Presale tickets have become a popular way for fans to secure their spot at a highly anticipated concert or event. But how many presale tickets are actually sold for these big gatherings? The answer can vary depending on the event and the promoter, but there are some general trends to keep in mind.
Typically, presale tickets are made available to a select group of people before they go on sale to the general public. This can include fan club members, credit card holders, and other VIPs. The number of presale tickets available can range from a small percentage to a significant portion of the total tickets for the event.
Note that presale tickets may not necessarily be sold if they’re available. In some cases the demand for presale ticket may not be as great as expected, and some tickets will remain unsold. For highly-requested events, presale ticket sales can sell out fast, leaving fans disappointed once they are made available to the general population.
Overview of Presale Ticketing
Presale ticketing is a marketing strategy that allows certain groups of people to purchase tickets for an event before they go on sale to the general public. These groups can include fan club members, credit card holders, and those who sign up for special promotions or newsletters. The idea behind presale ticketing is to create excitement and buzz around an event, while also rewarding loyal fans and customers.
Presale tickets are typically sold in limited quantities and often have a specific time window during which they can be purchased. This means that those who are able to purchase presale tickets have a better chance of securing good seats or even VIP packages.
According to research, only a small percentage of tickets are sold during the public on-sale for a concert, with as little as 10% of tickets being available. This is because promoters want to maximize their profits and allocate tickets in a way that ensures they sell out quickly. Presale ticketing is one way to achieve this goal, as it encourages fans to purchase tickets early and creates a sense of urgency.
Presale tickets can also come with additional perks or benefits, such as access to exclusive merchandise or meet-and-greet opportunities with the artist or performers. This can make the ticket-buying experience more enjoyable and rewarding for fans, while also generating more revenue for the promoter.
Overall, presale ticketing can be a valuable tool for event promoters and organizers, as it helps to create excitement and generate sales. By offering early access to tickets and exclusive perks, presale ticketing can also help to build loyalty and engagement among fans and customers.
Factors Influencing Presale Ticket Quantities
The quantity of presale tickets that are sold for big concerts and events can vary depending on several factors. These factors include:
1. Venue Size
The size of the venue can greatly influence the number of presale tickets that are sold. For instance, a smaller venue may have fewer presale tickets available compared to a larger venue. This is because the demand for tickets may be higher for a larger venue, and the organizers may want to ensure that there are enough tickets available for the general public.
2. Artist Popularity
The popularity of the artist or band performing can also play a significant role in the number of presale tickets that are sold. If the artist has a large and dedicated fan base, the demand for tickets may be higher, resulting in a larger quantity of presale tickets being sold.
3. Ticketing Platform
The ticketing platform used can also influence the number of presale tickets that are sold. Some ticketing platforms may limit the number of presale tickets available, while others may offer more presale tickets to certain groups, such as VIP members or fan club members.
4. Promotional Strategy
The promotional strategy used by the event organizers can also impact the quantity of presale tickets sold. If the event is heavily promoted and marketed to a specific group, such as loyal fans or members of a fan club, the demand for presale tickets may be higher, resulting in a larger quantity of presale tickets being sold.
5. Event Type
The type of event being held can also influence the number of presale tickets sold. For instance, a highly anticipated event, such as a reunion concert or a one-time performance, may result in a larger quantity of presale tickets being sold due to the limited availability of tickets.
Methods of Calculating Presale Tickets Sold
When it comes to calculating the number of presale tickets sold for big concerts and events, there are several methods that can be used. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Ticketing Partner Reports
One way to determine the number of presale tickets sold is to get a report from the ticketing partner. Ticketmaster, for example, provides detailed reports to event organizers that show how many tickets were sold during each presale period. These reports can also provide information on the types of presales that were offered (such as fan club or credit card presales) and the number of tickets sold during each type of presale.
2. Event Organizer Estimates
Another method for calculating presale tickets sold is to rely on estimates from the event organizer. This can be done by asking the organizer how many tickets were sold during each presale period and adding up the totals. However, this method may not be as accurate as relying on ticketing partner reports, as the organizer may not have access to all of the presale data.
