The light blue sections that you see on Ticketmaster’s website indicate different pricing tiers for tickets to an event. Ticketmaster uses dynamic pricing, meaning ticket prices can change over time based on demand. The different colored sections represent the different price levels available.
Ticketmaster’s Dynamic Pricing
In 2009, Ticketmaster rolled out dynamic pricing to the dismay of many customers. This moved away from the previous model where ticket prices were set and did not change. With dynamic pricing, Ticketmaster can adjust prices based on market demand in order to maximize profit. Prices can go up or down over time depending on things like:
- The popularity of the event or performer
- The day of the week or time of day
- The number of tickets already sold
- Approaching sell-out dates
The goal is to charge the highest prices that the market will bear in order to boost revenues. While this has been good for Ticketmaster’s bottom line, many fans have complained that it makes getting affordable tickets more difficult.
Ticket Pricing Zones
On Ticketmaster’s event pages, you’ll see a seating chart like this:
The different colored sections indicate the different ticket price levels. This helps provide transparency into the pricing zones and brackets. Typically it goes like this:
- Green sections – These are the lowest price tickets available for that event.
- Yellow sections – The medium or standard price tier for tickets.
- Light blue sections – The beginning of the premium or higher-end price brackets.
- Red sections – The highest priced tickets, usually close to the stage or in VIP areas.
Of course, this can vary a bit between different venues and events. But in general, the light blue sections on Ticketmaster indicate the start of the more expensive, premium ticket pricing zones.
What Influences Premium Pricing?
Certain factors will make some seats more in-demand and push them into those premium price levels. These include:
- Location – Seats closer to the stage or in central floor sections are often in light blue zones.
- Exclusivity – VIP sections with private bars, lounges, or bathrooms demand higher prices.
- Luxury options – Box seats or suites with premium amenities fall into premium zones.
- Sight lines – Seats with exceptionally good views of the stage get priced higher.
- Convenience – Quicker access to concessions and bathrooms command higher prices.
For very high demand shows, even seats in the upper levels or ends of a venue can get bumped into premium pricing. The light blue zones expand as cheaper seats sell out.
Are Light Blue Tickets Worth the Price?
Whether the elevated prices of light blue ticket zones are worth it depends on your budget and preferences as a fan. Some things to consider:
- How important is seat location to your enjoyment of the event?
- Are the VIP amenities something you would really use and appreciate?
- Is being closer to the action worth the higher cost to you?
- Are you okay with the view from farther back seats in yellow zones?
- Will you regret not paying more for a premium experience later?
Section | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Green | $50 – $150 | Most affordable tickets | Farthest from stage |
Yellow | $125 – $250 | Good balance of price and location | Medium distance from stage |
Light Blue | $200 – $500 | Up close experience | More expensive |
Red | $500+ | Best seats in the house | Very expensive |
There are valid arguments on both sides. Some fans really want that front row experience at all costs, while others are fine saving money on cheaper seats. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
When Are Light Blue Tickets Worth It?
Here are some instances where it may be worth shelling out the extra money for light blue premium tickets:
- Once in a lifetime events like a favorite band’s farewell tour
- Celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or milestone birthday
- Taking your kids to their first concert
- Seeing a legendary performer before they retire or pass away
On the other hand, here are examples where staying in green or yellow zones might be the better choice:
- If you simply want to check out a new up-and-coming act
- For performers you’ve already seen live multiple times before
- If you’re mainly interested in tailgating or people watching
- When you’re mostly excited just to enjoy the party atmosphere
Consider your own budget, tastes, and reasons for attending when deciding if light blue premium seats are worth the splurge.
Tips for Getting Light Blue Seats for Less
If your heart is set on seats in the light blue zones, here are some tips for getting deals:
- Buy tickets as soon as sales open to get the best rates before demand drives up prices
- Join fan clubs and credit card programs like Citi Private Pass for presale ticket access
- Look for seat deals on secondary sites like StubHub as the event approaches
- Consider VIP package deals that bundle amenities with top tickets
- Split premium seats with friends to defray some of the costs
Acting early, being flexible, and keeping an eye out for promotions are key to locking in seats in the premium zones without overspending.
The Reality of Dynamic Pricing
While fans may not love it, dynamic pricing is likely here to stay. It allows Ticketmaster and other big ticket sellers to adjust supply and demand to maximize profits. Music fans now have to strategize and make smart tradeoffs to get the seats they want at the prices they can afford.
Understanding the different pricing zones, being flexible on locations, and jumping on good deals when you see them are key. With some planning, you can still get into those light blue premium sections for the big shows you really care about without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The light blue sections on Ticketmaster represent the beginning of the premium ticket pricing levels. These zones have seats closer to the stage, VIP amenities, ideal sight lines, convenience perks, and other desirable attributes. Light blue tickets can cost two to five times more than the budget zones, so fans have to decide if the experience is worth the price splurge. By buying early, utilizing presales, and watching for deals, you can still get into premium zones for hot shows without overpaying. Dynamic pricing may be frustrating, but being a savvy fan can still pay off.