Going to concerts and shows can be an expensive hobby, with ticket prices seeming to go up every year. However, there are ways to get tickets for cheaper on Ticketmaster if you know where to look and are willing to be flexible. Here are some tips and tricks for finding deals and saving money when buying tickets on Ticketmaster.
Buy Presale and Fan Club Tickets
One of the best ways to get cheap tickets is to buy during presales or through official fan clubs. Presales allow you to purchase tickets before the general public, giving you first dibs on seats before they sell out or surge in price due to demand. Here are some presale options to check out:
- Artist Presales: Many bands and musicians offer presale ticket access to fans who sign up for their email newsletter or fan club. Simply join the mailing list and you’ll get a special presale code to use.
- Venue Presales: Large venues will often have ticket presales for all events happening there. Check the venue’s social media and website for presale codes.
- Ticketmaster Presales: Ticketmaster itself offers special presales for select events. Look for presale tabs on the event page or sign up for Ticketmaster emails.
- Credit Card Presales: Having certain credit cards like Citi or American Express gets you access to presales across dozens of events.
During presales, you can usually get tickets for 10-20% below box office prices. Just don’t share the presale code so you don’t have as much competition!
Avoid Convenience and Service Fees
When buying tickets on Ticketmaster, you’ll often see fees tacked on at checkout with names like “convenience fees”, “processing fees” or “service fees.” These fees are added revenue for Ticketmaster but are avoidable if you know where to buy. Here are some tips to get tickets without the fees:
- Buy at the venue’s box office – tickets bought in person won’t have the online fees
- Use discount ticket sites like AAA and military discounts – these tickets are sold fee-free
- Buy fan club or credit card presales – presale tickets often don’t have fees
- Find a fan reselling fee-free tickets – you can avoid fees buying secondhand
By using one of these methods, you can save 10-25% off ticket prices by avoiding the fees. Just be aware of any additional fees the third-party sellers might charge.
Look for Ticketmaster Coupons and Discounts
Ticketmaster always has various special discounts and coupon codes available if you know where to find them. Here are some places to check for Ticketmaster promo codes:
- Join Ticketmaster’s Fan Club – special codes just for members
- Follow Ticketmaster on social media – promotions posted regularly
- Visit discount sites like RetailMeNot and Groupon – lists latest deals and codes
- Sign up for Ticketmaster emails – exclusive offers sent to subscribers
- Use a verified student, military or senior ID – unlocks special ticket discounts
- Check with your employer – some have corporate Ticketmaster discounts
These promo codes can score you 10-20% off your entire ticket order. Always try them at checkout to see if they apply to your event.
Be Flexible on Date and Seating
One of the biggest factors in ticket pricing is supply and demand. The most in-demand shows and popular seating sections command higher prices. However, you can often save money by being flexible on when you attend and where you sit. Here are some tips:
- Avoid weekend shows – weekday performances are almost always cheaper
- Go to less popular events – prices will be lower than sold out shows
- Sit further back – the worst seats cost way less than front row
- Buy single seats – pairs and groups cost more than singles
- See matinee shows – daytime is cheaper than primetime
By opening up your schedule and seating preferences, you can easily save 25-50% off the most coveted tickets.
Wait Until the Last Minute
Procrastination pays off when it comes to getting cheap tickets! As events approach, unsold tickets drop lower and lower in price. Here’s how waiting can save:
- Monitor ticket resale sites leading up to the event – prices sink as sellers scramble to unload
- Check Ticketmaster directly for newly released tickets – last minute ticket dumps are common
- Walk up to the box office close to event time – unsold tickets can be sold cheaply
While risky, waiting until the last 72 hours to buy can score tickets 50% cheaper or more in many cases. Popular shows still sell out, so have backup plans if needed.
