The Academy of Country Music Awards is one of the biggest nights in country music. Held every spring, the ACM Awards honors the top achievements in country music from the previous year. Getting tickets to the star-studded event can be a challenge, but not impossible if you follow some key strategies.
When and Where Are the ACM Awards Held?
The Academy of Country Music Awards are held annually in April or May, usually taking place at a major arena or stadium in Las Vegas. In 2023, the ACM Awards will be held on May 11th at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas has been the home of the ACM Awards since 2003, providing an exciting backdrop for the ceremony. Previous venues in Vegas have included the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the T-Mobile Arena.
The ceremony is televised live on CBS, usually running for approximately 3 hours. It’s a star-studded event attended by the biggest names in country music.
When Do Tickets Go On Sale?
ACM Awards tickets usually go on sale to the general public 6-8 weeks prior to the ceremony. However, presales allow some fans to purchase tickets earlier.
There are typically two presales:
- ACM A-List Presale – This presale option is for members of the Academy of Country Music. Members have access to purchase tickets before the general public.
- Venue Presale – The ceremony host venue will often have a presale for customers on their email list. Sign up for Allegiant Stadium’s newsletter for a chance at early tickets.
The exact presale and on-sale dates vary each year. Check the official ACM Awards website and venue site for the latest ticket purchasing info.
Where Can You Buy ACM Awards Tickets?
There are a few options for getting ACM Awards tickets once the shows are open to the public:
- Online via Ticketmaster – The primary ticket retailer for the show is Ticketmaster. You can purchase tickets on their website once sales begin.
- Official ACM Site – The Academy of Country Music also sells ticket packages on their website. These include options like VIP packages.
- Venue box office – You may be able to purchase tickets directly through the host venue, Allegiant Stadium box office.
- Reseller sites – Secondary market ticket sites like Vivid Seats or StubHub may have passes available, likely at higher costs.
Purchasing from the primary ticket retailers right when sales open gives you the best chance at the lowest pricing and best seat options.
How Much Do ACM Awards Tickets Cost?
Ticket prices for the ACM Awards can vary depending on the venue capacity and seat location. Here are some average price ranges:
Seat Location | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Upper Level | $100 – $200 |
Lower Level | $200 – $400 |
Floor Seats | $400 – $600+ |
Front row or VIP ticket packages can cost into the thousands. Prices often go up the closer you get to the show. Buying during presales or right at the on-sale date typically provides the best pricing.
Tips for Getting ACM Awards Tickets
Because the ACM Awards is such a hot event, tickets sell out extremely quickly. Use these tips to help get yours:
- Join the ACM A-List – Becoming an Academy of Country Music member gives you access to the exclusive presale. Sign up by the presale date to get early ticket access.
- Try for the Venue Presale – Allegiant Stadium may offer special presale tickets for customers on their mailing list too.
- Be Ready Right at 10AM – Mark your calendar for the exact public on-sale date and time. Be on Ticketmaster right at 10:00 AM to grab tickets.
- Act Fast Once In – Have your information pre-loaded for checkout. Hurry through Ticketmaster’s process once in to secure seats.
- Try for Single Tickets – Buying solo tickets instead of groups of 3+ together can increase your chances.
- Check Reseller Sites – If regular tickets sell out, verified reseller marketplace sites may have inflated price options still available.
Set yourself email reminders for the crucial presale and on-sale times. Being prepared and vigilant when tickets go live helps you scoop them up fast.
Can You Get ACM Awards Tickets for Free?
There are a couple long shot ways you may be able to score free or heavily discounted ACM Awards tickets:
- Enter Radio Contests – Leading up to the show, country radio stations will often give away ticket packages to callers. Try calling in to stations for a chance to win.
- Go Through the Venue – Sometimes corporate partners of Allegiant Stadium will offer ticket giveaways. Check their social media for any contests.
- Become an ACM Member – Academy members or artists themselves may have access to freebie tickets they can provide.
Obviously, the chances of scoring free tickets through these methods are super low. But entering any contests you find costs nothing, so it doesn’t hurt to try!
Can You Buy ACM Awards Tickets at the Door?
Trying to buy ACM Awards tickets at the door on the night of the show is extremely unlikely. The event sells out completely in advance, leaving nothing for walk-up sales.
