When trying to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, you may encounter an error message saying “Pardon the interruption we’re working on getting this fixed.” This typically means the Ticketmaster website or app is experiencing high traffic volumes and is having trouble processing all requests. Here are some tips on how to get around this issue and complete your ticket purchase:
Wait a few minutes and try again
The “pardon the interruption” error usually occurs during periods of peak ticket demand, like when a popular concert first goes on sale. Thousands of fans may be trying to access Tickmaster at the same time, overloading its servers. If you receive the error message, wait 5-10 minutes for traffic to die down a bit, then retry your transaction. Keep trying periodically until you’re able to get through.
Use the Ticketmaster app instead of the website
The Ticketmaster app typically has less traffic than the desktop website, so you may have better luck completing your purchase there. Download the app on your iOS or Android device, log in to your Ticketmaster account, and search for the event you want. Add the tickets to your cart and proceed through checkout. The app may let the transaction go through even if the website is slammed.
Use alternate presale links
For popular shows, Ticketmaster usually offers presale links for members of fan clubs or credit card holders a few days before the general on-sale time. These presale links frequently work even when the main Ticketmaster website is overloaded. Search for the event name plus “presale code” on Google to try finding presale ticket links available before the general on-sale.
Try accessing Ticketmaster internationally
Ticketmaster has different sites for different countries around the world. If ticket demand is extremely high in your country, you may have better results using Ticketmaster in another country. For example, try ticketmaster.co.uk (for the UK) or ticketmaster.com.au (for Australia). Just make sure the event you want tickets for is not region locked.
Use a different browser or device
Sometimes the Ticketmaster error message may be related to your specific browser or device. Try accessing the Ticketmaster website from a different web browser like Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Edge and see if that helps get past the interruption error. Or attempt the ticket transaction from a tablet or mobile device if you were initially trying on a desktop. Different browsers/devices may have better luck connecting.
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Before attempting to purchase tickets again, clear your web browser’s cache and cookies for the Ticketmaster website. Excess cached data from previous attempts can sometimes interfere with connecting properly to Ticketmaster. In most browsers you can clear cache and cookies by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Clear Browsing Data.
Try a different internet connection
If you’re on a home WiFi network with multiple people, bandwidth constraints could make it hard to complete a Ticketmaster transaction. Try tethering your phone or computer to a mobile hotspot instead – this dedicates more bandwidth to your device. Or go somewhere with public WiFi like a cafe or library when attempting to purchase tickets.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
Connecting through a VPN assigns you a different IP address and location, which can sometimes help you bypass network congestion on Ticketmaster. Download a VPN app on your device, connect to a server in a different city, then try accessing Ticketmaster to buy tickets. The changed routing provided by the VPN may succeed when your normal connection fails.
Try Ticketmaster’s Fan Support
Ticketmaster has a Fan Support team specifically for assisting with ticket purchases over the phone. If you still can’t get past the “pardon the interruption” error online, call Fan Support (1-800-653-8000 in the US) and explain the issue. They may be able to process your ticket order directly over the phone.
Look for tickets on resale sites
If Ticketmaster is totally overloaded and you absolutely must get tickets, check resale sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats and SeatGeek. Resellers often get tickets during presales and relist them at higher prices, but it’s an option if Ticketmaster continues having issues. Compare prices across resale platforms to get the best deal.
Wait until the day of the event
For extremely popular shows that sell out immediately, you may have no choice but to wait until day-of when prices drop dramatically. As showtime approaches and sellers get desperate, deals can emerge on sites like StubHub. You’ll miss out on the best seats, but can often get last-minute tickets for cheap.
Adjust your Ticketmaster password settings
If you’re unable to complete a ticket purchase because you get stuck at the Ticketmaster login page, go to your account settings and remove any enhanced login requirements. Disable extra password/CAPTCHA prompts that could be interfering with quickly checking out. You can re-enable higher security later.
Use auto-fill for faster form completion
Entering personal info and payment details on Ticketmaster’s checkout forms can take precious extra seconds. Enable auto-fill of addresses, names and credit card numbers on your browser and Ticketmaster account to breeze through forms faster. Those extra seconds could make the difference in beating ticket sellouts.
Make sure your payment information is up to date
Before you attempt to buy high-demand tickets, log into your Ticketmaster account and confirm your saved payment details are current. Update any expired credit cards or addresses. If your payment info is out-of-date, you may hit errors during the purchase process that make you lose tickets.
Use Ticketmaster’s ticket waiting list
For sold out shows, Ticketmaster lets you join a waiting list to be notified if new tickets become available. Enable notifications in your account settings to get instant phone alerts if seats open up. Waiting lists give you early access before tickets get offered to the general public again.
Follow Ticketmaster on social media
Keep an eye on Ticketmaster’s Twitter and Facebook pages leading up to big on-sales. They will often post updates if there are known website issues or scheduled maintenance periods. Social media alerts could give you advance notice of problems so you can adjust your ticket buying strategy.
The “pardon the interruption” message during high ticket demand is annoying but normal for Ticketmaster. Using strategies like waiting a few minutes, trying different devices, clearing your browser cache, or accessing international Ticketmaster sites can often help overcome the errors. With persistence you should be able to push through and get your hands on those coveted tickets!