Ticketmaster’s queue system is designed to provide fair and organized access to high-demand tickets for concerts, sports events, and other live entertainment. As one of the largest ticket retailers in the world, Ticketmaster handles massive surges in traffic when tickets go on sale, especially for major events. The queue system helps manage these spikes in demand.
What is a virtual queue?
A virtual queue is an online waiting room that temporarily holds users trying to access a website or service all at once. Instead of overwhelming the site with traffic, users are added to a digital line. They are given their positions and estimated wait times. Virtual queues help control traffic surges when there is high demand for limited inventory like event tickets.
Why does Ticketmaster use queues?
Ticketmaster utilizes queues to create a more fair and organized ticket buying process when there is exceptionally high demand. During massive on-sales with hundreds of thousands of fans trying to purchase tickets all at once, Ticketmaster’s website and servers could crash without a queue system. Queues regulate traffic to keep the site stable and accessible.
Queues also discourage ticket brokers and scalpers from using bots and other illegal methods to unfairly buy up large volumes of tickets. Since all buyers are randomly assigned places, those rapidly purchasing are not advantaged. This gives more consumers a chance to get tickets.
How does the virtual queue work?
Ticketmaster’s virtual queue system is powered by a “Waiting Room” platform. When you attempt to buy in-demand tickets, you are first redirected to a Waiting Room webpage. This is where your place is assigned in the virtual line.
Once inside the Waiting Room, a pop-up notice displays your estimated wait time and place in line. You do not need to refresh the page. The Waiting Room will automatically refresh every 120 seconds to update your status.
When it is almost your turn, you will get a “Your Spot Is Almost Up!” alert. A “You’re Almost In” notice pops up right before your spot comes up. Then you can access the ticket purchasing page.
How are queue positions assigned?
Queue positions are assigned randomly in the order that fans attempt to access the Waiting Room. Spots are not given on a first-come, first-served basis. This prevents people from rushing to get in line as soon as queues open.
Positions are determined by an algorithm that generates a random numeric order. Your location in line is not affected by:
- When you join
- How frequently you refresh
- Your internet speed
By randomizing places, Ticketmaster aims to level the playing field. However, they do prioritize some groups such as fan club members or credit card holders.
Can you improve your place in line?
There is no way to improve your assigned spot in the virtual queue. Refreshing or closing your browser will not move you ahead or reset your position. Ticketmaster’s system locks in the initial spots randomly generated for each user.
Even if others leave the queue, the order of remaining places stays the same. You have to wait your turn patiently in the queue.
What happens if you leave the queue?
You can safely leave your device while waiting in the Ticketmaster virtual queue. As long as you do not close the Waiting Room browser window, your place will be retained if you need to walk away.
However, if you accidentally do close the window or exit the queue, there is unfortunately no way to reenter. You will have to join the back of the line if you want to attempt getting tickets again.
Does using multiple devices help?
Having multiple browser windows or devices signed into the queue will not improve your chances. Ticketmaster’s system recognizes users across devices and platforms.
If you try joining on multiple devices with the same account, only the device that entered the queue first will be valid. The rest are rejected and moved to the end of the line. So it is best to only use one browser or device.
Is there a virtual queue app?
Ticketmaster does have an app called Ticketmaster Plus that integrates with the virtual queuing system. It allows you to view your place in line directly in the app without needing a browser window open.
However, the app does not actually give you any advantage over desktop. Your place is still assigned randomly regardless of using the web or app. Either option works fine.
Can you skip the virtual queue?
There are limited cases where you may not have to join the standard queue:
- Fan club presales may offer direct ticket links or separate queues for members.
- Special credit card or package presales sometimes have their own queues.
- If you purchase resale tickets, you avoid the initial queues.
Otherwise, for popular events and high-traffic on-sales, everyone goes through the same randomized virtual waiting room system.
Pros of virtual queuing
Ticketmaster’s virtual queue system offers these key benefits:
- Prevents website crashes – Stops sites from being overloaded and crashing when too many fans join at once.
- Reduces stress – Fans don’t have to rush or constantly refresh. They can relax once in a queue.
- Discourages scalpers – Makes it harder for brokers to unfairly scoop up tickets in bulk.
- Creates fair access – Random spots give everyone an equal chance versus first-come, first-served.
- Offers transparency – Users can see real estimated wait times.
Cons of virtual queuing
Some downsides or criticisms of Ticketmaster’s queues include:
- It can still be frustrating to wait in long queues with no guarantee of getting tickets.
- Technical issues occasionally cause errors with queued spots or waits.
- Some feel the process is still not as equitable as it claims.
- Queues are not always explained well, leaving some users confused.
- Secondary resale markets remain a problematic option for high demand shows.
Key facts about Ticketmaster virtual queues
Some key facts to remember about Ticketmaster’s virtual queue system:
- Joining early does not improve your spot – positions are randomized
- Places are locked in once assigned – you cannot change position
- No need to refresh once in queue – wastes time and won’t help
- Using multiple browsers or devices does not give an advantage
- Leaving the Waiting Room loses your spot – don’t close the window
- Technical issues are possible – be patient and keep trying if errors occur
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s virtual queue system aims to fairly manage the extremely high demand for hot event tickets. By randomly assigning and locking in spots for users, it eliminates the advantage of rush buyers and bots. Queues create order out of the chaos of popular on-sales. They reduce site crashes and give more users a shot at securing coveted seats.
While not perfect, Ticketmaster’s queues are a technology solution that evolve along with scalpers and other issues. There are still critics, but overall the system delivers a smoother and more equitable ticket buying experience during major on-sales.