The only way you could potentially get last minute tickets would be checking around the venue to see if any scalpers have extras to resell. But there’s no guarantee of availability or legitimacy using scalpers.
Who Hosts and Performs at the ACM Awards?
The Academy of Country Music Awards features hosts from the country music community themselves. Recent hosts have included Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.
The ACMs have a packed slate of live performances from country’s top singers and bands. Typically 20+ artists perform hit songs throughout the 3 hour telecast.
Some of the most notable performers at recent ACM Award ceremonies include:
- Miranda Lambert
- Chris Stapleton
- Dierks Bentley
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Kane Brown
- Maren Morris
- Eric Church
- Darius Rucker
- Luke Combs
- Thomas Rhett
The star-packed performance lineup is a major highlight of attending the ACM Awards live. Fans in the crowd get an up-close view of their favorite country stars singing the year’s biggest hits.
What is the Dress Code for the ACM Awards?
Attire for the ACM Awards ceremony is fashionable and flows with the fun country music theme. Here are some dress code guidelines:
- Women – Gowns or cocktail dresses and dress shoes are appropriate for women. Styles can range from glamorous to simply chic.
- Men – Men should wear suits or well-appointed sportscoats. Ties are optional but add to the sharp look.
- Boots – Cowboy boots make for great on-theme country-centric footwear.
- Hats – A cowboy, fedora or other fun hat can be a nice touch for the party atmosphere.
- Jeans/Casual – Distressed jeans, shorts, t-shirts, etc. are too informal for the dress code.
Aim for dressy looks with some Western touches for an ACM Awards worthy outfit. This is Hollywood and country music’s biggest night – go glam!
Who Attends the Academy of Country Music Awards?
As country music’s party of the year, the ACM Awards draws a packed house of artists, celebrities and industry elites. Expect to see:
- Country music stars – All the nominees, performers and presenters of course attend – the hottest names in Nashville.
- Hollywood celebs – Stars beyond just country music come out, like actors, athletes and reality stars.
- Industry executives – Record label and country music organization leaders flock to the ACMs.
- Guests of nominees – Talent often bring families, friends and entourages.
Walking the red carpet before the show provides an unparalleled opportunity for star sightings. Once inside during the ceremony and show, performers, presenters and winners deliver non-stop excitement on stage and in the crowd.
What Happens at the ACM Awards Ceremony?
The ACM Awards show gives out honoree trophies in a packed 3 hour agenda:
- Red carpet – Attendees walk the red carpet runway as media interviews nominees and celebs.
- Opening performance – An exciting live collab performance typically kicks off the show.
- Monologue – The host does a funny monologue before announcing categories.
- Awards – Dozens of honors like Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, etc. are handed out.
- Performances – The artists sing shortened versions of hit songs throughout the night, sometimes collaborating.
- Tributes – Special tribute performances commemorate country icons.
- Speeches – Winners give typically brief, lighthearted acceptance speeches.
- Grand finale – At the end, all the night’s talent returns for a final all-star performance.
It all makes for an electric environment celebrating country’s biggest achievements. The crowd buzzes as the night builds to the coveted Entertainer of the Year award.
How to Have the Best ACM Awards Experience
If you’re lucky enough to score coveted ACM Awards tickets, follow these tips for the ultimate experience:
- Arrive Early – Allow time for the traffic, red carpet spotting and getting to your seat.
- Review the Nominees – Brush up on nominated songs and artists so you can fully appreciate the honors.
- Get Camera Ready – Bring your phone to snap pics of celebrity sightings and performances.
- Dress Your Best – Formal attire helps you fit the glamorous tone.
- Stay for the Finale – Don’t leave early or you’ll miss the epic all-star closing performance.
- Soak It In – This is a rare opportunity to witness country’s biggest stars together in one room – enjoy every minute!
The Academy of Country Music Awards is a one-of-a-kind experience for country fans. With the right preparation and excitement, you’re sure to have an unforgettable night seeing today’s top country acts honored and performing live!
Conclusion
Getting tickets to the star-studded Academy of Country Music Awards can seem daunting. But using presales, acting quickly and cleverly finding occasional deals can help you secure seats. Once inside the big show, you’re treated to a spectacle only rivaled by the Grammys. From lavish outfits on the red carpet to exuberant performances and speeches, the ACM Awards offers a top-tier country music experience. Use these tips to help find your way into country music’s party of the year at the ACM Awards!