Ticketmaster and Live Nation are two of the most popular apps for purchasing tickets to live events like concerts, sports games, theater shows, and more. Both apps allow you to easily search for events, view seating charts, securely purchase tickets, and access your tickets on your mobile device. However, there are some key differences between the Ticketmaster and Live Nation apps that are important to understand before deciding which one to use.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare and contrast the Ticketmaster and Live Nation apps by answering common questions about their features, ticket availability, fees and pricing, user experience, and more. Whether you are a frequent concertgoer or just an occasional event attendee, read on to determine if Ticketmaster or Live Nation is better suited to meet your ticket purchasing needs.
Key Differences Summary
Here is a quick overview of the main differences between Ticketmaster and Live Nation:
– Inventory – Ticketmaster has wider access to tickets for more venues and events. Live Nation owns Ticketmaster but only sells Live Nation promoted shows.
– Fees – Both apps charge service fees but Ticketmaster fees are generally higher. Live Nation has more low fee ticket options.
– User experience – The Ticketmaster app is more robust while Live Nation is simpler and more streamlined.
– Sales – Ticketmaster sells primary market tickets only. Live Nation has access to primary and secondary market tickets.
– Perks – Live Nation app provides access to presales and special offers for Live Nation events.
What events can you get tickets for on each app?
The main difference between the Ticketmaster and Live Nation apps is the inventory of events available.
Ticketmaster sells tickets to over 30,000 venues and 200,000 events across the globe each year. As the world’s largest ticketing provider for live entertainment, you can use Ticketmaster to purchase tickets to concerts, sports games, plays, festivals and basically any major live event.
In contrast, the Live Nation app only sells tickets to Live Nation promoted and sponsored events, which account for about 30-40% of major live events. Live Nation is the world’s largest live entertainment company promoting concerts, operating venues, and managing artists. So the Live Nation app is limited to Live Nation’s inventory of events.
So in summary:
– Ticketmaster provides tickets to a wider selection of events – both Live Nation promoted events as well as any other live event using Ticketmaster for tickets sales.
– Live Nation app exclusively sells tickets to Live Nation promoted and sponsored events like concerts at Live Nation owned amphitheaters and festivals.
If you want access to the biggest possible inventory of event tickets, the Ticketmaster app has the advantage. But for Live Nation events specifically, the Live Nation app will be the main source of tickets.
What are the fees like on each app?
The fees charged when purchasing tickets are one of the most noticeable differences between Ticketmaster and Live Nation apps.
Ticketmaster is notorious for high service fees that can add 20-30% extra onto the base ticket price. These mandatory fees include delivery fees, facility charges and order processing fees. The exact fees vary based on the event, venue and ticket value.
The Live Nation app tends to have lower fees on average compared to Ticketmaster. Live Nation also offers more transparency with all-in pricing that combines fees into the main ticket price. Certain value tickets are available with minimal fees under $5 per ticket.
When fees are broken down side by side, a $50 concert ticket would cost:
– On Ticketmaster: $50 ticket + $15 fees = $65 total
– On Live Nation: $50 ticket + $7 fees = $57 total
So while both apps do charge mandatory fees, Live Nation app has generally cheaper service fees compared to Ticketmaster’s higher fees.
How is the app experience and ease of use?
The Ticketmaster and Live Nation apps are both easy to use with straightforward event discovery, ticket selection and checkout. But there are some differences in features and overall user experience.
The Ticketmaster app offers a more robust set of features including:
– Detailed interactive venue seating maps
– Broader event recommendations engine
– Refined event filters and search tools
– Event notifications and reminders
– Resale ticket marketplace
In contrast, the Live Nation app has a more streamlined design focused exclusively on Live Nation events. Key features of the Live Nation app include:
– Simplified event browsing by genre or location
– Basic venue maps
– Links to Live Nation presales and promos
– Integration with Live Nation Rewards program
For many users, the simpler Live Nation design is easier navigate and sufficient to find Live Nation events and tickets. But Ticketmaster offers a fuller mobile experience for those who need more detailed event info and tools.
Can you buy resale tickets on the apps?
Ticketmaster provides access to tickets resold through their Ticketmaster Resale (or TicketExchange) marketplace on both web and mobile app. So you can buy secondhand tickets alongside regular primary event tickets.
