When you go to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster and get a message saying they can’t find tickets, it typically means the event is sold out or tickets are not yet on sale. Here are some common reasons you may see this message and what you can do about it:
The event is sold out
The most likely reason Ticketmaster can’t find tickets is because the event is sold out. This happens frequently with popular concerts, games, and other high-demand events. Ticketmaster allows you to search for tickets even when none are available so you can join the waiting list. But if you search and get the “tickets not found” message, it likely means there are no more seats left.
Tickets haven’t gone on sale yet
Often events will be listed on Ticketmaster before the tickets officially go on sale. This allows you to set a reminder or get notified when tickets become available. If you try searching prior to the onsale date, Ticketmaster won’t find any tickets to sell you yet. Check the event listing for the onsale date and time so you know when tickets will be released.
The event was postponed or canceled
Sometimes events end up being postponed or canceled after they were initially listed on Ticketmaster. This often happens due to unforeseen circumstances like the artist falling ill. If this occurs, Ticketmaster will remove the ability to purchase tickets until a new date is confirmed. You’ll get the “no tickets found” message if you try to search for an event that is no longer happening as originally scheduled.
The tickets are restricted or presale only
Certain tickets for events are only made available during presales for select groups like fan club members or credit card holders. If you search for tickets during the presale window without access to the presale code, Ticketmaster will say it can’t find tickets. This doesn’t necessarily mean the event is sold out, just that tickets are restricted at the moment. You may be able to find tickets later once they go on sale to the general public.
The tickets are held for the box office or other outlets
A portion of tickets for some events are held back from Ticketmaster to be sold through alternate channels like the venue box office. This may make it appear like the event is sold out on Ticketmaster even if tickets are still available elsewhere. If you get the “no tickets” message, try checking the venue website or box office directly to see if they have a separate allotment still available for purchase.
There was a glitch with the Ticketmaster website
In rare cases, you may get the “no tickets found” message due to some type of error or glitch with the Ticketmaster website rather than the event being sold out. This could be a temporary search issue or problem connecting to Ticketmaster servers. Trying again in a few minutes or double checking other ticket sources can help determine if it’s a broader issue or isolated to your specific search.
Tips for finding tickets when Ticketmaster says none are available
If Ticketmaster isn’t showing any tickets for the event you want to attend, don’t lose hope yet. Here are some tips for finding seats even when the site claims they can’t find tickets:
- Try searching again later or closer to the event date – More tickets may be released over time.
- Check secondary ticket sites – Scalpers and resellers may have tickets listed even when the primary source is sold out.
- Look for presale code giveaways – Radio stations, sponsors, etc. sometimes provide presale codes even if you’re not a member.
- Consider VIP or upgraded packages – These high-end tickets are rarely sold out.
- Expand your search – Look for tickets at nearby venues if the event location is sold out.
- Wait in Ticketmaster queues – Persistence and timing can pay off with newly released batches.
- Follow fan forums – Find out about special promotions or code sharing groups.
Joining the Ticketmaster waiting list
If an event does appear to be truly sold out, most likely your only option is to join the Ticketmaster waiting list. This adds you to a queue in case last-minute tickets are released. Here’s how it works:
- Search for unavailable tickets to the desired event. On the results page there will be a button or link to join the waitlist.
- Provide your info like name, email, and number of tickets needed. You may need to enter a CAPTCHA code.
- Choose whether you want to be notified by email, text, or both when/if tickets become available.
- Wait for notification that seats have been released and purchase immediately before they’re gone again!
The Ticketmaster waiting list increased your odds of getting last minute tickets, but it’s not guaranteed. Have a backup plan in case you aren’t able to get seats. And if you do luck out and receive a notification, be ready to act fast!
Why Ticketmaster struggles with high demand events
Ticketmaster is the largest primary ticket provider in the U.S., serving over 30,000 events and 500 million ticket transactions each year. But despite being the dominant player in the industry, they still struggle to keep up with demand for ultra high-profile events. Here are some reasons why:
- Bots and scalpers – Sophisticated reseller bots swarm popular onsales and buy up tickets within seconds.
- Limitations of legacy technology – Their systems strain under the crushing traffic for mega events.
- Long queues and crashes – Fans get stuck endlessly waiting only to have pages crash and lose tickets.
- Artificially limited supply – Promoters often hold back seats to drive up resale prices.
- Lack of modern features – Unlike new startups, Ticketmaster lacks virtual queues, lotteries etc.
