If you find yourself stuck in the Ticketmaster virtual queue with no progress, don’t panic. Here are some tips for troubleshooting and hopefully getting your place back in line.
Try refreshing the page
The simplest solution is to try refreshing your browser page. This will reconnect you to the Ticketmaster server and may sort out any temporary glitches. Keep refreshing periodically until you see the queue progressing again.
Check your internet connection
Issues with your internet connectivity can also cause the queue to freeze. Make sure your wifi or mobile data is still working properly. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to refresh the connection. Using a speed test site can check for drops in bandwidth. Switch to a different network if needed.
Use a different browser or device
Problems may be browser or device specific. Try accessing the Ticketmaster queue on a different web browser or mobile device to see if it unfreezes the line. Chrome, Firefox, Safari and others handle queues differently. Swapping devices forces a fresh connect to their servers.
Disable browser extensions
Some browser add-ons or extensions may interfere with queue systems. Temporarily disabling extensions like ad blockers, VPNs or privacy plugins can let you back into a stuck line. Re-enable them after getting through. Chrome, Firefox and others have options to quickly switch extensions on or off.
Try incognito/private browsing mode
Private or incognito modes load pages in a fresh, extension-free browser session. This can bypass any extension conflicts without fully disabling them. Pull up the Ticketmaster queue in a new incognito window to test if that moves it along.
Clear cookies and cache
Outdated cookies and cached browser files can sometimes disrupt the Ticketmaster queue connection. Clearing them forces your browser to start fresh. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data. Select cookies, cached images and files. Other browsers have similar options.
Try a different Ticketmaster presale
If you have access to multiple Ticketmaster presale links or codes, try joining through a different door. It’s possible one presale queue is stuck, while another will still progress. Log out and back in using a different presale for your event.
Keep trying different devices
Persistence may pay off. Cycle through using different devices – desktop, mobile, tablet – and browsers to find one that breaks you out of the frozen queue. It’s tedious, but can work eventually. Use a combination of wifi, mobile data, incognito modes and disabling extensions until the line starts moving.
Call Ticketmaster Customer Service
If all else fails, pick up the phone. Calling Ticketmaster customer service can alert them to technical issues with your queue. Have your order number ready. An agent may be able to manually override a glitch and reinstate your spot in line.
Check Ticketmaster’s system status
Before spending too much time troubleshooting on your end, check whether Ticketmaster is experiencing wider technical problems. Their @Ticketmaster and @TicketmasterCS Twitter accounts often update on system status and known issues.
You can also visit Ticketmaster’s Help Center at help.ticketmaster.com to check for service advisories and updates on identified bugs.
Wait it out
With persistently high demand, timeouts and frozen queues may be unavoidable at peak sales times. If Ticketmaster isn’t reporting technical problems, your best option may be hanging tight. Stay logged in and watch closely for any movement. Many find the line suddenly jumps forward after a long stall.
Have backup tickets ready
Hedging your bets is wise. While stuck in a halted Ticketmaster queue, also try for tickets through other presales, like fan clubs or credit card promotions. Have a friend or family member log in through a different device, in case your queue is account specific. Line up backup tickets to release your primary queue seats if needed.
Complain on social media
If you miss out after major site failures, let Ticketmaster hear about it. Venting your frustration on Twitter or Facebook helps make them aware of overwhelmed systems. Public pressure can urge quicker fixes before the next big on-sale. Just don’t expect a miracle cure for your specific ticket problem.
Most common causes of a frozen Ticketmaster queue
A few key technical issues tend to crop up most often when Ticketmaster queues jam:
Heavy traffic overload
With only a finite amount of capacity, queues can grind to a halt at peak demand. Popular shows sell out fast, with millions trying to buy. Even robust servers get swamped. All you can do is wait it out and hope the line starts flowing again.
