Getting tickets to see Taylor Swift perform live can be an incredibly difficult task, especially with her legions of loyal fans trying to snag tickets at the same time. Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour is one of the hottest concert tickets of 2023, so demand is higher than ever. Thankfully, Ticketmaster has implemented a virtual waiting room for fans to queue up for tickets in an orderly fashion when they go on sale. Here is everything you need to know about how to get into the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster waiting room.
When do Taylor Swift tickets go on sale?
Taylor Swift officially announced her Eras Tour on November 1, 2022 across her social media accounts. She revealed the tour dates for U.S. stadium shows in 2023, with international dates to be announced as well. Ticket sales for the public will begin on November 15, 2022 at 10AM local venue time. There are two presales happening before the general onsale: a Ticketmaster Verified Fan presale on November 15 and a Capital One cardholder presale on November 16. Fans needed to register for the Ticketmaster Verified Fan presale in advance, and those selected will receive a code to access tickets. Capital One cardholders can use their card to access the presale. For everyone else, the general onsale on November 18 at 10AM local venue time will be their first chance at Eras Tour tickets.
What is the Ticketmaster waiting room?
The Ticketmaster waiting room is a virtual queue system implemented for high demand onsales like Taylor Swift tickets. It helps control crowd flow into the ticket buying experience. Without it, the ticketing website would likely crash from too many fans trying to access it all at once when tickets go on sale. The waiting room provides an orderly way for fans to line up behind the scenes and be granted access to purchase tickets when it’s their turn. This prevents the Tickmaster site from overloading and provides a smoother onsale process. Ticketmaster says it holds fans’ places in line so they don’t lose spots if their browser refreshes or they switch devices.
How the waiting room works
The Ticketmaster waiting room opens at a set time before tickets go on sale, usually an hour ahead. Fans who want tickets will want to log into their Ticketmaster accounts or sign up for one ahead if time if they don’t have one yet. Having an account is required to access the waiting room. At the waiting room open time, fans simply refresh the event page they want tickets for and click the “Get in Line” button. This assigns them a random spot in line. The waiting room shows the fan’s place in line and estimates wait time. Fans do not need to refresh while waiting as Ticketmaster says it will automatically forward them when it’s their turn. Once at the front, fans will be redirected to the ticket purchase page to choose seats and checkout. Ticketmaster requests a CAPTCHA verification at checkout as one last measure against bots. Then if the transaction processes without issue, the tickets are yours!
Tips for successfully accessing the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster waiting room
Use Ticketmaster Verified Fan
Signing up for Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program is highly recommended for the best chance at Taylor Swift tickets. Verified Fan presales allow registered fans to purchase tickets before the general public. Swift is having a Verified Fan presale on November 15. Registration was open on Ticketmaster in advance of the onsale dates, so hopefully you already signed up if you want to take advantage of this. Verified Fans get first access to tickets, so fewer fans will be waiting in the queue during your presale, increasing your chances of scoring seats.
Prepare your Ticketmaster account
Take time before the onsale to ensure your Ticketmaster account information is up to date. Double check details like your name, email, password, and payment method on file. You don’t want any delays or snags when purchasing caused by outdated account info. Make sure your payment method has sufficient funds or credit as tickets may sell out quickly. Set up SMS alerts on your account so you receive text notifications in case any waiting room issues arise.
Use your computer instead of phone
Your computer likely has a more stable internet connection compared to mobile, so use a laptop or desktop to access the waiting room instead of your phone. Close out any unnecessary apps and tabs to maximize your device’s capabilities. Hardwire your computer directly to your router via ethernet cable for the best wired connection results. Restart your computer before tickets go on sale to clear any memory issues. Using a computer provides more screen space to seamlessly navigate Ticketmaster too.
Check venue internet requirements
Some venues will provide free public wireless internet to fans lined up when tickets go on sale. If you plan to buy tickets this way, check ahead of time with the venue to confirm they offer it. Ask them if any additional steps like accepting terms or entering codes are required to access it. Get in line early to scope out the wifi connection quality from the spot you want to buy tickets from. Identify backup nearby wifi hotspots in case the venue’s doesn’t work. As a last resort, use your mobile data through tethering as a wifi backup.
Bring a power bank
You don’t want your device losing battery at a critical moment when securing tickets. Bring a portable charger or power bank when waiting in line or accessing the waiting room. Make sure your power bank is fully charged too. Also have your computer or phone plugged in to charge if accessible when tickets are on sale. Turn down screen brightness and close unused apps to conserve power. With spare battery packs and power outlets, you reduce the risk of your device dying before you can get Taylor Swift seats.
