Attending sporting events and concerts is an exciting part of the college experience. As a student at San Diego State University (SDSU), you have access to discounted tickets for various events held on campus and around the city. Here is a guide on how to get tickets as an SDSU student.
Get tickets through the Viejas Arena box office
Many major events at SDSU take place at the Viejas Arena, including basketball games, concerts, and special events. The Viejas Arena box office offers discounted ticket prices for SDSU students for most events held there. Here are some tips for getting discounted tickets:
- Bring your SDSU ID card – You will need to show your official SDSU ID to purchase student tickets.
- Check the box office website – The Viejas Arena website will list all upcoming events and the student ticket prices. Certain big-name concerts may not offer student discounts.
- Buy early – Student tickets often sell out fast, so check the box office website frequently and purchase as soon as sales open.
- Ask about limits – There are sometimes limits on the number of student tickets you can buy, so ask the box office staff when purchasing.
The Viejas Arena box office is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5:30pm. You can also call 619-594-0234 for ticket information.
Use your student Aztec Recreation membership
As an SDSU student, you get free membership to Aztec Recreation, which includes access to student tickets for SDSU athletic events. Here’s how it works:
- Activate your Aztec Recreation membership – All enrolled SDSU students automatically get a membership. Activate yours online.
- Check the Aztec Recreation website – The website lists all upcoming games and when student tickets will be available.
- Reserve tickets online – When ticket sales open, log into your account and reserve tickets. There is usually a limited number available.
- Pick up tickets – Take your SDSU ID to the Aztec Recreation office during designated pick-up times to get your printed tickets.
Using your Aztec Recreation membership is a great way to get free or discounted tickets to SDSU football, basketball, and other sports games.
Purchase through the SDSU Student Life & Leadership office
The Student Life & Leadership office offers specially priced tickets for SDSU students to certain events like theme park visits, shows, concerts, and more. Here are some tips for getting these discounted tickets:
- Check their events calendar – The Student Life office maintains a calendar of upcoming student events and when tickets will go on sale.
- Purchase early – These specially priced tickets are limited and tend to sell out quickly.
- Bring your SDSU ID – Your ID will be required when purchasing tickets.
- Follow student organizations – Connect with student organizations like Associated Students to stay in the loop on ticket offers.
Purchasing through the Student Life office is a more affordable way to experience events off campus. They regularly offer deals like $25 tickets to theme parks and local attractions.
Enter ticket giveaways
SDSU and local businesses sometimes sponsor ticket giveaways and contests specifically for students. Here are some ways to find out about these opportunities:
- Follow SDSU social media – Contests are often announced on the official SDSU Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
- Check campus posters – Look for posters around campus advertising giveaways, especially in the Student Union and other hot spots.
- Listen to on-campus radio – The SDSU radio station KCR often does ticket giveaways.
- Join student organizations – Student groups may get free tickets to distribute or have member-only contests.
- Use student deals apps – Check apps like Student Beans for local student promotions.
Enter any giveaway you come across – you never know when you might score free tickets!
Get rush tickets
If an event hasn’t sold out, some venues offer last-minute rush tickets at a discount. Here are some tips for scoring rush tickets as a student:
- Check the box office directly – Contact the box office the day of the event and ask if rush tickets will be offered.
- Arrive early – Get to the box office as early as possible, as rush tickets are very limited.
- Be flexible – You may end up with last-minute nosebleed seats or standing room only tickets.
- Have your student ID – Proof of student status is usually required to get the discounted rush price.
Rush tickets can be a cheap way to experience events last minute, if you don’t mind the unpredictability!
Use ticket resale sites and apps
Websites and apps like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, Gametime, and more can offer heavily discounted last minute tickets being resold by other fans. Here are some tips for finding deals:
- Compare prices across sites – Prices can vary between resale platforms, so check a few.
- Read the fine print – Watch for added fees and use sites that show total costs upfront.
- Sort by price – Filter search results from low to high price to find the best deals.
- Buy last minute – Prices tend to drop up until the event start time as sellers panic.
- Buy single tickets – Odd number tickets are often cheaper since most people buy in pairs.
Just make sure to thoroughly read listings and buyer guarantees before purchasing secondhand tickets.
Ask about student volunteer opportunities
Some larger events rely on student volunteers and offer free event admission in exchange for working a shift. Ask about volunteer opportunities with these campus organizations:
- Viejas Arena – Volunteers help with concerts, games, and shows.
- Student Life & Leadership – Help run student events on and off campus.
- Associated Students – SDSU’s student government needs volunteers for events.
- Athletics department – Usher, provide fan services, and more at sports games.
- Student organizations – Check if any clubs related to the event need volunteers.
Volunteering is a great way to attend events for free if you’re willing to work during part of it.
Use your connections
Don’t be shy about reaching out to friends, family members, professors, or professional contacts who may have access to free or discounted tickets. Here are some people to ask:
- Professors and academic departments – They may get free tickets for University-sponsored events.
- Employers and internship hosts – Especially larger local companies that sponsor events.
- Alumni groups – Alumni often get ticket offers and discounts.
- Friends working in media – Radio stations, TV channels, and websites that cover events may get free tickets.
- Friends interning in sports – Sports teams give players lots of free tickets to share.
With some networking, you may be able to find tickets without spending any of your own money!
Go as someone’s guest
If all else fails, you can always try to find someone who already purchased tickets and is looking for someone to bring as their guest. Here are some ways to find a +1 opportunity:
- Check social media – Post that you’re looking for a free ticket on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram story, etc.
- Ask classmates – Reach out to classmates majoring in fields related to the event (e.g. ask arts students about plays).
- Join online fan groups – Find local fan groups on Facebook for the teams/artists and ask if anyone has an extra ticket.
- Keep an ear out – Listen for classmates discussing the event and politely ask if they have room for one more.
By networking socially both online and offline, you may be able to attend hot ticket events accompanying a new or existing friend.
Conclusion
Attending great events is an important part of college life. With all the options SDSU students have to get discounted or free tickets, you’ll have no problem experiencing the best campus and local happenings on a student budget. A combination of early planning, taking advantage of student promotions, entering contests, volunteering, and networking with contacts can help you get into even the hottest and most expensive events in San Diego. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy all the sports games, concerts, shows, amusement parks, and more that the SDSU community has to offer.