It depends. SeatGeek ticket prices can fluctuate leading up to an event for a variety of reasons. Generally, ticket prices tend to start high when they first go on sale, then may decrease as the event approaches, but can also increase again if demand is high. Here are some key factors that impact SeatGeek ticket prices over time:
Event popularity
For very popular events like big concerts, games, or shows, ticket prices will often start high and continue to rise as the event sells out. Popular artists and teams tend to have devoted fan bases willing to pay more as availability decreases. Scalpers may also buy up tickets to resell at higher prices as demand increases.
Seat location
Lower-quality seats tend to get cheaper, while better seats get more expensive closer to the event. As an event nears, buyers gravitate to the best remaining seats, driving up prices on prized locations. The worst seats drop in price as sellers have trouble unloading them.
Last-minute deals
In some cases, especially for less popular events, sellers will slash prices at the last minute to unload inventory. Sports teams, theaters, concert promoters, and more would often rather take a small profit than let seats go empty. Check SeatGeek right before an event for price-drops on remaining tickets.
Season and day of week
Certain event types follow seasonal and day-of-week pricing patterns. For example, baseball tickets drop on weekdays and rise on weekends. Football tickets spike early in the season and may fall later. Concerts are pricier on weekend nights. Know the typical pricing curve for your event type.
Holidays and vacation periods
Prices often rise around holidays and popular vacation periods when people have free time and interest in events. Expect elevated prices around long weekends, school breaks, and busy travel times like Christmas and summer.
Group and VIP packages
Special multi-ticket group packages and VIP experience offerings rarely get cheaper. If interested in these, buy early as they sell to the most eager fans first. Single normal tickets will likely drop later for others.
On-sale time period
To get the lowest prices, pay attention to when tickets first go on sale, also called the on-sale date, They’re often discounted during presales for fan club members and credit card holders before the general public on-sale. Prices usually start climbing after that initial period.
Sellout factor
The most in-demand events will simply sell out quickly, leaving only resale options. Get in early on events expected to have high demand before tickets disappear. Check venue and artist social media for clues about sellout expectations.
Ticket resale laws
Some states enforce ticket resale laws against scalping, which limits how high secondary market prices can go. New York, for example, caps resale price markups. Events there may see less last-minute gouging.
Historical pricing data
Use SeatGeek’s own price history charts to see exactly how prices for a given event fluctuated over time. Observe patterns leading up to past similar events to predict whether prices will likely go up or down for an upcoming event.
Conclusion
SeatGeek ticket prices are very dynamic and event-dependent. While there are general pricing trends leading up to events, many factors specific to each event affect prices over time. Checking SeatGeek historical data is the best way to estimate whether prices will go up or down as an event approaches. Track tickets early for the lowest prices, especially right when they first go on sale to the general public.
Detailed Analysis of Factors That Impact SeatGeek Ticket Prices Over Time
Event Popularity and Demand
The most fundamental factor affecting SeatGeek ticket prices over time is basic supply and demand. When an event is extremely popular, demand for tickets will exceed supply, pushing prices up. When an event has only mild interest, ample ticket supply will force prices down. A historical comparison illustrates the impact:
High Demand Event Example: 2015 Super Bowl
- Average ticket price 2 months before game: $3,000
- Average ticket price 1 week before game: $10,000
Low Demand Event Example: 2021 Super Bowl
- Average ticket price 2 months before game: $6,000
- Average ticket price 1 week before game: $3,000
As you can see, for the very high demand 2015 Super Bowl, prices rose over 200% from 2 months to 1 week before the game. In contrast, prices fell 50% for the less in-demand 2021 game over the same time period. Rousing fan interest and lack of ticket availability drive prices up, while mild interest and ticket surplus force prices down.
Ticket Resale Laws
Some states have laws against ticket “scalping,” or reselling tickets at above face value. These laws limit how high resale prices can go on secondary markets like SeatGeek. New York is one example:
- New York prohibits reselling tickets for over 45% above face value
- This caps SeatGeek resale prices in New York
- Prevents massive last-minute price gouging
States like Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina, and others have similar resale price ceiling laws. Events in these locations see muted price growth leading up to events compared to states without limits. Sellers can’t spike prices excessively due to legal reasons.
Holidays and Vacation Periods
| Holiday/Period | Effect on Prices |
|---|---|
| Christmas | Prices higher due to time off work and gift purchases |
| New Year’s Eve | Prices higher due to partying and celebrations |
| Summer Vacation | Prices higher as school is out |
| Spring Break | Prices higher with students on break |
Holidays and popular vacation periods see increased event ticket prices on SeatGeek. People have free time off work and school, travel plans, and money from gifts or tax refunds. Sports, concert, theater, and other event tickets in prime holiday periods and travel seasons get more expensive as demand rises. Buy early before prices jump.
