There is no dedicated waiting room feature on the Ticketmaster app for users to wait in a virtual line when trying to purchase high-demand tickets. However, Ticketmaster does utilize queueing technology during some ticket onsales to manage heavy traffic and give everyone a fair chance at securing tickets.
How Ticketmaster Manages High Demand Ticket Sales
When tickets go on sale for a major event where demand hugely outpaces supply, Ticketmaster uses a virtual queuing system to handle the influx of traffic. This helps distribute shoppers over a longer period of time to prevent website crashes and optimize the shopping experience.
Some key things to know about Ticketmaster’s queuing system:
- You cannot physically see or join a waiting room – access is handled automatically behind the scenes through their queueing technology.
- During high traffic onsales, users may have a delayed wait before accessing the ticket buying page. This is the virtual “line.”
- Your spot is assigned randomly and not based on when you joined. So there is no advantage to logging on right at the start time.
- You can lose your place if you refresh the page or open multiple tabs. Follow prompts to keep your spot.
- The queue typically moves quickly and can take just minutes before you gain access.
So in summary – there is no visible waiting room, but Ticketmaster’s systems will put users in a digital queue if needed to evenly regulate traffic. Just be patient if you hit a delay when hot tickets go on sale.
Tips for Navigating High Demand Ticket Releases
Here are some tips to maximize your chances when competing for highly coveted tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Use the Ticketmaster app, not the website. Mobile access often has more success during high traffic events.
- Log in ahead of time so your info is pre-populated at checkout.
- Only have one browser/device open to hold your spot in line.
- Be ready right at the scheduled start time for the onsale.
- Have payment details saved to your Ticketmaster account to expedite checkout.
- Aim for single seats instead of groups if you’re flexible.
- Act fast once in to purchase as tickets sell out rapidly.
- If error messages pop up, keep trying – don’t lose your queue spot.
- Follow Ticketmaster on social media for any onsale updates.
While virtual waiting rooms can be stressful, staying calm and using these tips will give you a leg up on the competition!
The Ticketing Industry is Moving Toward Verified Fan Presales
In recent years, Ticketmaster and other major ticketing platforms have been utilizing Verified Fan presale events ahead of general public onsales. This requires fans to register in advance and get approved to access the presale.
The goal is to restrict high demand purchases to just a verified group of loyal fans and help filter out bots and scalpers. This also segments traffic into smaller presale waves for a more orderly process.
Some key things about Verified Fan presales:
- Registration does not guarantee ability to buy tickets or presale access.
- Verifications are randomized – early sign-ups do not get priority.
- Only fans with an approved code can enter the presale queue.
- Code allows one-time access – refresh and lose your spot.
- Multiple presales may happen over several days before general onsale.
So while not a true waiting room, registering for these presales can greatly increase your chances over the free-for-all general onsale.
Other Tips for Scoring Tickets
Here are a few other tricks that may help you beat the competition on Ticketmaster:
- Check venue and artist fan club presales – fewer members means less competition.
- Follow your favorite venues on social media for special local presales.
- Consider VIP or upgraded packages that are lower demand.
- For very popular shows, aim for weekday or repeat performances.
- Join artist fan pages to get tour alerts and presale codes.
With persistence and smart strategies, you can master the Ticketmaster scramble. But at the end of the day, supply and demand decides who gets the coveted tickets. So don’t take it too personally if you get shut out once in awhile.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster does not have a dedicated virtual waiting room, but does utilize queueing technology as needed to handle heavy traffic for in-demand ticket sales. While frustrating, their priority is to maintain an orderly shopping process and prevent website crashes.
Using presales, mobile access, and other fan tips can greatly improve your chances over the general public onsale free-for-all. But ultimately scoring the hottest tickets comes down to luck, persistence and accepting that demand almost always outpaces supply.