A box office for a concert is where tickets are sold for live music performances. It serves as the centralized location where concertgoers can purchase tickets in person rather than ordering them online or over the phone. The box office is typically located at the venue where the concert will take place.
Purpose of the Box Office
The main purpose of the box office at a concert venue is to sell tickets to events happening at that location. Customers can visit the box office in person and buy tickets with cash or card. The box office may also field phone calls from people interested in purchasing tickets. Additionally, the box office may:
- Sell merchandise related to the concerts and performers
- Provide information about upcoming shows and events
- Answer questions about ticket availability, pricing, and seating
- Assist customers with exchanging tickets or resolving issues
- Sell VIP packages that include perks like meet-and-greets with the performers
Having a dedicated box office staff provides concertgoers with a convenient way to get tickets and get information about shows without having to buy online. The box office essentially serves as the physical hub for all ticket sales and customer service needs related to that venue’s events.
Box Office Location
The box office is traditionally located right at the concert venue itself. This allows patrons to swing by and purchase tickets in person when attending other shows. Most venues situate the box office near the main entrance to the facility. It may be a standalone booth or part of the lobby.
Some typical box office locations include:
- In the lobby of the arena or theater
- At the entrance gates of an outdoor amphitheater
- Inside a performing arts center
- Adjacent to the will call and ticket pickup area
- Near the guest services booth
Having an onsite box office is extremely convenient for patrons already coming to the venue. The box office hours also tend to align with when most events start. Some venues may even open the box office a few hours before showtime to allow for last-minute purchases.
Box Office Staff
Box office personnel are in charge of executing ticket sales and providing customer service. Here are some typical box office staff positions and responsibilities:
- Box Office Manager – Oversees all box office operations, staffing, and ticket sales. They may also coordinate with promoters and track sales.
- Box Office Supervisors – Manage the day-to-day box office activities and box office reps. They ensure policies and procedures are followed.
- Box Office Representatives – Work the box office windows/counters and interact with customers to sell tickets. They also answer questions and address concerns.
- Box Office Assistants – Support the box office reps with tasks like ticket stocking, processing orders, and managing will call.
The box office team works closely together to provide patrons with an efficient ticketing experience. Larger venues may have dozens of box office employees handling high customer demand. The staff aims to make purchasing tickets easy for concert fans of all ages.
Buying Concert Tickets at the Box Office
Purchasing tickets directly at the concert box office is a quick and easy process. Here is a general overview of what patrons can expect:
- Arrive at the box office during open hours – Most are open everyday, including weekends and nightly before concerts.
- Wait in line if needed – Lines may form leading up to popular shows selling out.
- Approach the next available box office representative when at the front.
- Tell them which concert you want tickets for – Give the show name, date, and number of tickets.
- Select your desired seat numbers or section – The rep can show you a seating chart.
- Pay for the concert tickets – Cash and all major credit/debit cards are accepted.
- Receive your printed or electronic tickets – They may be actual paper tickets, a receipt, or emailed to you.
The box office rep will walk you through the quick ticketing process. The whole transaction often takes less than 5-10 minutes. It’s faster than buying online since you skip the extra steps of creating accounts and waiting for shipping.
Benefits of Buying Tickets at the Box Office
Utilizing the concert venue’s box office to purchase tickets has several advantages:
- Avoid fees – Box office tickets don’t have the processing fees and service charges that come with online orders.
- Immediate ticket in-hand – Get your concert tickets instantly instead of waiting for delivery.
- Personal customer service – Box office reps can answer questions and provide seating recommendations.
- Easier exchanges – Tickets can potentially be exchanged easier when dealing face-to-face.
- Safer transactions – Avoid risks associated with online purchases from unreliable third-party resellers.
- Access to promotional deals – Box offices may offer exclusive ticket deals not available online.
Patrons appreciate the personalized, fee-free experience of buying directly from the venue’s own box office. It gives piece of mind knowing it’s the official source for tickets.
Disadvantages of the Box Office
Despite its perks, purchasing tickets at the concert box office does have some downsides:
- Only available during box office hours – The box office has limited operating times, unlike 24/7 online sales.
- Must visit in person – It’s not as convenient as buying online for those who live far away.
- May have long lines – Popular concerts can create huge waits compared to online.
- Reduced selection – The best tickets may sell out at the box office first.
- Cash only – Some box offices still don’t accept credit/debit cards.
In certain cases, such as high demand shows, buying online may be easier and provide access to better ticket availability. But the box office still remains a viable option for many concertgoers.
Box Office Ticket Prices
Concert ticket prices at the box office are typically face value without added fees. Things that impact base ticket prices include:
- The type of seat – Front row or VIP tickets cost more than seats in the back.
- The popularity of the performer – Big acts like Taylor Swift charge higher ticket prices.
- The size of the venue – Large arenas are pricier than small clubs.
- The day of the week – Weekend shows often cost more than weekday shows.
- The city/region – Concerts in major markets like LA and NYC have elevated pricing.
