Buying tickets to see your favorite musician or band perform live can be an exciting experience. However, deciding when to purchase tickets can be tricky. Buy too early and you may pay more than necessary. Wait too long and the best tickets could sell out. So how soon before a concert should you buy tickets? The ideal time frame depends on several factors.
How Early Do Tickets Go On Sale?
Tickets typically go on sale weeks or months in advance of the performance date. Here are some general guidelines:
| Event Size | When Tickets Go On Sale |
|---|---|
| Small club shows | 4-8 weeks before |
| Theater/amphitheater shows | 2-3 months before |
| Arena/stadium shows | 3-6 months before |
For very high demand shows, tickets may sell out within minutes or hours of going on sale. Fans aim to purchase as soon as sales open.
Factors That Impact Ticket Prices
Several key factors can influence concert ticket prices leading up to the event. Being aware of these can help determine the best time to buy.
Initial pricing – Tickets may be most expensive when they first go on sale, especially for top acts. Promoters sometimes start with high prices and gradually drop them as the event date approaches.
Venue size – Small club venues typically have higher demand and more limited ticket availability than larger arenas, driving up prices.
Act popularity – Well-known headliners or reunion tours are more likely to start with higher ticket prices that hold steady or increase over time.
Reseller prices – Third-party ticket resellers may inflate prices due to high demand. Buying direct from the box office can sometimes avoid this.
Day of week – Weekend shows often command higher prices than weeknights. Friday and Saturday tickets tend to sell out fastest.
Tour/band announcement – When additional shows or supporting acts are announced for a tour, it can impact ticket prices.
When To Buy Tickets
Taking into account the above factors, here are some recommendations for timing your ticket purchase:
As Soon As Sales Start
This ensures you can get tickets before they sell out. It’s especially vital for smaller venues or extremely popular acts. The biggest fans snap up tickets immediately. You’ll also have access to the best seats. The major downside is paying top dollar versus waiting for potential price drops later.
1-2 Months Before the Show
Buying tickets a month or two out can be a smart strategy. You’ll still have a good selection of seat locations. For less popular performers, prices may decline the longer you wait. But for big names, they might start to rise again as show date approaches.
1-2 Weeks Out
Waiting until the last couple weeks before the concert has risks and benefits. On the plus side, unsold tickets may now be discounted. You can sometimes score deals. The tradeoff is having fewer seats to choose from. The most desirable spots are likely long gone.
Day Before or Day Of
Scoring last minute tickets can provide big savings. But it’s very hit-or-miss. The event could now be completely sold out. Or remaining seats may be in undesirable sections. Same day ticket releases are never guaranteed. This strategy requires flexibility and a bit of luck!
Where To Buy Tickets
You have several options for where to purchase tickets. Each has its own pros and cons.
Direct From the Venue Box Office
Buying directly through the concert venue box office, either online or in person, can be the safest option. You’ll avoid reseller markups and fake ticket risks. On the downside, you may need to deal with box office fees and limited customer service.
The Artist’s Website
Many musicians and bands sell tickets through their official websites. Again, you’ll pay face value price without reseller fees. But the tickets may sell out fast, especially for superfans waiting in online queues. Check the site ahead of time for presale code access.
Ticket Resale Sites
Third-party ticket sites like StubHub or Vivid Seats provide an option if box office tickets are unavailable. You can find last minute deals. Be sure to vet the site and seller. Watch for inflated service charges. Some resold tickets may also carry usage restrictions.
Ticket Membership Programs
Joining a ticket membership club like Ticketmaster Verified Fan offers early access to purchase tickets. You may need to register in advance and be accepted as a member. These programs aim to get tickets directly into fans’ hands versus resellers.
Tips for Saving Money
Use these strategies to avoid overspending and get the lowest prices:
– Comparison shop across multiple ticket outlets
– Check venue box office prices before third-party sites
– Look for fan club, email list, and credit card presales
– Consider weekday shows over weekend dates
– Buy upper level or obstructed view seats
– Avoid convenience fees and shipping charges
– Purchase by the ticket deadline to avoid late fees
– Follow the artist and venue on social media for special offers
– Consider arriving just before showtime for unsold tickets
Conclusion
Timing your concert ticket purchase requires balancing early planning with potential last minute deals. In general, buying 1-2 months out strikes a good balance. You’ll still get reasonable prices and solid seat options before tickets disappear. Act fast if your favorite act is playing a tiny club. Wait longer to score discounts for larger arena shows.
Consider your budget, how badly you want to see the performer live, and how flexible you are on show dates. With smart timing, you can secure tickets for a price you want to pay. That allows you to relax and anticipate the amazing memories you’ll make watching the concert live. Enjoy the show!