Getting tickets to see Taylor Swift live in concert can be extremely difficult, especially if you don’t have access to presale codes. Her huge popularity means shows sell out in minutes, leaving many fans ticketless. However, there are still ways to get tickets without a presale code if you’re smart about it and willing to put in some extra effort. Here are some tips and strategies for securing Taylor Swift tickets even without special presale access.
Understand the Ticketing System
To strategize about getting tickets, you first need to understand how ticketing for Taylor Swift concerts works. There are a few key things to know:
Registration Required
For Taylor Swift shows, you typically have to register in advance through Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program. This is done ahead of the public on-sale to verify actual fans and prevent scalpers from buying up all the tickets. So make sure you register as a Verified Fan when the opportunity becomes available.
Presales
Once registered, there are usually multiple presales before the general public on-sale. Presales give certain groups early access to buy tickets. Fan club members, Citi cardholders, Spotify listeners, and concert promoters all often get presale codes.
Limited Ticket Release
Only a portion of tickets are released during presales. The bulk of tickets are held for the public on-sale. So you still have a decent shot at getting tickets even without presales.
Fast Sell Outs
The huge demand for Taylor’s shows means tickets sell out in seconds during presales and public on-sales. Having a strategy will be key to beating out other fans.
Sign Up for Presales
While you may not have access to exclusive presale codes, there are some presales you can still take part in.
TaylorSwiftTix Presale
Taylor runs special presales through Ticketmaster called TaylorSwiftTix. Fans who have boosted her social media posts or purchased merch can get presale codes. So engage frequently with Taylor’s official accounts and webstore leading up to concerts.
Verified Fan Presale
Often the last presale before the public on-sale is open to all Verified Fans. So make sure you register for Ticketmaster’s program to access this presale opportunity.
Spotify Presale
If you listen to Taylor’s music on Spotify, you may get emailed a presale code. Her record label Universal Music Group runs these presales.
Venue and Promoter Presales
Check the venue and concert promoter’s website for any presales. Local venues or Live Nation may hold presales you can sign up for as a mailing list member.
Prepare for the Public On-Sale
While presales help, you can still get tickets during the highly-competitive public on-sale, especially if you prepare properly.
Register Accounts in Advance
Make sure you have Ticketmaster, venue, and concert promoter accounts created and all your info saved. This will help check out faster during the rush.
Gather Friends and Family
The more people you have trying, the better your odds! Share the on-sale info with friends and family and coordinate your efforts.
Use Multiple Devices
Have every phone, tablet, and computer ready to go. Pull up the ticket page on each device right before the on-sale.
Check for Tips on Taylor’s Social Media
Often there are tips shared on Taylor’s official accounts before the on-sale. Follow her closely for any inside information.
Strategize Your Approach
With some careful planning, you can beat the tough competition even without any special access.
Aim for Single Tickets
Shooting for single seats instead of groups of 2+ together gives you more options and chances. You can always try rearranging later.
Narrow Your Section Options
Target 1-2 sections on the seating chart instead of every option. This helps avoid getting stuck comparing prices.
Prioritize Floor Seats First
Floor seats sell out fastest, so click these first then move to lower bowls if needed. Upper levels and single seats will be available longer.
Have Backup Payment Cards Ready
Save payment info in accounts ahead of time and have backups in case of errors. Every second counts during checkout.
Use Presale and Verified Fan Codes Wisely
If you are lucky enough to get access to any special presale codes, be smart about how you use them.
Don’t Share Codes Publicly
Posting codes online lets scalpers and others misuse them, reducing real fans’ chances. Share only with trusted friends.
Take Advantage of Presale Time Slots
Many presales are tiered over several days. Use your codes strategically for the earliest slots before tickets sell out.
Search for Code Giveaways Carefully
Fan forums and Twitter can have presale code giveaways, but beware scalpers trying to trick fans. Seek codes only from trusted sources.
Provide Feedback to Improve Your Chances
Honest fan feedback helps Taylor and Ticketmaster improve the Verified Fan presales over time, which could help your chances for future shows.
Use Caution Buying From Secondary Markets
If you absolutely can’t get tickets through official on-sales, resale sites are an option, but have risks.
Beware of Scams
Fake ticket scams abound online. Only use well-known, reputable resale platforms when buying secondhand.
Check Ticket Transfer Policies
Many tickets now require names match at entry or have transfer limits. Make sure you can legally use the tickets.
Compare Multiple Listings
Prices can vary hugely for similar seats. Compare across platforms to ensure you don’t overpay. The lowest price isn’t always the best value.
Read Reviews and Ratings
Buy only from sellers with long histories of good reviews and satisfaction ratings. This helps avoid scams.
Pursue Alternative Options
If you still can’t get main concert tickets, all hope isn’t lost! Here are some other creative ideas for seeing Taylor live:
Look for Rescheduled Shows
Keep tabs on whether more concert stops get added or rescheduled later in the tour. This creates new ticket on-sales.
Try For Pre/After Parties
Taylor often hosts special events around her concerts for fans. Follow social media closely for any ticket giveaways or opportunities.
Enter Local Radio Contests
Radio stations in concert cities frequently run ticket contests. Entering giveaways can score you free last-minute tickets.
Look for Stadium Giveaways
Some concerts have tickets given away at sponsors’ tents outside the venue. Arrive early and ask around.
Hang Outside the Venue
Fans sometimes sell extra tickets below face value last minute outside the stadiums. Be smart if trying this risky route.
Conclusion
Scoring Taylor Swift concert tickets is tough but doable with dedication and smart strategies. Using presales when available, forming a ticket buying team, having backup plans, and pursuing all avenues maximizes your odds even without special access. Don’t lose hope! Stay persistent, and you may just end up singing along with Taylor live.