Glitched pre-queue pages
Before entering the main queue, you go through a pre-queue loading stage. Errors here can prevent you ever reaching the real line. Trying a fresh device or browser may bypass a glitch.
connection errors
Any interruption in connectivity between your browser and Ticketmaster stalls progress. Check your internet is working properly if the queue abruptly stops. Troubleshoot wifi and mobile data issues, switch networks or try different devices.
Buggy queue programming
With so much traffic, flaws in the queuing software inevitability pop up. Outdated browser cookies or overloaded servers can cause stalls. Ticketmaster needs to identify and fix these bugs, which may require refreshing your session.
Tips for speeding up a slow Ticketmaster queue
Even if not fully frozen, Ticketmaster queues can crawl along at a snail’s pace. Every minute that ticks by reduces your chances of tickets. Try these tricks to nudge your place in line:
Close other browser tabs
Cut down on computer resource drain by closing all other open tabs. Quit any unnecessary apps running in the background as well. Devote all available bandwidth to your Ticketmaster session.
Plug into ethernet
For desktop computers, a hardwired ethernet connection provides faster, more reliable speeds than wifi. Unplug from wireless and plug in a network cable to keep your queue moving.
Minimize queue refresh rate
Rapidly hammering Ticketmaster’s servers by constantly reloading your queue position only makes matters worse. Limit it to every minute or two.
Use a speedtest site
Run internet speed tests periodically to check for network slowdowns dragging your queue. Switch wifi bands or reboot your router if speeds decline. Having proof of a slowdown is useful when contacting customer service.
Try multiple devices
Keep spare mobile, laptop and tablet devices standing by with the queue open. If your main device line stalls, have another make progress. Juggle them to get some queue movement.
Clear up hard drive space
Limited storage space slows down computer performance. Delete unneeded files and clear caches to open up more hard drive bandwidth for your queue place to keep advancing.
Is the Ticketmaster queue truly random?
Ticketmaster insists its online queues randomly assign places, providing equal opportunity to buy high demand tickets. But some cry foul over patterns they see, suspecting foul play.
No evidence of non-random queues
Ticketmaster states the order in its queues is “fully random”. The company relies on this to uphold fairness and thwart bots. There’s no solid proof they manipulate queues to favor certain customers.
Anecdotes of suspicious patterns
Skeptics point to suspicious anecdotal patterns as evidence the queues aren’t truly random. Some note those using multiple devices often gain an advantage. Or loyal customers get early queue spots.
Perception of bias
Seeing resellers score hot tickets feeds suspicion. But this is often just luck of the draw, combined with bots and scalpers using tricks to boost odds. Ticketmaster has little incentive to willingly aid these groups.
Benefit of the doubt
With so much public scrutiny and antsy customers, deliberately rigging the queues seems an unwise move. The most likely explanation is overloaded systems sometimes deliver unintended patterns.
How does the Ticketmaster queue work?
Understanding the method behind Ticketmaster’s virtual waiting rooms can help maneuver spots when demand is high.
True randomization
Ticketmaster insists their queues assign completely random spots in line as users join. No factor like loyalty or timing confers an advantage.
Joining the queue
To get in queue, you first go through a loading waiting room. Once slots become available, this feeds users randomly into the real queue.
One queue…or two?
Some reports indicate Ticketmaster may split queues, with the frontend moving slower. Closing and rejoining may get you into the faster backend line.
Quantity limits
To deter bulk scalping bots, Ticketmaster limits how many top seats each user can buy. This lengthens queues but adds more fairness.
Room ahead
Don’t always trust your spot. The line tends to jump forward suddenly as users drop out or timeout. Your number may rise and fall unpredictably.
Tips for speeding up other online ticket queues
Ticketmaster isn’t the only game in town. Many venues and artists use other ticket vendors with virtual waiting rooms. Their queue systems work similarly, so these tips apply:
Clear queue cookies
Outdated cached queue data slows things down. Delete your browser cookies before joining each new line.
Try different queue links
Follow all available queue links you have rather than relying on one. This grabs multiple spots to up your chances.
Reboot your router
A fresh internet connection helps avoid lag issues that can stall your advance. Quickly restart your router before queues open.