Venues ultimately set their own box office ticket prices based on what the local market can support. Below are some sample average ticket prices at the box office for different concert types and locations:
Concert Type | Small Club | Local Theater | Arena |
---|---|---|---|
Upcoming indie band | $15 | $25 | $50 |
Established rock act | $20 | $35-75 | $75-125 |
Pop superstar | $30 | $75-200 | $125-400 |
As shown, the pricing scale substantially rises based on venue size and performer fame. Front row or VIP box office tickets for major concerts can also cost over $500-$1000 each.
Box Office Payment Options
Concert box offices accept various payment methods for tickets. The most common options include:
- Cash – This is acceptable at all box offices since it’s legal US tender.
- Credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover tend to be widely taken.
- Debit cards – Customers can pay directly from their checking account.
- Gift cards – Some box offices take their own venue gift cards.
- Traveler’s checks – These function as cash and require a valid ID to use.
There can be minimum purchase amounts required for credit/debit cards, such as $20. Box offices do not accept personal checks as they cannot immediately clear. Some smaller venues only take cash.
Buying Sold Out Tickets at the Box Office
When a concert is listed as sold out online, that doesn’t necessarily mean box office tickets are unavailable. Venues hold back some tickets for box office purchases. Reasons tickets may still be for sale include:
- Production holds – Saved for the concert tour and performer guests.
- VIP ticket packages – Bundle deals with perks like meet-and-greets.
- Upgrades – Seat improvements patrons can purchase onsite.
- Released holds – Tickets held for promotional partners that went unsold.
- Returned tickets – Refunds from broken purchases that go back on sale.
It never hurts to check directly at the box office even if online tickets show a “sold out” status. Persistence and timing can pay off in landing seats. The box office is a concertgoer’s best bet for scouring last minute ticket availability.
Box Office Hours
Most concert venue box offices are open for several hours leading up to showtimes when tickets are in highest demand. Typical box office hours include:
- Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – showtime
- Open until 30-60 minutes after concerts start on event nights.
- Hours are extended on weekends with multiple shows.
- Holiday and daytime hours may be reduced or closed.
Concertgoers can check the venue’s official website or social media pages for updated listings of exact box office operating hours. Patrons should always confirm hours before making a special trip.
Buying Concert Tickets Online vs. Box Office
Online | Box Office | |
---|---|---|
Convenience | More convenient 24/7 access. | Requires in-person visit during open hours. |
Availability | Larger pool of tickets to select from. | Limited ticket inventory onsale. |
Prices | Extra processing fees added. | Just face value ticket cost. |
Delivery | Wait for mailed tickets or mobile transfer. | Walk out with tickets in hand. |
Exchanges | Difficult to exchange online purchases. | Easier to exchange in person. |
Weighing the pros and cons of buying online versus directly at the box office can help concertgoers decide the best ticketing option. Many patrons utilize both channels when purchasing tickets.
Common Box Office Questions
Box office representatives are accustomed to answering all types of questions from concertgoers. Some of the most frequently asked questions include:
- When do you open today?
- Do I have to buy a certain number of tickets?
- Are there any tickets left for tonight’s show?
- Can I get a seat upgrade if I buy now?
- How much are the VIP meet-and-greet packages?
- Can I exchange these tickets for another show?
- Is this concert reserved seating or general admission?
- Where can I find accessible seating options?
- Do you sell concert t-shirts and merch here?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
Some key tips when talking to box office reps:
- Know the show name, date, and time.
- Ask about seat locations to find the best views.
- Inquire about ticket limits, exchanges, upgrades.
- Confirm what payment types they can take.
Future of the Concert Box Office
While online and mobile ticketing usage grows, the concert box office remains a relevant sales channel patronized by millions. Some ways box offices are evolving include:
- Enhanced technology – POS systems provide detailed seating charts and ticketing data.
- Digital displays – TV monitors highlight upcoming shows and promotions.
- Mobile apps – Allow fans to access and manage box office accounts on smartphones.
- Self-serve kiosks – Automated machines provide another box office access point.
- Social media integration – Box office updates are shared out on various online platforms.
By embracing technology and omnichannel sales, the concert box office continues offering fans unique value, personalization, and convenience. Its physical presence endures as the go-to hub for reliable ticketing services.
Conclusion
The box office remains the official, primary source for purchasing tickets to live concerts and shows. Fans can visit the conveniently located box office at venues for quick, transparent transactions sans fees. Experienced staff offer personalized recommendations and aid for securing great seats. While online tickets provide wider access, die-hard concertgoers still seek out that in-person box office experience. Visiting the box office is part concert tradition, part rite of passage for many fans.
The next time concert tickets go on sale, consider skipping the online queue and heading straight to the venue’s box office. Arrive early, because just like the best seats, the best tickets sell out fast. But the trip is worth it to score those coveted spots by working directly with the box office team. Just be ready to pay in cash and don’t forget your earplugs.