Buy Upper Level or Obstructed View Seats
Fans will pay almost anything to get the best seats for hot shows. However, deals can be found higher up in the venue. Here are some tips for cheap upper level or obstructed view seats:
- Buy upper deck/balcony tickets – they are naturally cheaper than lower levels
- Look for obstructed view tickets – pillars and angles mean big discounts
- Avoid front rows in upper sections – front still costs more than back
- Pick sides over center – you’ll save more the further from center you are
While not ideal for some, sitting in the rafters or behind objects can mean 50-75% savings off good seat prices.
Use Seating Charts
When buying tickets, always open up the detailed seating chart to explore cheaper sections. Things to look for:
- Green/blue – cheaper open sections
- Gray – more expensive sections that are selling out
- Obstructed views – seats behind stage equipment, pillars, etc
- Upper deck vs lower level – big price jumps between levels
Master the venue’s seating chart and use it to find the best deals on tickets.
Buy at the Right Time
Timing your ticket purchase can result in big savings too. Here are good times to buy:
- Presales – first dibs before prices rise
- When onsale begins – early bird prices, before sellouts
- 1-2 weeks out – resellers cutting prices
- Day before/day of – last minute ticket dumps
And times to avoid:
- Long after onsale – prices climb as event nears
- Right after presales – inflated due to hype
- Months in advance – prices higher than necessary
Timing your ticket purchase for the best deals can save you 10-15% if done right.
Buy Group Tickets
If attending with a group of friends, buying as a package deal can lead to big savings. Here are some group buying tips:
- Look for group discounts – savings for 4+ tickets bought together
- Buy season ticket packages – bundled pricing for multiple shows
- Join group shopping programs – access group rates and promos
- Split costs and fees – cheaper per person when divided up
Group ticket rates can offer 10-30% off compared to buying individually. Share the love and savings with friends!
Buy Resale Tickets
Score cheap tickets from resellers and secondhand markets like:
- Craigslist – locals selling at low prices to move tickets
- Facebook Marketplace – discounted last minute tickets
- StubHub – large ticket reseller with coupons and deals
- VividSeats – similar secondary market as StubHub
- Gametime – last minute unsold seats at low prices
Buying resale can net 50% savings or more, especially for unused last minute tickets. Just be sure to buy legit tickets from trusted sellers.
Safely Buying Resale Tickets
When buying secondhand tickets, be sure to:
- Meet in person when possible
- Inspect tickets carefully before paying
- Register tickets on Ticketmaster to verify
- Pay by credit card for purchase protection
- Ask for seller’s ID and take a photo
Following these tips will help avoid buying fake or stolen tickets.
Get Refundable Tickets
If your plans may change, buying refundable tickets can score you cheap seats. Options include:
- Refundable Ticketmaster tickets – some tiers and shows allow free refunds
- Tickets with cancellation insurance – unlike refunds, gets you the fees back too
- Credit card refund protection – get your money back if plans change
Refundable tickets let you lock in deals early without being stuck if you can’t go. Just make sure to check the refund policy’s fine print.
Join Ticketmaster Rewards
Ticketmaster has a rewards program that gives you a $5 credit for every $500 spent. Benefits include:
- Credits – $5 back for every $500 spent
- Tickets discounts – exclusive savings and presales
- Upgrades – access to premium seat upgrades
- Early venue access – get in early, private bar
The rewards can add up to 10-20% back annually if you attend a ton of Ticketmaster events.
Use a Ticket Aggregator
Instead of checking dozens of sites, use a ticket aggregator to compare prices all in one place. Top aggregators include:
- TickPick – every ticket fee shown upfront, sorted by best deals
- SeatGeek – maps prices across resale markets, shows steals
- VividSeats – built-in ticket ratings and deal scores
- Razorgator – aggregates resale tickets with $10 off coupons
Aggregators make it easy to instantly spot the cheapest tickets across any event or city.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster is known for high convenience fees and premium pricing, there are still many ways to find cheap tickets if you’re willing to hunt and be flexible. By using presales, discounts, resale markets, and smart shopping strategies, you can save 10-75% off face value pricing. With some work, patience and creativity, you can beat Ticketmaster at their own game!