The Ticketmaster Lounge is an exclusive space offered at select concert venues that provides ticket holders with a VIP experience. Access to the Ticketmaster Lounge requires having a ticket to the event as well as a special pass or credentials to get into the lounge itself. There are a few different ways to obtain access into the Ticketmaster Lounge depending on the specific venue and event. This article will provide an overview of the different methods for gaining access into the Ticketmaster Lounge so you can determine the best option based on your situation.
Purchase Tickets and Lounge Access Upfront
The most straightforward way to guarantee access into the Ticketmaster Lounge is to purchase tickets and lounge access directly through Ticketmaster when you are buying tickets to the event. For select concerts and venues, Ticketmaster offers special “Lounge” ticket packages that include:
- An event ticket
- Access to the Ticketmaster Lounge for the duration of the event
- VIP amenities like all-inclusive upscale food and beverages, comfortable lounge seating, live audio/video feeds of the concert, etc.
Purchasing one of these special Lounge ticket packages upfront when you are buying your event tickets ensures you will have credentials that grant you access into the lounge on the day of the show. This is the easiest and most surefire way to get into the lounge without any hassles.
The only potential downside is Lounge ticket packages are typically expensive given the VIP amenities included. But if your budget allows and you want to guarantee lounge access, buying a Lounge ticket package through Ticketmaster is the way to go.
Purchase Add-On Lounge Passes
If you already have tickets to a concert and want to add on lounge access, another option offered for some shows and venues is to purchase an add-on lounge pass through Ticketmaster. There is usually a limited number of these passes available for each event.
This lets you purchase just the lounge access without having to buy whole new tickets. The add-on passes grant you access to all the VIP amenities the lounge has to offer. You simply show your lounge pass along with your regular event ticket to get into the lounge.
Pricing for add-on lounge passes can vary greatly depending on the concert and specific lounge experience offered. Some start around $50-100 for more basic lounges, while higher end lounges with premium food/drinks and celebrity guest appearances may charge several hundred dollars per pass.
If lounge passes are still available when you go to buy them, this can be a more affordable way to get lounge access compared to buying a full Lounge ticket package. Just be aware passes could sell out quickly for high demand shows.
Inquire About Complimentary Passes
For some shows, a limited number of complimentary Ticketmaster Lounge passes are given out to select groups like:
- VIP ticket holders
- Suite or box seat holders
- Customer loyalty program members
- Radio station contest winners
- Venue/promoter guests
If you fall into one of these VIP categories, it is worth inquiring whether complimentary lounge access might be offered for the event you are attending. Usually you have to ask or claim a pass through your point of contact – they won’t just be automatically provided with your tickets.
The availability, requirements, and specifics for complimentary lounge passes vary between venues and events. If it is an option though, this can be a great perk allowing you to experience the lounge without added costs.
Purchase VIP Packages That Include Lounge Access
For major concerts, the performing artist or tour promoter sometimes offers special VIP ticket packages with bundled amenities like meet & greets, exclusive merchandise, premium seating, and access to the Ticketmaster Lounge.
These packages are usually available when tickets initially go on sale through Ticketmaster for high fan demand. Pricing is at a premium level starting at several hundred dollars or more.
If you purchase one of these special VIP packages that are put together by the artist/promoter, lounge access at the show is generally included. You’ll receive special credentials as part of the package for entry into the lounge.
This is great if you really want to get the full VIP treatment. But it is one of the pricier routes to get into the lounge if that amenity is your sole priority. You have to determine if the other bundled perks are worth it to you.
Purchase a Premium Seat Ticket Section
For some general admission concerts, having tickets in certain premium seat sections closest to the stage can grant you access into the Ticketmaster Lounge. These special ticket sections are usually labelled as “VIP” or “Premium Seats” when selecting seats.
If lounge access is provided for your ticket section, it will be advertised and you will receive the proper credentials. This allows venues to offer lounge access as an added perk to those buying the best seats without having to purchase separate passes.
But access is not guaranteed just for being in a premium section – you have to verify that lounge access is in fact included. If it is though, this can be a reasonable way to get into the lounge without huge added costs.
