Buying tickets to a WWE event can be an exciting experience for any wrestling fan. With WWE hosting shows across the United States and around the world, there are plenty of opportunities to see your favorite WWE Superstars in person. However, navigating the ticket buying process can also be confusing, especially if you’ve never purchased WWE tickets before. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to score great seats at your next WWE event.
Types of WWE Events
The first thing to understand is that not all WWE events are the same. WWE runs several big annual pay-per-view shows as well as weekly TV shows. Their schedule is broken down as follows:
Pay-Per-View Events
– Royal Rumble – January
– Elimination Chamber – February
– WrestleMania – March/April
– Money in the Bank – May
– Hell in a Cell – June
– Survivor Series – November
– TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs – December
These major PPV events feature the biggest matches with the top WWE stars. They tend to be longer shows with more elaborate staging.
TV Shows
– RAW – Airs live on Monday nights
– Smackdown – Airs live on Friday nights
WWE’s weekly TV shows feature ongoing storylines and wrestlers across the WWE roster. While not as blockbuster as the PPVs, attending a TV tapping lets you see how the shows are produced live.
Non-Televised Live Events
In addition to their flagship programming, WWE often runs non-televised live event tours year-round. These shows tour through various smaller venues and don’t air on TV. The action is still exciting without necessarily progressing major storylines.
NXT
WWE’s developmental brand NXT runs live events in smaller venues focusing on up and coming talents. This is a great way to catch the superstars of tomorrow in action.
So in summary, WWE runs shows year-round ranging from huge stadium shows to smaller intimate events. The type of show dictates everything from the venue, to ticket demand and pricing.
When Do WWE Tickets Go On Sale?
Now that you know the different types of WWE events, the next key question is when do tickets actually go on sale?
On-Sale Dates for WWE Pay-Per-Views
Tickets for WWE pay-per-view events typically go on sale 2-3 months prior to the event. Some key on-sale dates:
| Pay-Per-View | On-Sale Date |
|---|---|
| Royal Rumble | Mid October |
| WrestleMania | Early November |
| SummerSlam | Mid May |
These on-sale dates may vary by a couple weeks each year, but this general timeline holds year after year. WrestleMania tickets in particular sell out fast, so you’ll want to be ready to buy as soon as they are released.
On-Sale Dates for Weekly TV
For RAW and Smackdown, tickets usually go on sale 1-2 months ahead of the show. So for example, RAW tickets for their Holiday Tour in December will typically go on sale in October.
Keep in mind that WWE announces new locations for their TV shows a few months in advance. So you’ll want to keep tabs on when new cities are announced to get prepared.
On-Sale Dates for Live Events
Tickets for WWE’s touring live events are usually released 1-2 months prior as well. However, the schedule for these house shows is generally announced just a few weeks or months out. Check WWE’s website for upcoming live event announcements for your area.
Where to Buy WWE Tickets
Once you know when tickets are going on sale, where should you plan to buy them? Here are the main options:
Online Through Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster is the official ticketing partner for most WWE events in the United States. When you visit WWE’s website and click to buy tickets, you will be redirected to Ticketmaster to complete your order.
Buying online through Ticketmaster allows you to choose your exact seats using their interactive seating charts. You can join the queue ahead of time and be one of the first in line when tickets go live.
The downside is Ticketmaster tends to have high fees on top of the ticket face value. But it’s often worth it to ensure you get great seats before they sell out.
At the Venue Box Office
You can always purchase WWE tickets directly through the box office at the host venue. This avoids paying some of Ticketmaster’s additional fees.
The challenge is popular WWE events will sell out fast online. So there is risk trying to buy in person after they go on sale. You’re less likely to get great seats strolling up to the box office later on.
Still, if you live near the venue, it could be worth swinging by the box office on the day tickets go on sale. You might luck out, especially for less high-demand events.
Reseller Marketplaces
If WWE tickets are sold out through Ticketmaster or the box office, you can turn to reseller sites like StubHub. Here, fans resell tickets they purchased for whatever price the market will bear.
The benefit is you can almost always find tickets, even sold out shows. But be prepared to pay a premium over face value. Reseller pricing varies greatly based on demand.
WWE Premium Experiences
For big WWE events like WrestleMania, there are special VIP ticket packages you can purchase directly through WWE’s website. These include experiences like meet & greets with WWE Superstars, exclusive merch, premium seating, and more.
The catch is these packages are expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. But they guarantee you a seat and some once-in-a-lifetime add-ons.
How Much Do WWE Tickets Cost?
WWE ticket prices range widely depending on the show type and seat location. Some typical price ranges:
WWE Pay-Per-View Ticket Prices
| Pay-Per-View | Average Ticket Price Range |
|---|---|
| Royal Rumble | $100 – $500+ |
| WrestleMania | $300 – $1,500+ |
| SummerSlam | $100 – $1,000+ |
WrestleMania is far and away the most in-demand event, with tickets ranging from a few hundred to over $1,000+ for the best seats. The Rumble and SummerSlam still feature stiff ticket prices thanks to huge demand.
Weekly TV Show Ticket Prices
| Show | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| RAW | $40 – $300 |
| Smackdown | $25 – $200 |
As WWE’s flagship show for over 25 years, RAW tickets command a higher price tag than the newer Smackdown show. Still, both TV shows are very reasonably priced compared to the PPV events.
House Show Ticket Prices
WWE’s non-televised live event tickets are typically in the range of $20 – $100. These shows are all about pure in-person wrestling action, rather than major storylines, so tickets remain very affordable for families.
NXT Ticket Prices
Since NXT is WWE’s rising developmental brand, their tickets tend to be on the more inexpensive side in the $20 – $75 range. This makes it one of the most cost effective ways to see WWE action live.
In summary, ticket prices vary greatly based on the prestige of the event. Weekly TV show tapings and house shows offer great value, while the PPVs command huge premiums.
Tips for Getting the Best WWE Tickets
To recap, here are some top tips for scoring the best WWE tickets possible:
Buy Early
Popular WWE events can sell out very quickly. Get in early during the pre-sale or general on-sale periods for the best shot at great seats before they’re gone.
Get on the Venue Mailing List
Most stadiums and arenas have free email newsletters you can sign up for. They’ll notify you about upcoming WWE on-sale dates and pre-sales.
Check Presales
WWE will often run presales ahead of the general public on-sale date. This gives their fan club members and credit card holders first crack.
Buy Floor Seats for PPVs
It’s worth splurging on ringside seats or floor seats for the premium feel of massive WWE pay-per-view events. You’ll want to be closer to the action.
Aim for Lower Bowl at TV Tapings
The best bang for your buck at RAW and Smackdown is getting lower bowl seats closer to the ring near the TV cameras. This puts you in the middle of the TV broadcast.
Consider VIP Packages for WrestleMania
If going all out for WrestleMania, the VIP packages can get you exclusive merchandise and experiences money can’t buy later.
Conclusion
That covers everything you need to know to score amazing tickets to your first WWE event. With so many shows running all year long both domestically and abroad, it’s easier than ever to experience the unique spectacle of a live WWE show. Use the tips provided above and you’ll be cheering along with your favorite WWE superstars live in no time!