When browsing for tickets on Ticketmaster, you may notice different colors used throughout the site. These colors actually have specific meanings and can help you quickly identify important details about an event or ticket listing.
Green
Green is used to indicate tickets that are currently available for purchase. If you see a green button or listing, it means tickets are still up for grabs. This makes it easy to spot which events still have seats open.
Red
Red signals that an event is sold out. If you see a red label next to an event or the tickets are highlighted in red, it means there are no more seats available for purchase.
Yellow
Yellow is used to highlight tickets that are almost sold out. There may only be a limited number of seats left. Yellow serves as a warning that tickets are selling fast, so act quickly if you want to secure a spot.
Blue
Blue indicates there is limited availability for an event. Only certain ticket types or sections may have seats left. Blue is similar to yellow in that it flags low inventory, but not necessarily right at the sellout point.
Grey
Grey signifies that ticket sales have not started yet for an event. If all the tickets are greyed out, it means they aren’t yet available for purchase but should be on sale soon.
Purple
Purple highlights tickets that are part of special promotions or come with perks. This might include VIP packages, fan club presales, or special deals.
White
White is used to show the original on-sale ticket prices, before any dynamic pricing changes. Dynamic pricing means ticket prices can fluctuate over time based on demand. The white price shows the original cost when tickets first went on sale.
Black
Black typically indicates sold out tickets or unavailable seating sections on a venue map. Essentially, black communicates that something is no longer available.
Multi-Color Gradient
Ticketmaster uses a multi-color gradient to highlight seats that have increased or decreased in price due to dynamic pricing. Usually they show up as blue to red gradients. This quickly shows which tickets have changed in value since originally going on sale.
When are tickets available for purchase on Ticketmaster?
Ticket availability on Ticketmaster can vary depending on the event. Here are some typical timelines:
- Presales: Tickets may be available for presale up to a week before the general on-sale date. Presales provide first access to tickets for groups like fan club members or credit card holders.
- General on-sale: This is when tickets are released to the general public. On-sale dates are usually announced weeks or months in advance by the event organizer.
- If an event sells slowly, more tickets may be released over time leading up to the event date.
- Similarly, newly added shows will also populate on Ticketmaster.
- In some cases, last minute tickets may be released right before an event sells out completely.
In general it’s good to keep checking back for newly available tickets if an event is initially sold out. But popular shows will go quickly, so don’t wait too long!
Why do Ticketmaster prices change dynamically?
Ticketmaster utilizes dynamic pricing, meaning ticket prices can fluctuate over time based on demand. As an event gains popularity or inventory decreases, prices typically increase. Here are some of the key reasons behind dynamic pricing:
- To maximize revenue for event organizers. Higher demand translates to higher prices.
- To discourage scalpers and touts from buying up tickets and reselling at unfair prices.
- To provide fair costs based on supply and demand.
- To motivate buyers to purchase early before prices potentially rise.
While it may seem frustrating to see ticket prices increase over time, dynamic pricing helps ensure fair costs and availability for in-demand events. Prices are algorithmically adjusted according to projected demand and minimum/maximum price thresholds set by the event organizer.
How are Platinum tickets different on Ticketmaster?
Platinum tickets are a type of dynamic pricing used for the most popular or in-demand seats for an event. Key things to know:
- Platinum tickets are adjusted continually based on market value. This means prices can change minute to minute based on demand.
- They are typically for the best seats in a venue, like floor or front row.
- Platinum tickets become available when all other standard tickets are sold out.
- The number of platinum tickets is very limited.
- Platinum pricing aims to discourage unfair ticket resale above standard prices.
In essence, Platinum tickets use dynamic pricing for the most coveted seats to an event. The fluctuating prices disincentivize scalpers from buying them up. Platinum tickets are clearly labeled and shown in purple on Ticketmaster so buyers are aware they carry premium pricing.
What does “Official Platinum” mean?
“Official Platinum” refers to tickets sold directly by Ticketmaster through their Platinum platform, as opposed to resale sites or scalpers. Key things to know:
- Official Platinum tickets are 100% guaranteed by Ticketmaster.
- They are adjusted dynamically based on demand, but within limits set by event organizers.
