Ticketmaster presales give fans early access to buy tickets before the general public. This guide covers everything you need to know about scoring presale tickets, from types of presales to tips for success.
What Is a Ticketmaster Presale?
A Ticketmaster presale is an early ticket-buying opportunity for select fans. It happens before tickets go on sale to everyone else. Presales aim to reward loyal fans and members of certain groups with first dibs on the best seats.
Types of Ticketmaster Presales
Ticketmaster offers several presale options:
- Artist Presales: For fan club members or mailing list subscribers
- Venue Presales: For locals or frequent attendees of a specific venue
- Credit Card Presales: For cardholders of partnering banks
- Promoter Presales: Offered by event organizers like Live Nation
- Spotify Presales: For active listeners of an artist on Spotify
Benefits of Presale Tickets
Grabbing presale tickets on Ticketmaster can be a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Better seat choices
- Less competition than general sales
- Potential for lower prices (before dynamic pricing kicks in)
- Peace of mind knowing you’ve secured tickets
Getting Access to Ticketmaster Presales
Want in on the presale action? Here’s how to boost your chances:
Signing Up for Ticketmaster Notifications
- Create a Ticketmaster account
- Set your favorite artists, venues, and events
- Opt-in for email notifications
- Download the Ticketmaster app for instant alerts
Artist Fan Clubs and Mailing Lists
Join your favorite artists’ official fan clubs or sign up for their mailing lists. They often send presale codes directly to members.
Credit Card Presales
Some credit cards offer presale perks. Check if your card has these benefits:
- American Express: Access through “American Express Experiences”
- Capital One: Use “Capital One Entertainment” portal
- Citi: “Citi Entertainment” offers presale tickets
- Chase: Provides presale access through Ticketmaster and Live Nation
Venue and Promoter Presales
Follow local venues on social media and subscribe to their newsletters. Promoters like Live Nation also offer presales – keep an eye out for their announcements.
The Ticketmaster Presale Process
Now that you’re in the know, let’s walk through the presale process on Ticketmaster.
Finding Presale Events
- Log into your Ticketmaster account
- Search for your desired event
- Look for the “Presale” label on the event page
- Note the presale date and time
Entering Presale Codes
When the presale starts:
- Click on the event
- Select “Unlock” or enter the presale code when prompted
- Choose your tickets from the available options
Remember, presale codes are case-sensitive. Double-check before hitting enter!
Navigating the Virtual Queue
For high-demand events, Ticketmaster uses a virtual queue:
- Join the queue when it opens (usually 10 minutes before the sale)
- Don’t refresh – the page updates automatically
- When it’s your turn, you’ll have a limited time to buy tickets
Pro tip: Keep your device awake and your internet connection stable while in the queue.
Tips for Successful Ticketmaster Presales
Want to up your presale game? Try these strategies:
Prepare Your Account in Advance
- Update your Ticketmaster profile
- Save your payment info for quick checkout
- Verify your account if required
Be Ready at the Right Time
- Set multiple alarms
- Log in 15-20 minutes early
- Have your presale code ready to copy and paste
Use Multiple Devices
Increase your chances by:
- Using your computer and phone simultaneously
- Asking trusted friends or family to try for you
- Using different browsers if on one device
But remember, don’t overdo it – Ticketmaster may flag suspicious activity.
Common Questions About Ticketmaster Presales
Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about how presales work on Ticketmaster.
Are Presale Tickets More Expensive?
Usually, presale tickets cost the same as general sale tickets. Sometimes, they’re even cheaper. But watch out for dynamic pricing – prices can increase based on demand.
Do Presale Codes Guarantee Tickets?
No, presale codes don’t guarantee tickets. They only grant access to the presale. Tickets are still first-come, first-served and can sell out quickly.
What If My Presale Code Doesn’t Work?
If your code isn’t working:
- Double-check for typos
- Ensure you’re using it for the correct presale
- Try a different browser or device
- Contact Ticketmaster support if issues persist
Alternatives to Ticketmaster Presales
Missed out on the presale? Don’t worry, you’ve got options:
General Public Sales
The main ticket sale is open to everyone. Be ready when they go live – competition can be fierce!
Verified Fan Programs
Some artists use Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan system. It’s not a presale, but it can boost your chances of getting tickets.
Secondary Market Options
If all else fails, check out resale sites. But be cautious of inflated prices and potential scams.
The Future of Ticketmaster Presales
Ticketmaster constantly evolves its presale system. Keep an eye out for:
- More personalized presale opportunities
- Enhanced anti-bot measures
- Integration with social media platforms
- Blockchain technology for secure ticket distribution
As the ticketing world changes, stay informed to keep your edge in nabbing those coveted presale tickets.
Presales on Ticketmaster offer a fantastic opportunity to secure tickets to your must-see events. By understanding how the process works and following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of presale opportunities. Remember, persistence and preparation are key. Happy ticket hunting!
