Getting tickets to see Drake perform live can be a tricky endeavor, especially if you want to avoid all of the extra fees that come with purchasing tickets through official ticket sellers. Thankfully, with some persistence and ingenuity, scoring fee-free Drake tickets is possible.
Understand the Different Kinds of Fees
Before diving into strategies for avoiding fees, it’s helpful to understand the different kinds of charges that are commonly associated with buying tickets:
- Service fees – These fees go to the ticket seller for providing their platform and services.
- Facility fees – Charges added by the venue hosting the event.
- Order processing fees – Costs for processing the ticket order.
- Delivery fees – Charges for shipping hard copy tickets.
- Taxes and surcharges – Additional taxes and fees mandated by local governments.
These extra costs can quickly add a hefty percentage onto the base price of the ticket. Service and facility fees alone typically add 25-30% to the overall price you pay. By using fee-free purchasing options, all of these charges can be avoided.
Purchase Directly from the Venue Box Office
One of the best ways to dodge fees is to purchase tickets directly through the box office of the venue where Drake will be performing. Venues typically don’t tack on all of the extra service, processing, and delivery fees you’ll find when buying through a third-party seller.
Of course, you’ll need to research which venue Drake is playing at in your city and learn the box office policies. Some key tips for scoring fee-free tickets directly through the venue:
- Call or visit the box office to ask about buying tickets with no fees. Many venues will waive extra charges if you physically show up.
- Ask if the box office offers fan club presales or other special promotions that come with discounted or fee-free ticket options.
- Buy tickets well in advance of the concert date, as the box office will have the largest supply of seats available.
- Arrive early on the day tickets go on sale to beat out other fans vying for the best seats.
Use Presale Codes
Take advantage of special presale offers and codes to get early access to tickets – and early enough that plentiful seats are available with little or no fees.
There are a few ways to get presale passwords and codes:
- Join Drake’s official fan club. Fan club members often get first dibs on seats for upcoming tours.
- Follow Drake’s social media accounts. Presale codes are frequently announced on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram in the weeks leading up to a tour date.
- Sign up for Live Nation’s presale mailing list. Live Nation promotes many of Drake’s tours and will email presale code info to list members.
- Download the Ticketmaster app. App users get exclusive ticket presale alerts and options.
During the presale windows, fees tend to be lower or nonexistent. Buy early using the presale codes to score the best seats fee-free.
Use a Drake Fan Facebook Group
Diehard Drake fans often connect on Facebook groups to share tips about purchasing tour tickets. Join some of these groups and post about your interest in buying fee-free tickets to an upcoming show. Other members may have leads on presale codes or even be selling their own tickets without fees.
Some of the most active Drake fan groups on Facebook include:
- Drake Fan Club
- Boys of Drake
- Drake Fans United
- Drake On Tour Fan Community
Post in multiple groups to cast a wide net when sourcing fee-free ticket opportunities.
Go Through a Ticket Reseller
Using a ticket reselling platform like StubHub or Vivid Seats is one of the most reliable ways to purchase Drake tickets with no fees.
Ticket resellers purchase seats to in-demand concerts in bulk and then relist them for sale on their platforms. The great thing is there are no extra service or shipping fees tacked on. The price you see is the final amount you’ll pay.
Here are some tips for finding fee-free Drake tickets on resale sites:
- Sort listings by “Price + Fees” to easily see your final cost upfront.
- Set up price alerts to be notified when seats become available in your target price range.
- Check back often leading up to the event as prices tend to drop closer to the date.
- Join these platforms’ rewards programs for special discounts on tickets.
Wait Until the Last Minute
If you don’t mind the risk, huge savings can be found by waiting until the very last minute to buy tickets. As the event date nears, venues and resellers become eager to unload extra seats.
Try purchasing tickets the week of the show or even the day of to find some of the best deals. Fees are also typically dropped as sellers remove any barriers to getting tickets sold in time.
Of course, this strategy means you risk missing out if another fan scoops up seats first. But for patient flexible buyers, it can mean major savings.
Head to the Concert and Get Lucky
Finally, truly devoted fans can always take their chances by showing up on the day of the concert and scoping out same-day ticket deals.
Venues will often release extra production holds and other last-minute seats for much lower prices (or even no fees) at the box office shortly before showtime.
Third-party scalpers may also be trying to unload inventory outside the venue leading up to start time. Haggle for the best on-the-spot price.
This tactic requires coordination with the venue’s ticketing policies and a lot of luck. But for some bargain hunters, the extra effort could result in the cheapest (or free) last-minute seats possible.
Conclusion
Scoring fee-free Drake tickets comes down to preparation, timing, and flexibility. Take advantage of presales, fan clubs, and resellers to unlock savings. Or embrace the last-minute thrill of scoring tickets day-of. Either way, with creativity and persistence, you can find ways to avoid fees and enjoy Drake live without breaking the bank.