The infuriating process of buying tickets is a familiar experience for many of us. You set 10 reminders on your phone, log in half an hour early and count down the minutes until the online queue is officially open … just to scream in frustration when thousands of people have somehow beaten you to it. It’s become increasingly difficult to buy concert tickets, with well-laid plans dashed by outrageous prices, crashing Wi-Fi or simply bad luck. But there are ways to improve your odds. With so many artists coming out with new music and tour dates, it’s time for a refresher on how to secure the tickets of your dreams. Whether you’ve never been to a concert before or you’re a seasoned Ticketmaster warrior with your own horror stories to share, let’s review some tips and tricks to navigating the concert ticket battlefield.
Illustration by Anna Kim/BruinLife
Stay informed
Are you following all of your favorite artists on social media? If not, you definitely should. Try to be in the loop about upcoming shows. Stay updated on tour dates and be the first to know when an artist is coming to your area. This gives you time to plan accordingly – from pricing to transportation to outfits. If you’re not a big Instagram user, make sure to check the artist’s website. Tour announcements often follow album drops, so be on your toes if the artist has recently released music.
Master the art of the presale
If you’ve never heard the term “presale,” it might be time to get familiar. A concert presale is an exclusive opportunity for priority access to tickets before they are available to everyone. Typically, you can sign up for a presale with your name and contact information shortly after tour dates are announced. If you are selected, you receive a code or password that will grant you access to a special sale that occurs before the general sale. But manage your expectations – presale access is not a guarantee. It can be just as difficult to get tickets in the presale depending on the popularity of the artist, but you will at least face less competition.
Triple-check your tech
It may seem obvious, but it’s probably the most important step. This can be tricky if the sale occurs during an inconvenient time, such as during a meeting or class presentation (I get it; I’ve been there). But to the best of your ability, make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal, and log in early to Ticketmaster or whatever ticket distributor website is being used. Have your payment information on hand, don’t refresh the page once you’re in the queue and close all other tabs. Remember that technology malfunctions are out of your control, so try not to throw your computer out the window in frustration if your Wi-Fi crashes (I get it; I’ve been there).
Don’t give up
If you’ve done everything in your power to secure the tickets and you still get denied, don’t admit defeat just yet. There will likely be chances to purchase resale tickets with companies like StubHub. Keep in mind that this option may be more expensive, as these tickets are not required to be priced the same as the cost of the original sale – and beware of scammers. If something looks suspicious, tread with caution and make sure to review all the details of the sale.
Discover new artists
Some concerts are more expensive than others, especially if your bucket list includes big names like Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter. Take a chance on small, local artists, even if you’re not as familiar with their music. These shows often occur in smaller, more intimate venues – a one-of-a-kind experience that’s nearly impossible if you’re seeing more established artists. Recruit your friends, and hit up the venue closest to your neighborhood for a show that’s much more affordable and doesn’t require months of planning in advance. One day, if the artist has a mainstream hit, you can say you discovered them first.
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Featured Image via Adobe Stock.
