Ticketmaster is the largest ticket sales and distribution company in the world. They sell tickets for concert, sports, theater and other live entertainment events. Many people want to get discounts or deals on Ticketmaster tickets, but it can be challenging since they dominate so much of the market. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for saving money when buying tickets through Ticketmaster.
Wait for Presales and Promotions
One of the best ways to get a deal is to take advantage of presales and promotions. Presales give members early access to tickets before the general public. Promotions can include discounts like getting tickets for 20% off the day of an event. Sign up for newsletters, join fan clubs or get a Ticketmaster rewards credit card to have access to presales and exclusive offers. Being ready to pounce when these deals are announced is key to saving.
Use Discount Codes
Ticketmaster regularly provides discount codes and coupons ranging from $5 off your order to 10% the total cost. Search online for the latest Ticketmaster promo codes before purchasing. There are forums and websites dedicated to sharing verified codes for events big and small. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are also great sources to find presale passwords and coupon codes.
Purchase Platinum Seats
Platinum seats through Ticketmaster are premium tickets in high-demand locations like near the stage or by the team bench. What most people don’t know is that Platinum seats can actually be cheaper than buying from scalpers or resellers outside the venue on game day. The Platinum option prices tickets much closer to face value. So if you want great seats and are willing to pay a higher premium, buy them directly through Ticketmaster instead of other channels.
Upgrade Your Tickets
Many may not realize that you can bid to upgrade your seats through Ticketmaster. About 48 hours before an event, you will get an email inviting you to bid on better seats. This allows you to take the average-priced tickets you already bought and try moving closer to the action. Depending on the event, upgrades can be relatively affordable. Don’t expect to go from nosebleeds to courtside, but moving from the upper deck to lower bowl is very possible with smart bidding.
Purchase Ticket Packages
If attending a major event like the Super Bowl or a playoff game, consider purchasing a ticket package. These packages include your game tickets along with hotel accommodations, pre-game parties, transportation and more. What most don’t realize is that buying the entire package is sometimes cheaper than buying just the tickets by themselves on the secondary market. Do your research ahead of time to find the best travel packages.
Go For General Admission
General admission is first come, first served seating at concerts and festivals. While you won’t get an assigned seat, general admission tickets are typically much cheaper than reserved seats. They can even end up being better seats if you don’t mind camping out early and scrambling for position by the stage. General admission sections are designated as “GA” during the Ticketmaster purchasing process.
Buy at the Right Time
| When to Buy | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| As soon as sales start | – First access to best seats | – No discounts |
| After initial rush | – Prices drop on less popular seats | – Many desirable seats already sold |
| Right before event | – Last minute discounts | – Limited selection |
Timing your ticket purchase strategically based on the event, popularity and season can save you money. Buying as soon as sales open ensures you can choose your perfect seat. But prices will be highest at the start. Waiting until after the initial rush of sales lets you scoop up leftover seats at reduced prices. Right before an event, last minute unsold tickets will be discounted but you’ll have limited options. Understanding demand trends around an event allows you to buy at just the right time.
Avoid Convenience Fees
Ticketmaster is notorious for exorbitant convenience, processing and delivery fees. These extra costs can add 20% or more to your order. Avoid fees by choosing electronic tickets you can print at home. Opt out of mail delivery which can cost you $20-$25 more. Also purchase tickets directly through the venue’s box office if available to dodge fees. Lastly, fees are usually lower when you buy season ticket packages or group orders.
Buy Group Tickets
Getting group tickets lets you save across an entire order instead of just a single ticket. Keep an eye out for group ticket discounts for bands, sports teams and theater performances. The more people you have, the bigger discount you can get. If you don’t have a huge group, reach out to friends, family, co-workers, etc. to get the numbers you need. Splitting the group order savings is a win-win for everyone.
Know Your Venue
| Venue Type | Best Deals |
|---|---|
| Stadiums | – Upper deck or end zone seats |
| Theaters | – Rear mezzanine or balcony |
| Clubs | – General admission floor |
| Arenas | – Corners and ends of upper deck |
Certain seats will be cheaper than others depending on the venue. In huge stadiums, upper deck seats are more affordable with worse views. At theaters, mezzanine and balconies are cheaper than orchestra. Club general admission puts you on the floor at a discount. Arena corner upper deck seats are low demand. Learn the lay of the land to find cheaper seats with decent views.
Use a Ticket Reseller as Last Resort
Third party ticket resellers like StubHub can sometimes yield big discounts, especially last minute. But there are risks buying from unofficial sources. You could overpay if demand surges, get scammed with fake or duplicate tickets, or denied entry. Only use a trusted reseller as an absolute last ditch effort. Stick to buying directly from Ticketmaster when possible.
Conclusion
Getting the best deals on Ticketmaster takes effort and planning. Sign up for presales, use codes and purchase in bulk. Strategically time your buying, pick your seats wisely and minimize fees. With the right tricks, you can save big on some of the most popular events that seem otherwise unaffordable. A little work pays off with the experience of a lifetime at an incredible price.