Ticketmaster’s platinum seats are some of the best seats available for concerts, sports events, and other live events. They offer prime views of the stage or field and access to exclusive amenities. Platinum seats are different from regular tickets in a few key ways:
Pricing
Platinum seats are more expensive than regular tickets for the same event. The prices fluctuate based on demand. Ticketmaster uses demand-based pricing for platinum seats, meaning prices go up when demand is high and go down when demand is lower. This differs from fixed pricing for regular tickets.
Location
Platinum seats are located in premium sections of the venue, like the lower bowl or floor sections for concerts. They aren’t just the “best available” seats – platinum seats refer to specific ticket inventory in the front few rows or center sections.
Benefits
Depending on the event, platinum seats may come with added benefits like:
- Access to VIP entrances and early entrance to the event
- VIP parking passes
- Access to exclusive lounge or club areas
- In-seat food and beverage service
- Commemorative merchandise
Where are platinum seats located?
Platinum seats are located in the prime sections of the venue. This varies by venue layout, but usually includes:
Concerts
For concerts in arenas and stadiums, platinum seats are typically in the sections closest to the stage on the floor or lower bowl. This includes:
- Floor seats in the first few rows
- Lower bowl seats in the center sections near the stage
- Luxury suite seating with views of the stage
- Front row or VIP box seats at the side of the stage
Theater performances
For theater performances, platinum seats are usually toward the front and center of the orchestra section:
- Front and center orchestra seats
- Front mezzanine box seats or lounge seats
- Some side orchestra seats in the first few rows
Sporting events
For sporting events in large stadiums and arenas, platinum seats are found closest to the action:
- Field-level seats behind team benches or dugouts
- Lower bowl seats near halfway line or courtside
- Luxury boxes with premium views
- VIP seats behind home plate or near midcourt
Why are platinum seats more expensive?
Platinum seats cost more than regular tickets for a few reasons:
Prime location
These are the best seats in the house with unobstructed, up-close views of the action. You’ll feel close to the players/performers and be in the center of the excitement. Better views translate to higher ticket prices.
Exclusive inventory
There are only so many seats available in the very front rows and VIP sections. This scarcity drives up costs, especially for hot shows and games.
Added amenities
Platinum tickets often come with VIP parking, access to lounges, early entrance, and more. The extra amenities are baked into the higher prices.
Demand-based pricing
Platinum prices fluctuate depending on market demand. Popular events will have higher prices due to limited supply and more people competing for seats.
Revenue maximization
Artists, teams, and venues want to capture the most revenue possible from their prime seats. Dynamic platinum pricing allows them to adjust prices based on what the market is willing to pay.
When are platinum seats available?
Platinum seat tickets are available whenever they are offered for an event. Availability depends on the event promoter or team.
On initial ticket sale
For major concerts and games, platinum seats may be available during the initial public on-sale. There is limited quantity, so they sell out quickly. Fans try to buy them immediately as soon as sales open.
As regular tickets sell out
Additional platinum seat inventory may be released over time as regular price tickets sell out. This captures demand from fans still looking for the best seats.
Through pre-sales
Artists and teams hold pre-sales that give their fan club members first access to tickets. This sometimes includes access to platinum seats before the general public.
At the last minute
Platinum seats may be released at the last minute for sold out events to capture unmet demand. Prices usually increase closer to show dates.
Full season
For sports seasons, platinum pricing may apply to full-season ticket plans in premium seating areas. Fans pay a higher overall cost for guaranteed access to top seats for every home game.
How is platinum pricing determined?
Platinum ticket prices are based on demand, not face value. Ticketmaster uses data and algorithms to adjust prices dynamically. Factors include:
Historic demand
Past sales data informs the system. Events that previously sold out quickly or had high resale prices have higher starting platinum prices.
On-sale demand
Observing early sales patterns reveal which events have the hottest demand. Prices increase quickly for high-demand events.
Inventory remaining
As platinum tickets sell, remaining inventory becomes more scarce so prices adjust upward based on dwindling supply.
Market value
Platinum prices are tethered to secondary market prices to remain competitive with resellers. As resale prices rise, platinum prices match them.
Artist/team input
Performers and teams work closely with Ticketmaster to guide platinum pricing ranges for their events based on their goals.
Seat location
Within a section, front row platinum seats cost more than seats a few rows back. Prices decay the further back from the stage or field you go.
Are platinum seats a good deal?
Whether platinum seats are “worth it” depends on your budget and desire for the best experience possible.
Pros
- Get seats in prime locations like the lower bowl or front rows
- No stress over sellouts for hot events
- Guaranteed entry to VIP lounges and early admission
- Includes amenities not available with regular tickets
- Avoid the hassles of buying resale later
Cons
- Platinum prices are higher than face value seats in the same section
- No fixed cost – prices fluctuate
- Paying a premium for artist/team name recognition
- Cheaper regular seats still available further back
Verdict
Platinum seats make sense for passionate fans that want to get as close as possible. If your priority is saving money, platinum seating is harder to justify.
When do platinum prices drop?
Platinum ticket prices are dynamic, so they may drop under certain conditions:
When an event is struggling to sell
Lackluster demand leads to price decreases to boost sales. This is more common later in a tour or sports season.
When the on-sale rush ends
During the initial on-sale, platinum prices spike due to limited inventory. After the initial frenzy, prices level off.
After key stages of tour announcements
Prices may reset after a tour goes fully on sale, not just pre-sales. More overall inventory helps meet demand.
Time passing after on-sale
Over time, plunging prices for unsold platinum seats is better than leaving them empty. Some revenue is better than none.
Right before the event
Last minute unsold platinum seats may sell at big discounts rather than go unused. Check prices leading up to showtime.
Tips for getting platinum seats
Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting platinum seats:
Buy during pre-sales
Take advantage of artist or venue pre-sales to access inventory before the general public. Sign up for fan clubs when available.
Use the Ticketmaster app
Have the app ready to go on your phone before tickets go on sale. The mobile experience is faster than desktop sites.
Shop early
Hit the site right when tickets initially go on sale to shop platinum options before they sell out. Set calendar reminders for on-sale times.
Check back often
Keep checking platinum availability leading up to the event as more seats may be released over time.
Consider single seats
If you just need one ticket, singles may be open when full seat blocks are taken. Mix and match options.
Use Ticketmaster tools
Verified Fan and other tools help filter out bots so real fans get access. Read up on resources offered.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster platinum seats give fans an option to purchase prime seating for top concerts, theater, and sporting events. They are in coveted locations like the lower bowl and front rows. Platinum tickets come at a premium price point due to high demand and dynamic pricing. Prices adjust upward based on market demand but can sometimes drop as events approach. Platinum seats provide peace of mind for big fans who want to secure the best seats and amenities upfront. They are ultimately a personal splurge for superfans who want to get as close to the action as possible.