is the most basic but essential advice for buying coveted tickets. Mark your calendar and set reminders so you’re ready to log on right as sales begin. Oftentimes, the most eager fans snap up the majority of tickets within minutes or even seconds of the sale starting. Sign up for pre-sales that are offered to members of fan clubs or credit card holders. Follow social media accounts of the artist/team/venue so you don’t miss any special pre-sale code announcements. If you want the very best seats, plan to buy as early as possible.
Use multiple devices
Don’t rely on just one browser or device when tickets are going on sale. Have backup options ready, like trying on your phone and computer at the same time. If one gets stuck or crashes, you have the other as a safety net. Also, some venues will limit how many tickets each buyer can purchase. So a strategy would be to have multiple friends or family members trying on their own devices at the same time.
Check the primary seller frequently
Keep checking back with the original source (like the venue’s website or Ticketmaster) leading up to the event, even if it currently says “sold out.” Often, small batches of tickets are held back and released periodically in the weeks or days before a show. Unsold premium tickets may also be offered to the general public at the last minute. There’s always a chance of a surprise restock.
Get on the waitlist
Many ticket sellers like Ticketmaster have an official waitlist you can join when an event is sold out. This essentially puts you in a virtual line. While waitlists don’t guarantee you’ll eventually get a ticket, you could get lucky. There’s no harm in getting your name on the list as a backup plan. Some events will also have rush lines on the day where extra tickets are released to people who show up early enough.
Check Reseller Sites
While buying tickets from unauthorized resellers has risks, it opens up more possibilities for finding tickets when box offices are fresh out. Here are some tips for safely navigating the resale market:
Research trusted sites
Reseller Site | Details |
---|---|
StubHub | One of the largest, most reputable secondary marketplaces. They guarantee all tickets and have customer service. |
Vivid Seats | Another big secondary site with a buyer guarantee on refunds if event is canceled or tickets invalid. |
SeatGeek | Search aggregator for tickets being resold on various provider sites. |
Craigslist | Classifieds site where individuals resell event tickets. Much riskier with scams and no guarantees. |
The most trustworthy reseller sites offer full refunds if tickets turn out to be fraudulent or invalid. They have secure checkout and encryption measures in place. Read reviews and check sites like the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
Compare prices across sites
Ticket resale prices can vary widely, so search multiple sites to get an idea of the current market value. StubHub and Vivid Seats are good places to start to gauge the going rates. Prices often drop as the event date approaches if sellers get desperate to unload inventory.
Look for e-ticket transfers
Some reseller sites like StubHub allow electronic ticket transfers to your account. This means the ticket barcode can be directly scanned from your phone, reducing the risk of fakes. Physical paper tickets that must be shipped have higher fraud potential. Read the fine print to understand how ticket delivery and transfers work.
Pay with a credit card
Never pay with risky methods like bank wires,Venmo, PayPal Friends and Family, or gift cards. Always use a credit card so you can dispute fraudulent charges if necessary. Debit cards don’t offer the same level of buyer protection.
Other Creative Methods
If you still strike out getting tickets from normal sales channels, all hope is not lost. You may need to get a little creative and persistent. Here are some other techniques people have successfully used:
Find someone selling an extra
Scan Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for people unloading an unused ticket, often at the last minute below face value. You can also make a “In search of…” wanted ad describing what tickets you need.
Look for ticket giveaways
Radio stations, sponsors, charities, and TV shows will sometimes do ticket giveaways and contests right up until the day of an event. Follow relevant social media accounts so you don’t miss any opportunities.
Ingress and egress
For outdoor concerts or festivals, some people without tickets hang around the entrance and exit areas hoping to get lucky. You may find someone leaving early that wants to unload their bracelet or wristband. But beware of scammers with fake passes.
Stand in the rush line
Some venues will set aside a small allotment of tickets to sell on the day of the event to people who show up early enough. Lines form many hours in advance and waitlist order is usually enforced. You’ll need to commit a lot of time, but the payoff of last minute tickets can happen.
Look for ticket drops
Artists and teams sometimes release extra last minute batches of tickets by dropping vouchers or codes on their social media pages right before shows. The key is following all their accounts and having your phone ready to redeem.
Avoid Getting Scammed
While scoring tickets from non-official sources can get you into sold out events, you also have to be careful of scams and counterfeits. Here are some warning signs:
Only pay in secure, reversible ways
Never agree to wire money, use Zelle, PayPal Friends and Family, Venmo, cash transfer apps or pay with gift cards. Only use credit cards so you can dispute fraud.
Check for ticket guarantees
Reputable resellers will back their tickets with a 100% refund guarantee or other buyer protection. Be wary if a seller refuses to offer concrete assurances.
Watch for prices that are unrealistic
Fraudsters will advertise tickets at absurdly low prices to attract victims. If a deal seems too good to be true, it always is. Stick to market value pricing.
Meet in person for exchanges
Don’t accept e-tickets unless buying from a verified vendor. For person-to-person sales, arrange to meet and exchange cash for tickets in person.
Verify before paying
Ask for the ticket barcode upfront so you can verify the tickets are legit and registered in your name before sending any money. Crosscheck the seat numbers at the venue chart.
Conclusion
Getting tickets to sold out concerts, games, and shows requires preparation, persistence, and creativity. By being ready when tickets initially go on sale, monitoring reseller platforms, and pouncing on last minute opportunities, you can greatly improve your chances of scoring seats. Just be vigilant of scams and counterfeits when buying from unauthorized resellers. With some luck and the right strategies, you can gain access to even the hottest sold out events.