The Live Nation app does not currently have any integrated resale ticket functionality. It only sells primary general admission and reserved seated tickets for Live Nation events.
So if you want to browse or purchase resale tickets from other fans, Ticketmaster is the only option between the two apps. Live Nation focuses exclusively on primary ticket sales for their promoted events.
How do the loyalty programs compare?
Both Ticketmaster and Live Nation have loyalty programs that provide perks and special offers to members.
Live Nation’s loyalty program is called Live Nation Rewards. Members earn 1 point for every $1 spent, unlocking access to presales, free tickets, discounts and more. Perks are tailored to super fans of Live Nation festivals, venues and concerts.
Ticketmaster does not have an official loyalty program. But users can still access presales, preferred seating offers and event alerts by signing up for Ticketmaster’s mailing list. This is less robust than Live Nation Rewards but still useful.
So Live Nation definitely provides a better loyalty program of the two apps. But Ticketmaster users can still get some perks and early access by providing their contact info.
Which app usually has lower prices?
Ticket prices are generally set by the event organizer or venue rather than Ticketmaster or Live Nation. But in some cases, one app may offer cheaper face value tickets over the other:
– For high demand events, Ticketmaster dynamic pricing can lead to very expensive tickets. Live Nation has more fixed price tickets.
– Live Nation offers lower fee “discounted tickets” for select shows on their app.
– Live Nation app pre-sales sometimes have special low ticket allotments.
– Resale tickets on Ticketmaster often undercut rising primary ticket prices.
Overall, Live Nation tickets are more likely to be cheaper compared to Ticketmaster’s premium ticket pricing. But it depends entirely on the specific event. Popular shows will command top dollar regardless of where you buy it.
Can you view, save or share tickets?
The Ticketmaster and Live Nation apps both allow you to access your purchased tickets digitally on your phone. You can view, share, or save the interactive barcode tickets at any time.
Screenshotting or downloading tickets to your digital wallet or photo storage is also supported on both apps. So you can easily share tickets with friends or have them handy even without an internet connection.
The apps also send copies of purchased tickets to your email. So Ticketmaster and Live Nation have essentially the same tools for managing tickets after purchase.
Conclusion
In summary, while Ticketmaster and Live Nation both offer mobile apps to purchase event tickets, there are some key differences:
– Ticket availability – Ticketmaster has a wider selection of events while Live Nation is limited to Live Nation promoted shows.
– Fees – Live Nation has lower fees and more transparent all-in pricing. Ticketmaster charges higher services fees.
– Features – Ticketmaster has a more robust app with interactive maps and strong event recommendation tools. Live Nation app is more streamlined.
– Resale tickets – Only Ticketmaster provides resale ticket marketplace on the app.
– Loyalty perks – Live Nation Rewards program offers better perks like presales and discounts.
For access to the widest selection of live entertainment events, Ticketmaster is the best choice. But for lower fees and loyalty perks to Live Nation concerts, Live Nation app is preferable. Evaluate both apps against your specific event ticket needs to determine the better option.
Consider downloading both the Ticketmaster and Live Nation apps if you attend a mix of events from different promoters. Having both apps provides the flexibility to purchase any event tickets with just a few taps.
FAQ
Does Ticketmaster own Live Nation?
Yes, Ticketmaster’s parent company Live Nation Entertainment acquired Ticketmaster in 2010. So while they operate as separate brands, Ticketmaster and Live Nation have an interconnected corporate relationship.
Why are Ticketmaster fees so high?
Ticketmaster fees include services like online ticket delivery, customer support and event promotion. But fees have continued to rise in order to drive revenue growth for the company. The lack of competition in ticketing also enables Ticketmaster to charge higher fees.
Are there any fees to use the Live Nation app?
Yes, while Live Nation advertises lower fees compared to Ticketmaster, there are still service and delivery fees charged when purchasing tickets through the Live Nation app. Just expect to pay $5-15 in fees per ticket on average.
Can I get tickets to my local team’s games on Live Nation?
No, Live Nation primarily focuses on concert and festival tickets. For sports teams, theaters and smaller local venues, you’ll need to use the Ticketmaster app instead.
Is Ticketmaster or Live Nation app better for concert tickets?
For concert tickets specifically, the Live Nation app may have an edge with lower fees, presales and loyalty perks to Live Nation live music events and festivals. But check Ticketmaster too for the widest concert ticket selection.