Getting tickets to your favorite artist’s concert or a big sporting event can be tough. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with proven ways to secure Ticketmaster tickets. We’ll break down the whole process, from account setup to snagging the best spots.
Preparing for the Ticket Sale
Before you even think about clicking that “Buy Now” button, you need to lay some groundwork. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Creating a Ticketmaster Account
First things first – you need a Ticketmaster account. It’s free and easy to set up:
- Go to Ticketmaster’s website
- Click “Sign Up” in the top right corner
- Fill in your details
- Verify your email address
Pro tip: Do this well before the day of the sale. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute!
Setting Up Payment Methods
Nothing’s worse than getting to checkout and realizing your payment info isn’t ready. Add your credit card or PayPal account to your Ticketmaster profile ahead of time. This way, you can breeze through checkout when every second counts.
Joining Artist Fan Clubs and Mailing Lists
Want an edge? Join your favorite artist’s fan club or mailing list. They often get first dibs on tickets or special pre-sale codes. It might cost a few bucks, but it could be your ticket to, well, tickets!
Pre-Sale Strategies
Pre-sales are your secret weapon for scoring Ticketmaster tickets. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Getting Verified Fan Status
Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program aims to get tickets into the hands of real fans, not scalpers. Here’s the scoop:
- Register for Verified Fan status when it’s available for your desired event
- Not everyone gets selected, but it’s worth a shot
- If chosen, you’ll get a unique code to access the pre-sale
Verified Fan improves your ticket-buying chances but doesn’t guarantee tickets.
Leveraging Credit Card Pre-Sales
Some credit cards offer early access to tickets. American Express and Citi are known for these perks. If you have one of these cards, keep an eye out for pre-sale announcements.
Exploring Other Pre-Sale Options
Don’t stop at fan clubs and credit cards. Look for pre-sales through:
- Radio stations
- Venue memberships
- Artist’s social media channels
The more pre-sales you’re eligible for, the better your odds of snagging tickets.
Day of Sale Tactics
It’s go time! Here’s how to maximize your chances when tickets drop:
Using Multiple Devices
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – or all your hopes on one device. Try these tips:
- Use your computer, phone, and tablet simultaneously
- Each device gets its own spot in the queue
- More devices = more chances to get through
Just make sure you’re logged into a different Ticketmaster account on each device to avoid looking like a bot.
Navigating the Ticketmaster Queue
The dreaded queue – it’s where dreams are made or broken. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Join the waiting room 10-15 minutes before tickets go on sale
- Once in the queue, don’t refresh! It’ll boot you to the back of the line
- Be patient – the page will automatically update when it’s your turn
Stay calm and resist the urge to click around. Your patience might just pay off.
Choosing Seats Quickly and Efficiently
When you finally get in, you need to move fast. Have a game plan:
- Know your budget and preferred seating areas beforehand
- Use the interactive seat map to quickly spot available tickets
- Don’t hesitate – snag the first decent seats you see
Remember, those tickets in your cart aren’t yours until you complete the purchase. Move swiftly!
Alternative Methods to Secure Tickets
Didn’t score tickets in the initial sale? Don’t lose hope. Try these backup plans:
Ticket Drops and Late Releases
Artists and venues often release more tickets closer to the event date. Keep checking Ticketmaster regularly – you might get lucky with a surprise ticket drop.
Exploring Resale Options
Ticketmaster has a fan-to-fan resale platform. While prices might be higher, it’s a safe way to buy from other fans who can’t make the show.
Last-Minute Box Office Purchases
Sometimes, the old-school method works best. Check with the venue’s box office, especially on the day of the event. They might have last-minute releases or cancellations.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don’t let these rookie mistakes cost you your tickets:
Refreshing the Page at the Wrong Time
Once you’re in the queue, refreshing is a big no-no. It’ll send you to the back of the line. Let the page do its thing.
Overlooking Hidden Fees
Ticketmaster is notorious for fees. Factor them into your budget so you’re not caught off guard at checkout. They can add a significant amount to the ticket price.
Falling for Scams and Fake Tickets
Stick to official sources like Ticketmaster or verified resale platforms. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid buying tickets from strangers on social media or classified ads.
Ticketmaster Tools and Features
Ticketmaster offers some nifty features to help you secure tickets. Let’s explore them:
Using the Ticketmaster App
The Ticketmaster app can be faster than the website. Plus, it sends push notifications about upcoming sales and ticket drops. Download it and get familiar with it before the big day.
Understanding Dynamic Pricing
Ticketmaster uses dynamic pricing for some events. This means prices can fluctuate based on demand. If you’re flexible, you might snag a deal by choosing less popular show dates or seating areas.
Utilizing Ticket Transfer Options
Got extra tickets? Ticketmaster allows you to easily transfer them to friends. This feature is handy if you’re buying for a group and want to split up the responsibility.
Planning for High-Demand Events
Some events are tougher than others. Here’s how to prep for the big ones:
Researching Event Details in Advance
Know everything about the event before tickets go on sale:
- Exact sale time (and time zone!)
- Ticket limits per person
- Available seating options and prices
The more you know, the faster you can act when it counts.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Decide your max budget ahead of time. Include taxes and fees in your calculations. This way, you won’t waste precious seconds debating whether to splurge in the heat of the moment.
Having Backup Plans for Sold-Out Shows
If your first choice sells out, be ready with Plan B:
- Consider other tour dates or venues
- Look into similar artists or events
- Set up alerts for ticket drops or resales
Flexibility can be your best friend in the ticket-buying game.
After Securing Your Tickets
Congrats, you’ve got tickets! But you’re not done yet:
Safeguarding Your Purchase
- Take screenshots of your order confirmation
- Save the confirmation email
- Add the tickets to your phone’s wallet app if available
Better safe than sorry when it comes to proving your purchase.
Ticketmaster’s Policies
Familiarize yourself with Ticketmaster’s rules on:
- Refunds and exchanges
- Reselling tickets
- Event cancellations or postponements
Knowing your rights can save you headaches down the road.
Preparing for the Event Day
As the big day approaches:
- Double-check the event details (date, time, venue)
- Plan your transportation and parking
- Review any venue-specific rules or restrictions
A little prep ensures you’ll enjoy the event you worked so hard to attend.
Securing Ticketmaster tickets doesn’t have to be a headache. With these strategies up your sleeve, you’re well-equipped to nab those coveted seats. Remember, patience and preparation are key. Stay calm, act fast, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