3. Analysis of Ticket Availability
A third way to estimate the number of presale tickets sold is to analyze the availability of tickets during the public onsale period. By looking at how many tickets are available for purchase during the onsale, it is possible to estimate how many tickets were sold during the presale period. For example, if only a small number of tickets are available during the onsale, it is likely that most of the tickets were sold during the presale.
Industry Standards for Presale Tickets
Presale tickets are a common practice in the event industry, and they are used to provide early access to tickets for loyal fans, members of fan clubs, and other insiders. However, the number of presale tickets that are actually sold for big concerts and events can vary widely depending on the event and the promoter.
According to industry standards, promoters typically allocate a certain percentage of tickets to presales, ranging from 10% to 50% of the total tickets available for sale. The exact percentage depends on various factors, such as the popularity of the artist, the venue capacity, and the expected demand for the event.
It is important to note that presale tickets are not always sold at a discount, contrary to popular belief. In fact, some promoters may even charge a premium for presale tickets, especially if they are part of a VIP package or include other perks such as early entry or meet-and-greet opportunities.
Another common practice in the industry is to limit the number of presale tickets that can be purchased by each individual. This is done to prevent scalpers and ticket brokers from buying up all the presale tickets and reselling them at inflated prices.
Case Studies of Major Concerts & Event
To better understand the presale ticket market, the team conducted research on major concerts and events. The following are some case studies that highlight the presale ticket sales for popular concerts and events.
One Direction Concert
According to an article in the New York Post, fans who were shut out of One Direction’s sold-out July 2 concert at the Izod Center were very disappointed. Even before the tickets went on sale to the public, only a small fraction of the 13,687 seats — just 4,474 tickets (32%)— were made available to average ordinary fans. This means that the remaining 68% of the tickets were sold during presales and to VIPs.
Taylor Swift Concert
Taylor Swift’s 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour was one of the biggest tours of the year. The tour had a total of 53 shows across North America, Europe, and Oceania. According to Billboard, the tour grossed $345.7 million, making it the highest-grossing tour in the US for 2018. However, it is not clear how many presale tickets were sold for the tour.
Justin Timberlake Concert
Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods Tour was another popular tour in 2018. The tour had a total of 115 shows across North America, Europe, and Asia. According to Billboard, the tour grossed $226.3 million, making it the second highest-grossing tour in the US for 2018. However, it is not clear how many presale tickets were sold for the tour.
Conclusion
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of presale tickets sold for major concerts and events, it is clear that presales play a significant role in the ticketing market. Presales allow fans to secure tickets before they go on sale to the general public and can often offer better seats and prices. However, the limited availability of presale tickets can also make it difficult for fans to secure tickets to popular events.
Impact of Presale on Event Success
Presale tickets play a significant role in the success of big concerts and events. They are sold before the general public on-sale and offer fans the opportunity to secure tickets before they sell out. The impact of presale tickets on event success can be seen in various ways.
Increased Sales
One of the most significant impacts of presale tickets on event success is the increase in sales. By offering tickets to a select group of fans before the general public, event organizers can generate buzz and excitement about the event. This can lead to increased sales during the presale period, as fans rush to secure their tickets before they sell out.
Improved Fan Experience
Presale tickets can also improve the fan experience at big concerts and events. By offering fans the opportunity to purchase tickets before they sell out, event organizers can ensure that the most dedicated fans are able to attend the event. This can lead to a more engaged and enthusiastic audience, which can improve the overall atmosphere and energy of the event.
Maximizing Revenue
Presale tickets also offer event organizers the opportunity to maximize revenue. By selling tickets before the general public on-sale, event organizers can generate revenue earlier in the planning process. This can help to offset the costs of organizing the event and ensure that the event is profitable.
Overall, presale tickets play a critical role in the success of big concerts and events. They offer fans the opportunity to secure tickets before they sell out, improve the fan experience, and maximize revenue for event organizers. By understanding the impact of presale tickets, event organizers can use them effectively to ensure the success of their events.
Challenges in Reporting Presale Numbers
Reporting presale numbers is a complex task that involves various challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of transparency in the presale process. Most presales are invitation-only events that are not open to the general public. This means that the number of presale tickets sold is often not publicly disclosed.
