Club access for concerts typically refers to tickets that provide access to a special club area at the venue in addition to admission to the concert itself. This club access allows ticket holders to enjoy exclusive amenities and perks that general admission ticket holders do not receive. Club access can make the concert experience more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable for fans who are willing to pay a premium price.
Types of Club Access
There are a few main types of club access commonly offered for concerts:
- VIP Club – This offers access to a special VIP lounge area with upscale amenities like premium bars, gourmet food options, private restrooms, seating areas, and more. VIP guests can arrive early for priority entry, don’t have to wait in long lines, and have exclusive server access at the club bars. Access to front-of-stage viewing areas is sometimes included too.
- Luxury Suite – These super-exclusive spaces offer lavish private suite seating areas that are separate from the general admission crowds. Luxury suites have ultra-premium features like all-inclusive food and drinks, massive flat screen TVs, private servers, restrooms, and sometimes even balcony views of the stage. Guest capacity is limited for an intimate experience.
- Meet & Greet – Less common, this gives fans a chance to actually meet the performer or band before the show. A private pre-show reception includes a photo op plus food, drinks, and more. The limited tickets sell out fast.
Club Access Perks
So what kind of upscale amenities and perks come with club access? While options vary between venues, typical benefits include:
- Private Entrance – Avoid the huge crowds with direct club access entry.
- VIP Parking – Prime spots right next to club entry reserved for your car.
- Early Entry – Get in before general admission and claim the best views.
- Premium Bars – Well-stocked club bars with top-shelf liquor, sometimes all-inclusive.
- Gourmet Food – Higher end complimentary food like sushi, slider burgers, fruit platters.
- Private Bathrooms – Clean restrooms you don’t have to wait in line for.
- Lounge Seating – Plush couches, seats, and sometimes private enclaves to relax in.
- Meet & Greet – Pose with the band or performer before the show starts.
- Merch Discounts – Get a percentage off band merchandise at the club.
- Server Access – Never wait at the bar with a personal club server.
Club Access vs General Admission
How does club access compare to general admission concert tickets? Here’s an overview of the key differences:
Club Access | General Admission |
---|---|
Higher ticket prices, but more amenities included | Lower ticket prices, pay more onsite for food, drinks, etc |
Exclusive VIP-only lounge areas | No special lounge access |
Private club bars | Shared main venue bars |
Priority fast-pass entrance | Wait in long entrance lines |
All-inclusive drinks at some clubs | Pay per drink at bars |
Gourmet meals | Basic food like hot dogs, nachos, etc |
Front-of-stage access | General admission standing or seats |
Fewer crowded bathrooms | Shared bathrooms with long lines |
Private servers | Order drinks at busy bars |
Reserved parking | First come, first served parking |
Is Club Access Worth It?
Whether or not club access is worth the higher price depends on the individual concertgoer. For many fans, general admission offers good enough access without breaking the bank. But club access offers significant perks and a more comfortable, VIP experience for those who want an elevated concert night out. Key benefits like much shorter bathroom and bar lines, lounge relaxation areas, and gourmet foods and drinks make the event hassle-free and special. Front-of-stage and meet & greet access provide exclusive interactions some fans crave. If money is no object, club access takes the concert to new luxury heights.
Club Access Prices
How much does club access cost compared to general admission tickets? There is no set pricing, as the cost can vary dramatically between different venues, cities, and artists. However, some general ballpark figures:
- General admission concert tickets typically start around $50-100 for nosebleed seats, up to $250-400 for good floor spots or front pit access.
- VIP club access usually starts at around $300 per ticket minimum. Larger arena shows might start VIP packages at $500+ per person.
- High-end all-inclusive luxury suites can run $1000+ per ticket at major venues.
- The most elite meet & greet access might start at $500 for quick entry, but packages with backstage tours, swag, and multi-song hang time can hit $2000+ per ticket.