Day of Week and Time of Year
Depending on the event type, certain days of the week and times of year impact prices:
Sports Tickets
- NFL – Higher early in season, lower later
- NBA/NHL – Weekday games cheaper than weekends
- MLB – Weekday games cheaper than weekends
Concert Tickets
- Weekend shows more expensive than weeknights
- Summer tour dates often costlier
Know the typical pricing curves by day and season for your event type. Use past patterns to predict best times to buy and days to avoid for higher prices.
Where the Seats Are Located
As an event nears, SeatGeek prices diverge more extremely based on seat quality:
- Best seats get very expensive close to selling out
- Worst seats drop in price as sellers unload them
Buy the best seats early before competition drives up prices. Last-minute bargain hunters are stuck with the dregs.
Group and VIP Packages
Special group and VIP ticket packages are unlikely to drop in price on SeatGeek, even at the last minute. These extra-special options are sold early to top fans willing to pay more. Expect stable or rising prices over time for:
- VIP experiences like meet & greets
- Luxury suite packages
- Multi-ticket group deals
Buy these early to lock in access before they disappear!
Historical Pricing Charts
The most accurate way to predict whether prices for an event will rise or fall is to consult SeatGeek’s historical price charts. You can see exactly how prices changed leading up to past similar events. Analyze pricing trends for events like:
- Past concerts by the same artist
- The same sports teams past few seasons
- Same theater shows or venue over time
This data reveals the most informed estimate of whether prices are likely to increase or decrease as event day approaches.
When Tickets First Go “On Sale”
Mark your calendar for when tickets initially go on sale to the general public, known as the on-sale date. This is often the best opportunity for low prices:
- Sales usually open weeks/months before event
- Prices higher after this initial period
- Fan club and credit card presales even earlier
Set reminders so you buy at the optimal early sale time forlowest prices before they climb.
Sellout Factor
Some events are essentially guaranteed to sell out fast. Keep an eye out for clues like:
- Hot new band going on first arena tour
- Superstar comedian doing limited dates
- Must-see Broadway musical with tons of buzz
Buy right away before the frenzy hits. Prices will skyrocket on secondary markets afterwards.
When Do SeatGeek Prices Typically Get Cheaper or More Expensive?
In general, here are the most common SeatGeek pricing patterns leading up to events:
Cheaper Closer to Event
- Nosebleed seats to less popular events
- Weeknight games/shows (esp. MLB/NBA/NHL)
- Cold weather NFL games later in season
- Broadway shows several months into run
- Concerts on weeknights
- Movie tickets after first few weekends
More Expensive Closer to Event
- VIP packages and group deals
- Prime seats – lower levels near halfway line/stage
- Big playoff games and hot concerts
- NYC/NJ events due to anti-scalping laws
- Holidays, festivals, summer weekends
- Rivalry games and major home matchups
As a general rule, prices for top-tier, in-demand events in prime dates/times get more expensive, while lower-demand events on off-peak days get cheaper.
Cheapest Time to Buy SeatGeek Tickets
The cheapest time to buy tickets on SeatGeek is usually right when they first go on sale to the general public. Prices are discounted during the initial on-sale period trying to generate buzz and momentum:
- On-sale typically 4-8 weeks before event
- Prices higher once early batch sells out
- Fan club and credit card presales even earlier
Set a calendar reminder and be ready to buy when on-sale begins for cheapest access.
Tips and Strategies for Getting the Best SeatGeek Ticket Prices
Here are some top tips for finding the lowest prices on SeatGeek:
Buy Early During On-Sale Period
Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale to the general public. Prices almost always start low then rise over time. Jumping on the presale even earlier is even better if you have access.
Use SeatGeek Price History Charts
Consult SeatGeek’s historical price chart data to estimate if prices are likely to rise or fall as event approaches. Past pricing for similar events will inform future trends.
Be Flexible on Dates and Seat Locations
Going to lower-demand weeknight or daytime events can save money. Opting for upper deck or corner seats also cuts costs at high-demand games and shows.
Buy Group Packages Early
Secure special group and VIP deals well in advance before they disappear. These don’t get cheaper closer to selling out.
Avoid Holidays and Popular Travel Times
Events around Christmas, New Year’s, summer vacation, spring break, and other peak periods have inflated prices. Go off-peak if possible.
Check for Last-Minute Coupons and Discounts
Some events will run last-second promos to fill unsold seats. Check venue and promoter social media right before event for special offers.
Conclusion
The key to getting the best prices on SeatGeek is to act early. Monitor on-sale dates, past price charts, and initial availability closely. Buying early, being flexible on show times/seats, and looking for promos maximizes chances for the lowest prices.
