ACL Live is the taping for the popular music television show Austin City Limits. Getting tickets to see a taping at ACL Live can be tricky since there is limited seating and high demand. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to get tickets to see an ACL Live taping in Austin, Texas. We’ll cover when tickets go on sale, tips for securing tickets, how much they cost, the taping experience, and more. Whether you’re a local Austinite or coming in from out of town, use this guide to help get tickets to a taping of your favorite musician at the iconic ACL Live venue.
When Do ACL Live Taping Tickets Go On Sale?
ACL Live taping tickets typically go on sale 6-8 weeks before the scheduled taping date. The exact on-sale date and time will be announced on the official ACL TV website and social media pages. Sign up for email updates from ACL TV to get notifications on when tickets will be released. The sooner you can get online when tickets go on sale, the better chance you’ll have at securing some.
Once announced, the on-sale date will be on a Tuesday morning at 10AM central time for most shows. Have all your information ready and be ready to jump online right at 10AM to buy before tickets sell out! Shows with exceptionally popular musicians may even sell out within minutes.
Tips for Getting ACL Live Taping Tickets
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for scoring tickets when they go on sale:
- Sign up for ACL TV email updates – They’ll notify you when tickets go on sale
- Follow ACL on social media – They’ll post updates leading up to the on-sale date/time
- Mark your calendar – Note the exact date and time tickets go on sale as soon as it’s announced
- Use the desktop site – Purchase tickets on a laptop or computer, not mobile. The desktop site works better.
- Have accounts ready – Create accounts ahead of time for ACL Ticketing and Ticketmaster.
- Be ready right at 10AM – Log in 10 minutes early and refresh at 10AM sharp.
- Act fast – Have your information pre-filled and purchase as quickly as possible.
- Try for 2 tickets first – Start with just 2 tickets in your cart, then go back for more if you can.
- Keep trying if tickets sell out – Don’t give up right away! Tickets may be released as holds expire.
Following these tips will maximize your chances at getting those coveted ACL Live taping tickets when they go on sale. Keep persistence and don’t get discouraged if you don’t score tickets the first time. There are always more opportunities with other tapings.
How Much Do ACL Live Taping Tickets Cost?
ACL Live taping tickets are free! That’s right, the tapings are free to attend. The only catch is that you have to secure tickets, which can be difficult given the limited space.
While the tickets are free, if you want to maximize your chances you may want to consider joining the ACL membership program. By donating to ACL at certain levels, you can get early ticket access before the general public.
Here are the different membership levels and benefits:
Membership Level | Ticketing Benefit |
---|---|
Supporter – $75/year | Early notification for tapings |
Contributor – $125/year | Access to exclusive pre-sales |
Sustainer – $200/year | Early access ticket reservations |
Keep in mind the free ticket policy is subject to change at anytime. But for now, enjoy free tickets by securing them promptly when released!
The ACL Live Taping Experience
The tapings at ACL Live provide an incredibly intimate concert experience with stellar artists in an authentic venue. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at an ACL Live taping:
- Line up early – Be prepared to wait in line outside ACL Live for hours leading up to showtime, especially for popular artists. You want a good seat!
- Doors open 90 minutes early – This when you can start entering the venue and claiming your seats.
- Seats are first come, first served – Find your seats quickly, but seating is open. Front rows fill up fastest!
- Alcohol served – Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase at most shows.
- Phones/cameras – You can take photos and videos during rehearsal but not once taping starts.
- Multiple takes – Artists will perform songs multiple times for editing purposes.
- Be enthusiastic! – Give energetic applause and have fun. The more excited the crowd, the better the final TV episode.
The ACL Live tapings give you a front row view of how the iconic TV show comes together. It’s an amazing experience for music fans!
How to Get to ACL Live
ACL Live is located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas:
ACL Live at the Moody Theater
310 W Willie Nelson Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
Here are some options for getting to ACL Live on taping days:
- Parking Garage – Connected to ACL Live, but arrive early to get a space.
- MetroRail – Take the train to the Civic Center stop, 1 block away.
- Rideshare – Drop-off and pick-up right at the venue entrance.
- Bus – Multiple bus routes stop near the venue.
- Bike – Bike racks available outside the venue.
Give yourself plenty of time when traveling to ACL Live, especially if parking. And consider public transportation or rideshares to avoid traffic delays!
Things Nearby ACL Live
Since people line up so early for tapings, here are some great spots nearby ACL Live to grab food, drinks, or coffee while you wait:
- Jo’s Coffee – Iconic Austin coffee shop, 2 blocks away
- Unbarlievable – Fun bar with bowling and games, 1 block away
- La Condesa – Trendy Mexican restaurant, 4 blocks away
- The Eleanor – Upscale restaurant and cocktail bar next door
- Second Bar + Kitchen – Creative American eats and drinks, 1 block away
There are also some amazing restaurants, bars, and shops throughout the downtown Austin area near ACL Live. It’s a great spot to explore before the taping!
Who Has Played ACL Live?
ACL Live attracts major national touring acts and local Austin-based artists across many genres. Here are just some examples of artists who have taken the ACL Live stage for incredible tapings:
- Paul McCartney
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Ed Sheeran
- Keith Urban
- Herbie Hancock
- Norah Jones
- Sarah McLachlan
- Juanes
- AVett Brothers
- Alabama Shakes
- Iggy Pop
- The Eagles
- Wu-Tang Clan
- Run the Jewels
That’s just a small sample of some of the iconic musicians from every genre who have graced the legendary ACL stage. You never know who you might see taping an ACL episode if you get tickets!
Conclusion
Scoring tickets to an ACL Live taping is a coveted opportunity for music lovers visiting Austin. Following the tips in this guide will help maximize your chances of getting free tickets when they go on sale. Being persistent and prepared to jump online right as tickets are released will help overcome the high demand. The memorable concert experience at the intimate ACL Live venue makes it all worthwhile. From McCartney to Wu-Tang, ACL Live gives you a front row seat to see incredible musicians up close in an iconic setting. Use this guide to have the best chance at getting tickets to this one-of-a-kind Austin music experience!