Use phone on cellular, not wifi
Cellular data often proves faster and more consistent than home wifi for urgent queues. Make it your primary device.
Have accounts on multiple devices
Save time logging in and out by having your accounts loaded on a few devices. Tap each one into a queue for multiple spots.
Turn off battery saver mode
To keep your queue moving, disable any device battery saver settings that might slow connectivity or put pages to sleep.
Is it worth paying for Ticketmaster ‘Verified Fan’?
Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program claims to help frequent buyers beat queues for hot tickets. But is it a smart investment?
How Verified Fan works
Fans register for Verified Fan status for specific tours or events. Ticketmaster verifies registrants are genuine buyers, not scalping bots.
Perks over regular buyers
Verified Fans get advance first access to select tickets before the general on-sale. This lets them buy before queues get flooded.
Pre-queue offer for premium tickets
Verified Fan members also get exclusive pre-queue offers to purchase premium tickets, like VIP packages, often at marked up prices.
No guarantee of tickets
Despite its perks, Verified Fan still doesn’t guarantee you’ll get tickets. The most popular events sell out fast even in the early queues.
Costs add up
You have to re-register – and pay – separately for each tour you want Verified Fan access to. Those fees really mount up over time.
Advantage less clear
As more people sign up, early Verified Fan queues get crowded too. Regular fans argue the advantage over them has narrowed.
Tips for dodging Ticketmaster Dynamic Pricing
Ticketmaster’s variable “Dynamic Pricing” adjusts costs based on demand, frustrating buyers. Try these tactics to avoid overpaying:
Shop pre-sales
Get tickets from fan club or credit card presales before dynamic pricing kicks in. These usually offer set prices, saving substantially.
Buy early
Prices trend higher closer to events. Buy as soon as you can after sales open to catch lower pre-surge pricing.
Choose less popular dates
The most in-demand performances will see biggest price spikes. Opt for less crowded weeknights or shows to dodge peaks.
Consider the upper decks
Nosebleed seats avoid the huge hikes floor tickets get. You’ll still be in the door for a more reasonable tab.
Buy in blocks
Look for ticket blocks still using static pricing. Buying pairs or groups beats piecemeal dynamic purchases.
Check third-party resellers
Scalpers got tickets early, before dynamic pricing. Ironically, their marked-up resale costs can be lower.
Beware these Ticketmaster scams
Desperate ticket seekers let down their guard, making them vulnerable to scammers. Watch for these sneakyTicketmastercons:
“You’ve won” scam emails
Fake emails tell you that you won tickets or gift cards from Ticketmaster. They lead to phishing sites stealing your data.
Funny web addresses
Scam sites mimic Ticketmaster’s design with misspelled URLs. Check the address bar closely to avoid spoof sites.
Fake customer service numbers
Do an online search for the official contact info rather than trusting numbers in unsolicited emails or texts.
Suspicious discounts
Too-good-to-be-true deals flagged as Ticketmaster prices likely hide extra fees they’ll tack on later.
“Final release” alerts
Sketchy alerts of a “last ticket release” aim to spur you into a panic buy from their phishing links.
Call recording scams
Beware any call claiming you must “press 1” to purchase or authorize tickets. They record you saying yes for fraud.
Key takeaways
Dealing with frozen or glacially slow Ticketmaster queues tests the patience of fans. But being prepared with the right troubleshooting tips can help rescue your place in line:
- Refresh periodically to reconnect with Ticketmaster servers
- Check your internet connection and try different devices/browsers
- Disable extensions that may interfere with queuing systems
- Try incognito browsing to bypass extension issues
- Clear cookies and caches for a fresh start
- Test other presale options in case one queue glitches
- Call customer service if stuck for immediate help
- Follow Ticketmaster on social media for system status updates
- Have backups ready like fan club presales in case your main queue fails
Stay patient, keep trying different tricks, and don’t lose hope! The queue should start flowing again eventually so you can score those coveted tickets.