When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, whether the seat numbers are shown depends on the event venue and how far in advance the tickets are being purchased. In many cases, especially when buying tickets as soon as they go on sale, Ticketmaster will not show the specific seat numbers.
Buying Tickets in Presales
For major concerts and sporting events, there are often presales that give certain groups early access to tickets before the general public on-sale. This includes presales for fan club members, credit card holders, Spotify listeners, and more. During presales, tickets are often general admission or assigned by sections or rows without specific seat numbers being given.
The reason for this is that the ticketing system is trying to get tickets sold as quickly as possible during the presale rush. Taking the time to assign specific seat numbers would slow down the process. Venues also want to hold some better seats to release later to the general public. So presale tickets may be for general areas without seat numbers assigned yet.
Buying Tickets After Onsale
Once tickets go on sale to the general public, more seat numbers may be assigned. However, it still depends on the individual venue’s ticketing setup. Some venues assign seats upfront. Other venues allow fans to pick their own seats from an interactive seat map.
For venues that assign seats, Ticketmaster will usually show the section, row, and seat number once tickets are purchased. This gives fans assurance of where they will be sitting.
For venues with “pick your own seat” ticketing, Ticketmaster will show an interactive seat map that fans can click through to select their desired seats. The chosen seat numbers will then be displayed on the ticket confirmation.
Seat Number Visibility in Secondary Market
On the secondary ticket market, such as Ticketmaster’s resale site TicketsNow, seat numbers are usually visible. This is because the tickets were already purchased from the primary onsale, so the seats have been assigned and distributed to brokers or individual sellers.
Seeing the specific seat numbers can give buyers on the secondary market more confidence about what they are purchasing. The seat location is verified which helps avoid confusion.
Waiting to Assign Seat Numbers
So in summary, the main reasons seat numbers may not be shown initially on Ticketmaster are:
- Tickets going fast during presales, slowing down to assign seats
- Venues holding back premium seats for onsale
- Interactive “pick your seat” maps at some venues
But in most cases, at some point before the event the seat numbers will be assigned and visible on the tickets. This especially applies to the secondary market. The trend is towards more transparency by showing fans their specific seat locations upfront.
Ways to Get Seat Numbers
If seat numbers are not shown initially, here are some ways to get them later:
- Check back on Ticketmaster closer to the event after seats are assigned
- Call the Ticketmaster customer service line and ask for seat numbers
- Use the Ticketmaster app which often shows updated seat info
- Contact the venue box office directly to ask for seat numbers
Being persistent usually yields results in getting the seat numbers in advance. Venues want fans to know where they will be sitting so there are no surprises and confusion on event day.
If Seat Numbers are Unassigned
In some rare cases, seats will intentionally be left unassigned even up until the event starts. A few examples where this could happen:
- Festival style general admission shows
- Small venue with no assigned seating
- Tickets purchased last minute on day of event
For these situations, you simply have to arrive early to get the best spot. The lack of defined seat numbers allows for more freedom but less certainty.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster will display seat numbers once they are assigned by the venue, but this does not always happen right away, especially for presales. In most cases, patience and persistence will allow you to eventually get the seat numbers in advance from Ticketmaster or venue representatives. But be prepared that some tickets for festivals or small venues may intentionally never get assigned specific seats even on the day of the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ticketmaster withhold seat numbers?
Ticketmaster does not intentionally withhold seat numbers. In many cases, the seat numbers simply have not been assigned yet by the venue, especially for presales. Once seats are assigned, Ticketmaster displays the details. Some venues also use interactive seat maps that require fans to pick their own seats.
How do I find my seat number?
If seat numbers are not shown on your Ticketmaster tickets, try contacting customer service or the venue box office directly. You can also check back on the Ticketmaster site or app leading up to the event, as seat info is often updated and added as the event gets closer.
Why can’t Ticketmaster show me seats?
If Ticketmaster cannot show specific seat locations, it is likely because the venue has not assigned them yet. This is common during presales when they are rushing to sell tickets quickly. Try checking back later once more seat assignments have been completed by the venue.
The Importance of Knowing Your Seat Number
Having your specific seat number in advance is important for several reasons:
- Avoid confusion – know exactly where you are sitting beforehand
- Find your seats faster – no hunting once inside the venue
- Plan your approach – know which entrance and route to take
- Assess your view – understand if your seat has any obstructions
Especially for major concerts and sporting events in large venues, having your seat number information makes getting to your spot smoother and less stressful.
How Seat Numbers Work at Different Venues
Venues handle seat number assignments in different ways:
| Venue Type | Seat Assignment Process |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Assigned seating with seat numbers shown on tickets |
| Arena | Some assigned seats, some “pick your own” seating |
| Theater | Reserved seated with seat numbers |
| Amphitheater | General admission lawn or assigned pavilion seats |
| Club | Standing room or first come, first served |
Larger venues tend to have more organized seat number systems, while smaller venues are more flexible. Certain venues assign seats upfront, while others allow fans to pick their own seats from interactive seat maps.
Special Cases: Unknown Seat Numbers
In some cases, seat numbers may be completely unknown or unassigned:
- Festival general admission tickets
- Small club shows with no reserved seats
- Last minute tickets purchased on day of event
- Special pit or standing room only tickets
For these types of events, you simply have to arrive early and claim the best spot possible. The lack of defined seating allows for more freedom to roam and get closer.
Summary
- During presales, Ticketmaster often cannot show specific seat numbers yet
- Once tickets go onsale to general public, seat numbers are more likely to be visible
- On resale sites like TicketsNow, seats are typically assigned already
- Contacting customer service can help get seat numbers if not showing
- Some venues do not assign seats until day of show
- Knowing your seat in advance avoids event day confusion
While the ticketing process often hides seat details initially, persistence usually pays off to get seat numbers before the event. But be prepared that some tickets may never get assigned specific seats by design, requiring you to arrive early to claim your spot.