Another challenge is the different types of presales that exist. For example, there are fan club presales, credit card presales, and venue presales, each with their own unique set of rules and restrictions. This makes it difficult to accurately report the number of presale tickets sold, as there is no standardized method for tracking presale numbers.
In addition, presale tickets are often sold in bundles or packages, which can make it difficult to determine the exact number of tickets sold. For example, a fan club presale may offer a package that includes tickets to multiple shows, making it difficult to determine how many tickets were sold for a specific event.
Despite these challenges, there are ways to estimate the number of presale tickets sold. One method is to compare the number of presale tickets available to the general public on the onsale date to the total number of tickets available for the event. This can provide a rough estimate of the number of presale tickets sold.
Another method is to track the number of presale codes that are distributed for a particular event. This can provide an indication of how many people were eligible to participate in the presale, which can help estimate the number of presale tickets sold.
So, reporting presale numbers is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the various challenges involved. While it may be difficult to accurately determine the exact number of presale tickets sold, there are methods that can be used to estimate these numbers and provide valuable insights into the presale process.
Future Trends in Presale Ticketing
Presale ticketing has become an essential part of the event industry, and it is expected to continue to grow in the future. Here are some future trends in presale ticketing:
1. Increased Use of Data Analytics
Data analytics has become an essential tool in the event industry, and it is expected to play a more significant role in presale ticketing. Organizers can use data analytics to identify which marketing channels are most effective, which target audiences are most responsive, and what types of promotions or incentives are most appealing. By analyzing presale ticket sales data, organizers can make informed decisions and improve their presale ticketing strategies.
2. More Personalized Presale Offers
As the event industry becomes more competitive, organizers will need to offer more personalized presale offers to attract attendees. Personalized offers can include discounts, early access to tickets, and exclusive merchandise. Organizers can use data analytics to identify attendees’ preferences and offer personalized presale offers that cater to their interests.
3. Integration with Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms are an essential tool for event organizers, and they are expected to play a more significant role in presale ticketing. Organizers can use social media platforms to promote presale offers, offer exclusive content, and engage with attendees. Social media platforms can also be used to collect data on attendees’ preferences and behavior, which can be used to improve presale ticketing strategies.
4. Increased Focus on Fan Engagement
Fan engagement has become an essential aspect of the event industry, and it is expected to play a more significant role in presale ticketing. Organizers can use presale ticketing to engage with fans and offer them exclusive experiences. For example, organizers can offer presale tickets that include meet-and-greet opportunities with artists or exclusive access to backstage areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proportion of a concert’s total tickets are typically allocated for presale?
According to research, as little as 10% of tickets are sold during the public on-sale for a concert. The remaining 90% of tickets are typically allocated for presale. However, the exact proportion can vary depending on the event and the promoter.
Are there advantages to purchasing presale tickets instead of waiting for the general sale?
Yes, there are several advantages to purchasing presale tickets. First, presale tickets are typically sold at a lower price than tickets sold during the general sale. Second, presale tickets are often available to a select group of people, such as fan club members or credit card holders, which can increase the chances of securing tickets for popular events. Finally, presale tickets are typically sold before the general sale, which means that buyers can secure their tickets before they sell out.
How quickly do presale tickets usually sell out for major events?
Presale tickets for major events can sell out very quickly, sometimes within minutes of going on sale. This is especially true for popular events, such as music festivals or major sporting events. It is important to act quickly and be prepared when purchasing presale tickets for these types of events.
In the event of a presale sell-out, are there still tickets available for the general sale?
Yes, in most cases, there will still be tickets available for the general sale even if the presale sells out. However, it is important to note that the selection of available tickets may be limited, and the price may be higher than the presale price.
How does the number of presale tickets compare to those available during the general sale?
As mentioned earlier, only a small percentage of tickets are typically sold during the general sale. The majority of tickets are allocated for presale, which means that the number of presale tickets is usually much higher than the number of tickets available during the general sale.
What is the likelihood of securing tickets through Ticketmaster during the presale phase?
The likelihood of securing tickets through Ticketmaster during the presale phase can vary depending on the event and the demand for tickets. However, it is generally easier to secure tickets during the presale phase than during the general sale, as there is less competition for tickets. It is important to act quickly and be prepared when purchasing presale tickets to increase the chances of securing tickets for popular events.