Of course, general admission prices also vary. Small club shows may only charge $20-30 for entry while major festivals price tickets at $300+. The artist, day, and demand also impact pricing. But the club access premium on top of base ticket prices typically starts at 50% more and often exceeds 100%+ cost uplift.
Sample Club Access Price Points
To illustrate the huge price range, here are some real-world club access ticket prices for different concerts:
Artist | Venue | City | VIP Club Access |
---|---|---|---|
Ed Sheeran | Gillette Stadium | Boston | $434 |
Red Hot Chili Peppers | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles | $599 |
Harry Styles | United Center | Chicago | $850 |
Taylor Swift | Lucas Oil Stadium | Indianapolis | $895 |
Rihanna | Wembley Stadium | London | $1,115 |
Booking Club Access
If club access sounds enticing for your concert experience, here are tips on securing tickets:
- Buy early – Club tickets are limited and sell out extremely quickly.
- Get online – Website and app sales tend to release access codes needed to unlock club ticket sales before general public on-sales.
- Join fan clubs – Artists will often allow fan club members exclusive pre-sale windows for club tickets.
- See the artist multiple times – Some tours reward repeat attendees with first club access opportunities.
- Check VIP packages – Official platinum packages on Ticketmaster and AXS sometimes bundle club access.
- Try resale – If club tickets are sold out directly, check exchanges like StubHub where brokers and fans resell them.
- See the show early – Club access has the most availability for new tours in the opening weeks.
- Splurge on major markets – Big city venues typically have more club ticket inventory.
Act swiftly the moment club access sales begin, enter presales, and be willing to pay the premium price and convenience fees to secure this elite concert experience.
The Club Access Experience
What’s the club access experience actually like for a concertgoer? Here’s a detailed rundown:
- Arrive via the private club entrance, often with valet parking
- Get your tickets scanned by staff to verify club eligibility
- Enter quickly through the separate club line as general admission queues up
- Be personally escorted by a staff member to the lounge
- Relax in plush couches and seats unlike cramped GA areas
- Order specialty cocktails and high-end finger foods from roaming servers
- Refill drinks easily from the private club bars with no lines
- Mingle with other VIPs away from crowded masses
- Stop by luxe private bathrooms for a clean, quick experience
- As show starts, access prime viewing spots like front-of-stage pits
- Soak in the music with space to dance in exclusive sections
- Snap selfies in ideal spots flexing your VIP status
- Return to club for bathroom breaks or drink refills as needed
- Feel like a total VIP and make the show a special night out
For serious music fans who want to optimize comfort, perks, and viewing access for a premium show experience, club access makes concerts far more enjoyable.
Finding Out If Club Access Is Offered
How can you find out if club access tickets will be available for a concert you want to attend? Here are some tips:
- Check the artist’s official website under tour dates for venue details and onsale info.
- Subscribe to the artist’s email list or fan club for presale access announcements.
- Follow the tour’s promoter on social media for club access specifics.
- Look at the venue’s website calendar listings for the show.
- Call the venue box office directly to inquire about club ticket availability.
- Search official ticketing sites like Ticketmaster or AXS when sales begin.
- Google the concert using terms like “VIP tickets” or “[Artist] club access”
- Check resale sites to see if club tickets are listed, indicating they exist.
- Join fan forums to ask others if they know about access.
Often the details won’t be confirmed until right before the onsale, so persistence is key. Sign up for presales, follow fan pages, and keep checking all sources to get the scoop as soon as club access is announced. Act fast to secure this elite concert experience.
Conclusion
Club access takes the concert experience to new heights but comes at a premium cost. For passionate music lovers, the luxury amenities, exclusivity, and amazing views are well worth the higher ticket price. Club access allows you to relax, imbibe, eat, meet artists, and see the show in total comfort and style. It turns great concerts into unforgettable VIP events. From valet parking to private bars, lounge areas, special entry, and exclusive viewing, club access pampers fans with money to spend. If general admission leaves you wanting more, club tickets provide the ultimate concert night out.