Getting tickets to see your favorite band or artist perform live can be a challenge, especially if they have an exclusive fan club that gets first access to tickets. Fan club presales allow members early ticket access before the general public, giving them the best chance at scoring seats. Here’s a quick guide on how to get into a music fan club and score those coveted tickets.
Join the fan club
The first step is to join the artist’s official fan club, which usually requires an annual membership fee. Fan club memberships can range from $20-100 per year. Make sure to join well in advance of when you want to purchase tickets, since most fan clubs require you to be an active member for at least 1-2 weeks before granting ticket access.
Many artists use platforms like Artist Arena or Fan Club Hub to manage their fan communities. You’ll need to create an account and request to join the fan club. Approval can take a few days.
Other artists have their own independent fan club programs, which require registering through their official website. Do some research to find out if your artist has their own fan club or uses a third-party platform.
Get verified
Once your fan club membership is approved, you’ll need to get your account verified to gain access to presales. This usually involves providing your name, email, and mailing address.
Fan clubs will send you a verification email or physical mail to confirm your identity and location. Click verification links promptly and be on the lookout for any packages from the fan club.
You may need to wait 1-2 weeks after verification to get presale codes. Verification ensures only true fans get early ticket access, not scalpers or bots.
Watch for presale announcements
Fan clubs will alert members about upcoming presales via email and social media. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss any presale announcements.
Presales are typically announced 1-4 weeks before the public on-sale date. They don’t last long, usually 24-48 hours at most. You’ll need to act fast once a presale begins.
The announcement will have details on the presale dates, times, ticket limits and instructions for accessing the presale. Carefully review this information so you’re prepared.
Get a unique presale code
To purchase tickets during the presale window, you’ll need a special code or link provided by the fan club. This grants you exclusive access.
Codes are typically emailed to fan club members 24-48 hours before the presale. Some fan clubs require you to register for each presale you want to participate in.
Don’t share your code – using someone else’s code could get your tickets cancelled. One code will allow you to purchase the ticket limit, usually 2-4 tickets.
Be ready at presale start time
Mark your calendar for the presale date and time. You’ll need to log into the ticket retailer’s website and look for the presale page. Ticketmaster, AXS and See Tickets are common vendors.
Make sure you’re signed into the ticket site ahead of time. When the presale starts, refresh the page and click the presale link or enter your code. Have your credit card ready – tickets go extremely fast, so you need to purchase immediately once in.
If you don’t score tickets, don’t give up. Many fan clubs will offer multiple presales with different allotments of seats made available.
Tips for Fan Club Presales
Here are some additional tips to boost your chances of scoring fan club presale tickets:
Get online early
Don’t wait until the exact presale start time to log in. Queue up 15-20 minutes early on the ticket site so you’ll be at the front of the line. Sites often have waiting rooms that grant access in the order people get online.
Try for less popular shows
The fan club presale gives you first dibs on all shows in the tour. If trying for a major city or weekend show, competition will be intense. Expand your search to include smaller markets on weekdays to increase your odds.
Have backup payment methods
If your initial credit card gets declined, you could miss out while scrambling for another payment option. Have multiple credit cards or a PayPal account ready.
Use all sale windows
Don’t stop at the fan presale. Also try to score tickets during artist presales, credit card presales, Spotify presales or general sales. More tickets are released during each window.
Try the waiting room
If a show sells out quickly, stick around in the waiting room on the ticket site. Extra tickets can be released if holders don’t complete their purchases within the time limit.
Check for ticket drops
Admission platforms like Ticketmaster release more premium tickets in the weeks leading up to shows. Prices are higher but it’s one last chance for access.
Joining Multiple Fan Clubs
If you want presale access to multiple artists, here are some tips:
Coordinate membership cycles
Sign up for fan clubs at different times of the year so renewals are staggered. For example, join one fan club in January and another in July. This spreads the membership costs over 12 months.
Take advantage of discounts
Some fan club platforms offer deals like 20% off your second membership. Bundling a couple fan clubs can lead to small savings.
Consider a meta fan club
Services like Backstage offer a single membership granting you access to presales for hundreds of artists. It’s pricier but more convenient if you attend shows year-round.
Team up with friends
Go halfsies with a concert buddy by sharing logins for different fan clubs. You each get access while splitting the total costs.
Only join your top artists
To save money, be selective and only join fan clubs for your “must-see” artists. Catch other bands during general on-sales.
Maximizing Your Membership
Don’t limit fan club membership to just presale ticket access. Here are some other perks to take advantage of:
Exclusive merchandise
Fan clubs often have special merch, like limited-edition T-shirts, hoodies, or lithographs. Items sell out quickly, so log in right when new drops are announced.
Pre-order albums and VIP packages
Get first dibs on pre-ordering upcoming albums through a fan club. Some also provide early access to buy enhanced experiences like soundchecks.
Special events and promotions
Fan clubs provide chances to win everything from backstage passes to free tickets. Maintaining an active membership increases your odds of scoring prizes.
Fan community forums
Connect with fellow fans through forum discussions covering tour news, meetups, rare merch finds and more. It’s a great way to make concert buddies.
Early venue entry
Some fan clubs allow early building access before shows. You can score a front row spot or merch booth without the lines.
Is a Fan Club Membership Worth it?
Fan club memberships are worthwhile investments for serious live music fans who attend multiple shows per year. The presale ticket access alone can save you time and money compared to buying during general on-sales.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs and benefits:
Costs
- Annual membership fee, typically $20 – $100 per fan club
- Must renew each year to maintain presale access
- No guarantee you’ll get tickets; fast sellouts still happen
Benefits
- Presale ticket window before the general public
- Chance to buy better seat locations
- Less competition from scalpers and bots
- Access to limited fan club merch and content
- Opportunities for exclusive experiences and prizes
- Joining a community of fellow fans
For concertgoers who want prime seats, early ticket access is extremely valuable. Fan club communities also provide a way for super fans to connect.
While not always a requirement, memberships offer real perks that can enhance the concert experience. For devoted fans attending multiple shows per year, the membership easily pays for itself in ticket savings and other benefits.
Conclusion
Joining your favorite artist’s fan club requires an annual financial commitment but provides significant advantages when it comes to buying tickets. Fan club presales give you the inside track before the general public. Follow the steps to join a fan club, get verified, and be ready to purchase during presales.
With some advance planning and smart presale strategies, fan club membership can help you secure seats to see your must-see acts live. Don’t miss out on the perks and join the passionate fan community supporting your favorite artist.