- Proceeds go to the event holders, performers, venues etc.
- Tickets are delivered securely via Ticketmaster directly to fans.
- Refunds, exchanges and cancellations are allowed according to standard Ticketmaster policies.
In summary, Official Platinum tickets are a form of dynamic pricing managed directly by Ticketmaster as an authorized seller. They aim to give fair access to high demand tickets by adjusting prices in real time based on market value. Buyers can feel confident Official Platinum tickets are valid and come via official distribution channels.
Should you buy Platinum tickets from Ticketmaster?
Here are the pros and cons of buying Platinum tickets on Ticketmaster:
Pros:
- Gain access to seats that are likely sold out otherwise
- Avoid unreliable or risky resale sites and scalpers
- Ticketmaster guarantees validity and delivery
- Prices adjust to fair market value based on demand
- Proceeds go back to organizers and performers, not resellers
Cons:
- Prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and can become expensive
- Limited tickets available
- You may pay more than original face value
- Other standard tickets may later become available
In most cases, Official Platinum tickets are only worth it for super fans who want guaranteed access to the best seats, regardless of price. Casual attendees are better off pursuing standard tickets. But Platinum does ensure fair prices that benefit performers, unlike scalped markups.
What verification options does Ticketmaster offer?
Ticketmaster offers a few different verification options to validate authentic tickets and prevent counterfeits from being used. This protects both buyers and event holders.
Traditional Paper Tickets
Most traditional paper tickets contain security features like unique barcodes, watermarks, holograms and special inks.
Mobile Entry
Fans can use the Ticketmaster mobile app to access and display mobile tickets on their phones. Unique rotating barcodes help prevent duplication or screenshots.
SafeTix
SafeTix are digital tickets with changing barcodes that update every few seconds. Buyers can access them via the Ticketmaster app and venues scan them live to verify currency.
Conclusion
The different colors used across Ticketmaster act as visual cues to help fans easily identify key ticket details, availability and value. Dynamic pricing allows for fair costs based on supply and demand. And Ticketmaster’s verification technology protects against counterfeits. Understanding what the colors mean and how pricing works allows buyers to strategize and make informed decisions as they browse for their perfect tickets.
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Ticketmaster is the world’s largest primary ticket outlet, with millions of tickets sold annually across thousands of events in various cities. The company was founded in 1976 by two Arizona State University computer students, Gordon Gunn and Thomas Gittins. It was acquired by Live Nation in 2010 to form Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s largest live events company.
Tickets on Ticketmaster are available through various sales channels. General public tickets go on sale at scheduled on-sale dates and times. Presales allow special groups like fan clubs and credit card holders to access tickets first. Limited-time flash sales may offer special low pricing. Fan-to-fan resale markets provide secondary ticket purchasing through Ticketmaster.
When purchasing tickets, fans can expect additional fees on top of the base price. Service fees, convenience fees and delivery fees help offset the costs for Ticketmaster to operate its platform and services. Tickets may be delivered digitally, via mobile entry to events, mailed physically or held at will call.
Ticketmaster offers certain guarantees to protect ticket buyers. Fans can shop for tickets on Ticketmaster with the confidence that they are verified, authentic tickets. The company’s money-back guarantee ensures that valid tickets will be delivered in time for the event. Additionally, unauthorized ticketing and unfair scalping practices are prohibited on Ticketmaster.
Dynamic pricing has received some criticism over the years, with some fans believing it leads to excessively high costs for popular events. However, dynamic pricing also allows access to high-demand tickets that might otherwise immediately sell out and only be available for unfair prices through secondary resellers. Event organizers ultimately set pricing ranges and limits in attempt to balance affordability and fair market value.
To help users more easily navigate its platform, Ticketmaster provides detailed guides on its website that explain the meanings behind different colors and labels across the site. Customer service teams are also available by phone and online chat to answer questions and help users through the ticket buying process if needed.
As the live event industry continues to grow globally, Ticketmaster remains the dominant player in facilitating ticket sales between fans and event organizers. Understanding the platform and how to use it effectively is key to accessing the best seats at desired prices. The company aims to maintain transparency and fairness through fan-friendly programs like Verified Tickets and dynamic pricing caps.