This is a common question that many concertgoers have when looking at the time printed on their tickets. The short answer is: not always. While sometimes the time on a concert ticket indicates when the doors open to allow access to the venue, there are many different factors that contribute to what that printed time actually means.
What Does the Printed Time on a Concert Ticket Mean?
There are a few different meanings the time on a concert ticket can have:
- The time the doors open – This allows ticket holders access to the venue and they can find their seats. Often this is 30-60 minutes before the concert start time.
- The start time of the opening act – If there is an opening performer or band before the headlining act, the time indicates when they will take the stage.
- The start time of the concert – This is when the main headlining performer or band will begin their set. Typically printed as something like “8:00 PM”.
Unfortunately, tickets do not always clarify which one of these options the printed time is referring to. That requires checking details on the venue’s website or looking for additional information included with the tickets.
Why Might the Times Vary?
There are several reasons why the time on a concert ticket may indicate different things:
- Venue policies – Some venues have specific guidelines for when doors open. This means the time on tickets refers to door opening.
- Artist requests – Some performers request a certain door opening or start time for their shows.
- Opening acts – Having an opening performer means doors may open earlier than the main act’s start time.
- Production schedules – The venue and tour personnel need time to get stage, sound, lights etc ready. Doors need to open well before show time.
- Crowd control – Allowing early access helps avoid big crowds all arriving at the same time right as the show starts.
These factors mean venues and artists need flexibility with the times printed on tickets. The times are not always standardized across different concerts and locations.
How to Know When Doors Open for a Concert
Since the time on tickets alone does not guarantee when you can enter the venue, here are some tips for finding out when doors open for a concert:
- Check the venue’s website – There will often be details on door opening times, line-up schedules etc.
- Look for information with the tickets – Some tickets include an insert with additional concert info. Review this for door opening times.
- Contact the box office – Getting in touch directly can get you an accurate doors open time.
- Arrive early – If you cannot confirm ahead, getting to the venue 1-2 hours before the printed time allows flexibility.
- Look for signage – On the day there are usually signs, staff etc indicating when the doors will open.
Knowing exactly when you can get into the venue makes timing your arrival much easier. You do not want to show up too late and miss the opening song!
Typical Door Opening Times
Despite the variations, most concert doors follow some general window of when they open:
Concert Start Time | Typical Door Opening |
---|---|
7:00 PM | 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
8:00 PM | 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM |
9:00 PM | 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM |
Of course, these are just general guidelines. 6:00 PM doors for a 7:00 PM concert is common, but not guaranteed. Larger venues and artists with elaborate stage productions often open doors even earlier to accommodate security checks.
Outdoor venues like amphitheaters typically open doors 60-90 minutes prior to showtime because they do not need to worry about crowds building up indoors. Festivals usually open gates even earlier since they have multiple stages and more logistics to handle.
When Should You Plan to Arrive?
Given the uncertainty around precise door opening times, when is the best time to actually get to the concert venue?
- At least 60-90 minutes before the printed start time – This accounts for typical door openings 30-60 minutes out, giving you a cushion.
- Earlier for very popular bands – Big acts mean bigger crowds, so arriving extra early helps avoid long lines.
- Later for less popular bands – Smaller indie bands may not need as much lead time to get inside.
- Check venue updates – On the day of check their social media for any door time updates.
While you do not want to end up standing around outside for hours, a little extra leeway in your arrival plans prevents you from missing the opening songs. You can always grab some food or chill at the merch table if you end up with extra time before the show.
Tips for Timing Your Arrival
- Travel time – Account for the time needed to actually get to the venue based on traffic, parking, public transport etc.
- Line length – Larger shows may have extensive lines to get in right when doors open.
- Weather issues – Bad weather can slow downvenue entry as staff checks ponchos and umbrellas.
- Opening performer – Arrive in time to catch them if you want. Check their planned set time.
- Grab merch – Give yourself time to shop for band merch before the show starts.
When Do Headliners Usually Start Performing?
The headline performer that the concert is promoting will go on stage some time after the printed start time, allowing for any opening acts to perform first. Here are some typical headliner stage times:
- No opener: Starts at printed time or within 15 minutes of it
- One opener: Headliner on 1 hour after printed time
- Two openers: Headliner on 1.5-2 hours after printed time
- Festival sets: Headliners start 30-60 minutes after printed time
So if the ticket says 7:00 PM, expect the big name performer to hit the stage around 9:00 PM if there are multiple opening bands. Again, these are just average guidelines. The headliner’s actual start time may vary each night.
Factors That Affect Headliner Start Times
- Set times and lengths for openers
- Stage production set-up between sets
- Equipment issues or delays
- Curfews for outdoor venues
- Whether the artist goes on at a specific time or “when ready”
- Encore songs at the end of sets
Outdoor venues like county fairs or festivals may have strict curfews affecting when the concert must end and thus when the headliner can start. Some artists are notoriously unpunctual, so their start may be delayed!
Can You Enter a Venue Before or After Door Opening?
In most cases, concertgoers are only allowed into the venue during the designated door opening times:
- Earlier – Doors are kept locked until staff is ready to allow entry.
- Later – Some venues will not allow late entry, or have specific cut-off times.
So you cannot usually access the venue long before or after the doors open times. However, some exceptions for late entry include:
- During set breaks – More lenient between sets or acts.
- Outdoor venues – Allow re-entry if you have wristband or ticket stub.
- Accompanying a smoker – Can sometimes join a friend going out to smoke.
But these depend on the venue’s discretion. Overall it is very risky to depend on entering significantly before or after the stated door opening time printed on your tickets.
Policies That Limit Venue Entry
- Fire capacity limits – Venues must comply with safety occupancy restrictions.
- Noise ordinances – Local noise rules often set limits on when venues can operate.
- Union staff schedules – Stagehands, security etc. follow preset shifts.
- Liquor laws – Regulations may dictate when bars can operate in venues.
- Artist requests – Some performers ask venues to only allow entry during certain times.
Conclusion
While the time printed on concert tickets may suggest when the doors open, that is not always the case. Venues have many factors to balance when it comes to allowing entry for a show. Your best bet is to check for door opening times on the venue website, social media or confirm directly with their box office. Arriving 60-90 minutes before the printed start provides a good buffer to account for the uncertainty. That gives you time to get in, find seats, merch shop and catch the opener before the headliner performs. Careful timing means you will not miss the first epic guitar riff!