While Ticketmaster still commands an effective monopoly, competitors like AXS, SeatGeek and Eventbrite continue chipping away at their market share. It will likely require major infrastructure investments and features to maintain their dominant position into the future.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster
While Ticketmaster has exclusive deals with many major venues and artists, there are still ways to purchase tickets without using their site. Here are a few Ticketmaster alternatives:
Primary Ticket Sites
- AXS – Owned by AEG, rivals Ticketmaster with premium events and venues.
- AltTix – Provides white label ticketing platforms for venues.
- Etix – Specializes in smaller clubs, theaters, fairs and festivals.
- Universe – Rising platform focused on decentralizing tickets.
- Eventbrite – Popular for more niche, localized events and communities.
Secondary Marketplaces
- StubHub – Large secondary site with resale tickets and protections.
- Vivid Seats – Also has a wide selection of resale tickets.
- SeatGeek – Aggregates listings across multiple ticket sources.
- Gametime – Last minute app with deals on unsold seats.
- Craigslist – Classic classifieds site with private sellers.
Artist and Venue Direct Sales
- Box Office – Avoid fees by buying direct from the venue.
- Artist Website – Check musicians’ official sites for presales.
- Fan Clubs – Join a fan club for early access to tickets.
- Radio Contests – Call in to score free or discounted seats.
- Promotional Deals – Snag tickets with special group packages.
While Ticketmaster is the giant in the industry, they’re not your only option. With persistence and creativity, you can find ways to buy tickets even for the hottest events without paying their fees.
Is Ticketmaster a monopoly?
Ticketmaster dominates the primary event ticketing industry, operating in over 28 countries and partnering with hundreds of major venues and promoters. This lack of serious competition has led many to accuse Ticketmaster of having an illegal monopoly.
Here are some key points in the debate around whether or not Ticketmaster is an unfair monopoly:
Arguments for Ticketmaster being a monopoly
- 70% market share of primary ticket sales in the US.
- Exclusive contracts with most major venues and promoters.
- Merged with competitor Live Nation in 2010 despite antitrust concerns.
- Accused of coercive tactics to block venues from rivals.
- Ticketing fees have steadily risen with lack of competition.
- No close competitor comes anywhere close to their scale.
Arguments against Ticketmaster monopoly
- They face competition from growing players like AXS, SeatGeek, Eventbrite.
- Only about 30% of tickets for top tours are sold through Ticketmaster.
- Artists and venues willingly choose to partner with them.
- The secondary market and ticket resales also provide competition.
- They’ve innovated features like verified resale to evolve.
- Their dominance is largely due to superior technology and services.
While Ticketmaster is clearly dominant, experts disagree on whether their position constitutes an illegal monopoly. They have escaped being broken up so far, but continue to face scrutiny for anti-competitive practices. The rise of new technologies may eventually erode their grip on the industry.
The future of Ticketmaster
Despite its market position, Ticketmaster faces growing threats looking toward the future. Here are some factors that may impact Ticketmaster’s future dominance:
- Pressure from lawmakers – Regulators continue probing their competitive practices and market power.
- Backlash over fees – Consumers resent the steady rise in fees which damages their brand.
- Competition from disruptors – Newer players keep emerging with better technology and fan-friendly pricing.
- Vertical integration – Owning ticketing, promotions and artists gives Live Nation more leverage.
- Shifting fan expectations – Younger generations demand fair pricing, flexibility and social features.
- New technologies – Blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs, metaverse events could revolutionize ticketing processes.
Ticketmaster still enjoys strong coefficients of friction that will prevent any imminent collapse. But looking 5-10 years out, their position seems more uncertain as consumer behavior evolves. To stay on top, Ticketmaster will need to continue evolving its own ticketing experiences with innovative features that go far beyond simply selling tickets.
Conclusion
When Ticketmaster can’t find tickets for an event you want to attend, it’s almost always an indication the event is sold out or tickets aren’t on sale yet. This frustrating message has become increasingly common as demand grows for limited seats at popular concerts, games, theater performances and other events. While being persistent, trying alternative sources and joining waitlists can sometimes help you still snag last-minute seats, your options are limited when up against Ticketmaster’s grip on the primary ticket market.
Critics argue that Ticketmaster’s dominance crosses into illegal monopoly territory, allowing them to hike fees and take fans for granted. But thus far no competitor has managed to truly threaten their supremacy. As consumer behavior shifts and new startups apply technological innovations to ticketing, there are signs that Ticketmaster’s reign may diminish over time. But for now, they remain the undisputed champions of supplying tickets, for better or worse.