Receive Guest List Access
Being on the guest list for a show may allow you access into the Ticketmaster Lounge depending on the policies at the specific venue and event. Celebrities, musicians, athletes, industry executives and other VIP guests attending concerts are often extended guest list access.
Usually there must be space available in the lounge as well. If the lounge is at capacity they may not allow additional guest list guests in, even if they were initially told they would have access.
If you have connections that allow you to get on the exclusive guest list at an event you want to attend, it is certainly worth trying to get into the lounge. Just know that guest list access does not guarantee lounge access – but if you can get it, it is a great free perk.
Get a VIP Experience Package Upgrade at the Venue
Some concert venues offer VIP experience package upgrades you can purchase separately on-site on the night of the event if lounge passes are still available.
These include amenities like lounge access, complimentary drinks and snacks, VIP restrooms, exclusive merchandise, etc. Upgrades typically cost $50-$200 per person depending on the specific offerings.
If you couldn’t get lounge access ahead of time or want to see if last minute deals are offered, you may be able to purchase an upgrade package on-site to get into the lounge. Availability varies event-to-event, so there are no guarantees. But at select venues it is worth checking into.
Win Lounge Access Through Contests or Giveaways
Radio stations, concert promoters, band fan clubs, and other organizations will sometimes give away Ticketmaster Lounge access through contests, giveaways and sweepstakes leading up to big shows.
Ways to win might include calling into radio shows, entering online contests on social media, subscribing to email lists, participating in trivia games on fan club apps, etc. Prizes often include lounge passes or full Lounge ticket packages.
If there is a show you want to attend, it pays to follow radio stations and promoters in the weeks before to try and win free lounge access. Competitions are not available for every concert. But if lounge giveaways are offered, it costs nothing to enter and win.
Get Signed Up By a Sponsor
Corporate sponsors for concert tours and live events will often receive a small allotment of passes to access the Ticketmaster Lounge for promotional purposes.
Brands may run campaigns where select customers/loyalty members can enter to win lounge access and VIP treatment if they get selected. Contests are usually advertised on social media or via email.
Partnerships also exist in some cases between Ticketmaster and select companies where lounge passes are included as an extra thank you perk for purchases of products like cell phones, beverages, clothing, etc.
If you come across any sponsor promotions offering lounge access as a prize or purchase perk, they can provide a free avenue into the lounge assuming you actually get selected or qualify.
Purchase a VIP Parking Pass
Having a VIP parking pass that allows you to park in premium spots near event entrances may also grant you free access to the Ticketmaster Lounge at some venues.
Typically this perk is only extended if you purchase VIP parking directly through the venue or Ticketmaster – not just through a general third party parking provider.
The specifics vary by location in terms of which parking passes grant lounge access and which don’t. If given the option though, springing for VIP parking is worth considering as a potential two-for-one deal granting you both prime, convenient parking as well as access into the lounge.
Get a VIP Arena Tour Pass
Some larger concert venues allow you to purchase special VIP tour passes that let you access behind the scenes areas and get a glimpse of exclusive spaces fans don’t normally see like the green rooms, loading docks, media areas and VIP lounges.
Tours are usually only offered during weekday non-event hours, but if you are able to book a slot, this can be a unique way to check out amenities of the lounge without actually attending a concert.
Of course you won’t get the full experience of enjoying the lounge during a live show. But for super fans who want an all-access look, tours can provide a cool insider’s perspective.
Conclusion
Access to the Ticketmaster Lounge offers concert goers an elevated VIP experience with amenities like premium food and drinks, comfortable lounge seating, exclusive entertainment and more. There are a variety of options to obtain access depending on the specific event, venue policies, and your budget.
The easiest but priciest options are to purchase Lounge ticket packages or VIP bundles upfront through Ticketmaster that have lounge access included. If you already have tickets, you can also buy add-on lounge passes if they are available.
Free or discounted access may be possible through complimentary passes, upgrades, contests, promotions or other VIP perks. But these are less guaranteed compared to purchasing access directly.
Do some research beforehand on the best lounge access options for the specific show you are attending. For a luxury concert experience, the Ticketmaster Lounge is an indulgence worth splurging for if you can find a way in.