Ticketmaster is a popular ticket sales and distribution company that provides tickets for various live entertainment events like concerts, sports games, theater shows and more. When you purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, the ticket listing shows a start time for the event. However, this start time may not necessarily reflect the door opening time or actual event start time. There is often confusion around whether the Ticketmaster start time refers to door opening time, actual start time, or something else entirely. In this article, we’ll break down what the Ticketmaster start time really means and how it compares to the door time.
What does the start time on a Ticketmaster ticket refer to?
The start time listed on Ticketmaster tickets refers to the scheduled start time of the event itself. This is when the performers will take the stage and the show will begin in earnest. Some key points about Ticketmaster start times:
- It is not the door opening time. Doors typically open 60-90 minutes before the listed start time.
- It is not the opening act time. There may be one or more opening acts that perform before the headliner.
- It is not necessarily the exact start time. The start may be delayed depending on various factors.
So in summary, the Ticketmaster start time reflects the planned start time for the main performance, but actual event activities usually begin earlier with doors and opening acts.
How much earlier do doors open compared to the Ticketmaster start time?
Doors typically open 60-90 minutes prior to the event start time listed on the Ticketmaster ticket. Some venues may open doors even earlier for very large events. Here are some general door opening times to expect:
- Small club shows: 30-60 minutes before start time
- Theater shows: 45-60 minutes before start time
- Arena concerts: 90 minutes before start time
- Stadium concerts: 2-3 hours before start time
These are just general guidelines – every venue and event will vary. The venue or promoter may advertise more specific door opening times as the event date approaches. But you can usually expect doors to open roughly 1-2 hours before the Ticketmaster start time.
What about the opening act? When do they perform?
Many larger concerts will have one or more opening acts that perform before the headlining artist. The opening act will take the stage sometime after doors open but before the main act. Typically the opening act performs 30-60 minutes before the headliner, but it varies based on the number of openers and their set lengths.
Some general guidelines for when opening acts go on:
- One opener: 45-60 minutes before headliner
- Two openers: First act 60-90 minutes before headliner, second act 30-45 minutes before
- Three openers: First act 90+ minutes before headliner, second and third acts 45-30 minutes before
The timing also depends on the opener’s popularity – more well-known opening acts often get longer sets closer to the headliner’s start time. So check for the specific opener times as the show date approaches. But in general, opening bands begin performing about an hour before the headliner’s Ticketmaster start time.
Why do doors open so much earlier than the start time?
There are several reasons why venue doors open well before the listed start time for an event:
- Allow time for security checks – Opening doors early helps manage the flow into the venue rather than everyone arriving at once.
- Reduce crowding – Early door times spreads out the arrivals to reduce lines and crowds gathering outside.
- Let fans settle in – It gives attendees time to find their seats, use the facilities, grab drinks and merchandise, etc.
- Build excitement and atmosphere – Playing music and warm-up entertainment creates anticipation and atmosphere before the show.
- Start times are not exact – Acts may go on a bit later than the exact listed time, so doors open early as a buffer.
Ultimately, the early door time is for the convenience and enjoyment of fans to provide a smooth, organized entry process and experience.
Does the headliner always start right at the listed time?
While the Ticketmaster start time reflects the planned start for the headliner, shows rarely begin exactly at the specified time. Things that can delay a start beyond the listed time include:
- Technical difficulties setting up the stage
- An opening act going over their allotted time
- Unplanned encores or extended sets by openers
- The headliner arriving late
- Crowd control and security issues
Delays typically range from 10-30 minutes but can sometimes be longer, especially at larger events. Unless explicitly noted that the show is delayed, attendees should aim to arrive well before the posted start to avoid missing anything. For very high-profile shows, the headliner may intentionally take the stage 15-30 minutes late to build anticipation.
How to find the door opening time
Since the start time on Ticketmaster tickets does not reflect the door opening time, how can you find out when doors open? Here are some tips:
- Check the venue website for their standard door times
- Look for door time announcements on the venue or promoter social media
- Contact the venue box office directly to inquire
- Google the specific event and city to find door times
- Join event Facebook groups or forums where fans may post details
- Check band websites or fan clubs for show-specific information
- Arrive early and look for signage about doors at the venue
With high profile shows, details on door times are usually shared widely in the weeks leading up to the event. But for smaller events you may need to do some individual research to find the door opening time.
When should you arrive to make sure you get in on time?
To ensure you make it inside well before show time, plan to arrive at least 45-60 minutes before the doors are scheduled to open. Extra time is especially important for big shows where there may be long lines and security procedures. This gives you a buffer for:
- Parking and walking to the venue
- Waiting in entry lines
- Clearing bag checks and security screening
- Using the restroom before entering the area
- Buying merchandise before the show starts
Build in more buffer on high attendance nights like weekend shows. Arriving 1-2 hours before doors can help reduce the stress of getting in on time for the performance.
What time do concerts typically end?
Concert end times vary greatly depending on the artist and venue. Here are some typical end time ranges:
- Club shows: 10-11pm weeknights, 11pm-midnight weekends
- Theater shows: 10-11pm weeknights, 11pm-midnight weekends
- Arena concerts: 10:30pm weeknights, 11:30pm weekends
- Stadium shows: 11pm weeknights, midnight weekends
- Festivals: 11pm or later, with late night shows going until 1-2am
Artists may also play past these general endings, especially if they are delayed starting. Billy Joel is known for playing past midnight even on weeknights. And encores can extend a show 15 minutes or more beyond the anticipated end time. Build some leeway into post-show plans to account for an unpredictable delayed ending.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Ticketmaster start time refers to when the main act is scheduled to take the stage – not when doors open. Doors typically open 60-90 minutes before the posted start time to allow fans to get settled in. Opening acts generally begin 30-60 minutes before the headliner’s set. And the actual start may be delayed beyond the planned time for various logistical reasons. Arrive early, anticipate a late ending, and check event details to have the full concert experience. With the right expectations set, fans can better enjoy their live event from doors to final encore.