What to do if you don’t immediately get Taylor Swift tickets
Try again later
Don’t lose hope if you don’t score Taylor Swift tickets during the first onsale. There will likely be subsequent onsales once initial demand dies down. Taylor could release additional tour dates later on, providing more ticket opportunities. Set calendar reminders for any fan club presales or other presale events you qualify for. Enable notifications on Taylor Swift’s website and social media channels so you don’t miss any ticket announcements.
Check for ticket releases
Keep checking Ticketmaster regularly for newly listed seats even after the initial onsales end. Fans will release extra tickets they can no longer use over time, so previously unavailable seats pop back up. Make Ticketmaster your homepage so you can monitor it daily with minimal effort. Call the box office frequently to ask if they have released any tickets for resale yet. Be persistent and keep tabs on all possible avenues for tickets.
Try verified resale markets
If you absolutely must have Taylor Swift tickets now, using a verified resale marketplace like Ticketmaster’s own resale site or StubHub may be your best option. These marketplaces let fans safely resell extra tickets. There is a money back guarantee on valid tickets. The downside is prices will be higher than face value. Compare between marketplaces to find the best deal. Always make sure a ticket’s barcode is visible before purchasing to verify legitimacy.
Beware scams
Unfortunately, unofficial resellers and scalpers take advantage of eager fans desperate for tickets. Be extremely cautious when considering secondary markets like Craigslist to avoid buying fake or stolen tickets. Never pay with informal payment apps like Venmo or CashApp which offer no buyer protection. Only pay through approved marketplace payment methods that let you dispute fraudulent charges. Meet in person to complete any sale and verify barcode scans correctly in the Ticketmaster app prior to exchanging money.
Key takeaways
- Register for Ticketmaster Verified Fan to access presales before the general public has a chance to buy tickets.
- Ensure your Ticketmaster account information is up to date ahead of the onsale.
- Use a desktop computer with a wired internet connection instead of phone for a stable waiting room access experience.
- Identify backup internet and power options in case your primary fails when trying for tickets.
- Keep checking Ticketmaster and other presales later if you don’t succeed initially.
- Only buy resale from secure verified marketplaces, never unauthorized resellers.
Taylor Swift shows sell out in minutes, so nothing guarantees you’ll get tickets. But proper planning and diligence will maximize your shot at getting into the waiting room and purchasing before they disappear. With persistence and a little bit of luck, you’ll secure amazing seats to watch Taylor on the Eras Tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster waiting room open?
The waiting room typically opens one hour prior to the ticket onsale time. So for a 10 AM onsale, the waiting room will open at 9 AM. Have Ticketmaster queued up and ready to go at waiting room open time.
Can you access the waiting room on multiple devices?
Ticketmaster only allows you to be in the waiting room on one device at a time per account. Trying on multiple devices can get your account restricted or banned. Stick to just your main computer when lining up.
Is the Ticketmaster waiting room free?
Yes, the Ticketmaster waiting room is a free service they provide for high demand onsales. No payment or Ticketmaster membership is required to access it.
Can you share your place in line with friends?
No, waiting room spots cannot be shared or transferred. Your place is tied to your Ticketmaster account and device cookie. Friends must join the waiting room separately with their own accounts.
What if you get booted from the waiting room?
If you lose connectivity and get removed from the waiting room, simply rejoin once you restore internet access. Ticketmaster will place you into a new spot based on latest availability. As long as tickets remain, you can queue up again.
Is the waiting room a guarantee you’ll get Taylor Swift tickets?
Unfortunately, no. The waiting room merely holds your place in line but does not guarantee tickets. Demand almost always exceeds supply for Taylor’s tours, so not everyone in line is guaranteed a shot at purchasing.
Can you buy tickets directly without the waiting room?
There is no way to bypass the waiting room and directly access ticket sales. Taylor Swift’s team requires use of the waiting room to maintain an equitable purchasing process.
What about VIP or meet and greet ticket packages?
If Taylor Swift offers any special VIP ticket experiences, those would go on sale through the same waiting room process. VIP tickets are extremely limited, so you need to be one of the very first in line on your presale day for a chance.
Conclusion
Scoring Taylor Swift concert tickets is competitive, hectic and unpredictable. Strategizing to get into the Ticketmaster waiting room is just the beginning. But going in prepared with an organized plan will help enable a smooth experience. Remember to register for Verified Fan, have your Ticketmaster account ready, use a wired desktop device and line up the moment the waiting room opens. With dedication and swift fingers, you’ll be singing and dancing alongside Taylor in no time!
