Scoring tickets to see your favorite artist live can be thrilling, but the process is often stressful. This comprehensive guide will help you with the knowledge and strategies to successfully navigate the world of online ticketing and increase your chances of securing tickets to those coveted shows.

Types of Concert Tickets

Understanding the different types of concert tickets available will help you target the ones that best suit your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

• General Admission: This is the most basic and often the most affordable ticket type. General admission (GA) offers access to a designated standing-room-only area, usually located in front of the stage or throughout the venue floor.

• Reserved Seating: Reserved seats come with designated seat numbers in specific sections of the venue. These offer the advantage of a guaranteed seat for the show’s duration. Prices vary depending on the section and proximity to the stage.

• VIP Packages: Want the ultimate concert experience? VIP packages offer a range of perks, including premium seating, access to exclusive lounges, meet-and-greets with the artist, merchandise, and food and beverage inclusions. Be prepared to pay a higher price tag for these premium packages.

• Early Entry: Some concerts offer early entry tickets that allow you to enter the venue before the main doors open. This gets you closer to the stage in general admission areas or the chance to snag better seats in reserved seating sections.

• Meet-and-Greet: These highly sought-after tickets offer a rare chance to interact with the artist. They usually include a short meet-and-greet, a photo opportunity, and sometimes early entry or premium seating.

Tips for Choosing Your Ticket Type:

• Consider your priorities: Do you value the best seats regardless of price, or is being at the concert your main goal?
• Factor in crowd preferences: General admission areas tend to be more energetic and crowded, whereas reserved seating provides a more relaxed experience.
• Check venue seating: Research the venue’s seating chart to understand the view and experience from different sections.

By understanding the types of tickets available, you can make an informed decision that matches your concert goals and budget.

Preparation is Key

• Set a realistic budget: Before anything else, determine how much you’re willing to spend on the entire concert experience. Factor in tickets, potential fees, travel, and even merchandise. Having a clear budget prevents overspending and disappointment.

• Know your priorities and be flexible: Do you crave the best seats in the house, or is simply being at the concert your main goal? Consider VIP packages, general admission, or balcony seats to match your preferences and budget. Be flexible with dates or even backup artists if your first choice sells out quickly.

• Research official ticket sellers: The safest way to buy concert tickets online is through the artist’s website, the venue’s website, or authorized ticketing platforms like Concerts&Tickets or Ticketmaster. Avoid shady third-party resellers that can offer inflated prices or even fake tickets.

• Sign up for alerts: Get the inside scoop by joining mailing lists for your favorite artists, venues, and ticketing platforms. Follow them on social media for announcements about tour dates, presale codes, and when tickets go on sale.

Pre-sale and Fan Clubs

• Explore presales: Many concerts offer pre-sale windows before tickets become available to the general public. These can be accessed through credit cards, fan clubs, or venue memberships. Familiarize yourself with these options.

• Consider a fan club: If you’re a die-hard fan, weigh the cost of a fan club membership against the potential benefits. These can include access to exclusive presales, better seat selection, and other perks.

• Understand the limitations: Pre-sale is a great way to get a jump on tickets, but they don’t guarantee success. They often have limited inventory, and even with a code, your desired seats may not be available.

The Day Tickets Go on Sale

• Tech setup: Ensure you have a strong internet connection and a device (computer, smartphone) ready to go. Pre-register on the ticketing platform and app, saving your payment information beforehand for faster checkout.
• Timing is everything: Know the exact on-sale time and be logged into the site early. Many platforms use a virtual queue system, so logging in early puts you ahead. Prepare to refresh continuously as the countdown hits zero.
• Don’t despair over waitlists: Sometimes ticket sites allow you to join a waitlist if your initial attempt fails. While not a guarantee, some tickets do get released later.

If Plans Fail

• Reputable reseller sites: If your desired concert sells out, explore sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats. These sites allow fans to resell tickets, sometimes at face value. Be aware of pricing, fees, and the seller’s reputation before purchasing.
• “Day Of” availability: Venues occasionally release a limited number of tickets right before the show. Check the venue’s website or box office on the day of the concert as a last-ditch effort.
• Beware of scams: Never buy tickets from sites like Craigslist or unverified social media sellers. Stick to established platforms to ensure your ticket is genuine.

Additional Tips

• Teamwork: Enlist the help of friends or family members to increase your chances of securing tickets. Coordinate your efforts and have everyone logged in and ready to buy.
• Use multiple devices: Try using your computer, phone, and even a tablet if possible. Each device represents a chance of getting through the queue. It’s helpful to have multiple tabs open on each device as well.
• Don’t give up: Buying tickets online can be frustrating. If you don’t get tickets right away, try again later as some tickets may be released closer to the concert date.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation: Know your budget, do your research, and sign up for alerts.
• Presales: Take advantage of presales when possible.
• Timing: Be on time and ready the moment tickets go on sale.
• Persistence: Don’t give up! Keep checking for released tickets.
• Safety: Use official sellers and reputable resale sites.

Remember, even with the best tips, scoring tickets to in-demand concerts takes a bit of luck! Following these strategies will improve your chances and make the buying process less stressful. Good luck in your quest for live music!