Ticketmaster waitlists allow you to get access to sold-out events. If tickets become available, Ticketmaster will let you purchase them before they go on sale to the general public. Joining a waitlist is easy and free. Here’s how it works.
What is a Ticketmaster Waitlist?
A Ticketmaster waitlist gives you a chance to buy tickets to sold-out concerts, shows, and sporting events. When an event sells out, Ticketmaster allows you to join a waitlist. If more tickets are released, you’ll get an email giving you first dibs to purchase them.
Waitlists help prevent ticket brokers from buying up all the seats and reselling them at inflated prices. They give real fans a fair shot at buying tickets face value before scalpers can snag them.
Why Join a Waitlist?
There are a few key reasons to join a Ticketmaster waitlist:
- Access to sold-out events – It lets you buy tickets to shows that are already sold-out.
- First dibs on new tickets – You get early access before the general public if more tickets are released.
- Avoid inflated resale prices – Waitlists thwart ticket brokers so you can pay face value.
- It’s free – Joining a waitlist is always free.
- Higher chances than resale – Your odds are often better compared to buying resale tickets.
Overall, waitlists give regular fans a fair chance to get tickets before price gouging resellers can snap them up.
How Do Ticketmaster Waitlists Work?
Ticketmaster waitlists function in the following way:
- You attempt to buy tickets to an event and find it’s sold-out.
- On the event page, you click “Join Waitlist” and enter your info.
- Ticketmaster saves your spot in line based on when you joined.
- If more tickets are released, you’ll get an email notification.
- You have a limited time window to purchase the newly available tickets.
- If you miss the window, your spot goes to the next person in line.
In essence, the earlier you join a waitlist, the nearer you are to the front of the line if new tickets become available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Join a Ticketmaster Waitlist
Joining a Ticketmaster waitlist only takes a few quick steps:
- Find the event page for the sold-out concert, show, or game you want to attend.
- Click the “Join Waitlist” button near the ticket listings.
- Enter your email address and click submit.
- Check your email for a confirmation and click the link to verify your spot.
That’s it! You’re now on the waitlist. Make sure to regularly check your email. You’ll be notified if more tickets are released for sale.
Tips for Joining Waitlists
Here are some useful tips when joining Ticketmaster waitlists:
- Join early – Sign up as soon as a show sells out to get nearer to the front.
- Use the Ticketmaster app – You’ll get notifications right on your phone if tickets free up.
- Check email frequently – Don’t miss your ticket purchase window if notified.
- Only join waitlists you can afford – Be ready to pay if you get the chance to buy tickets.
- Link your Ticketmaster account – Makes the ticket buying process faster if notified.
Your Chances of Getting Tickets
Your odds of getting tickets through a waitlist vary. It depends on factors like:
- The popularity of the event
- The size of the venue
- How many tickets were held for fan clubs, VIPs, etc
- How many people are ahead of you on the waitlist
Extremely high-demand events in smaller venues typically have longer waitlists. But persistence and patience pays off. Many fans do succeed in buying tickets eventually.
Ways Tickets Can Become Available
Tickets most often free up via:
- The venue or artist releasing holdbacks
- Production holding fewer comps
- Fans returning or cancelling tickets they can no longer use
- The event or venue adding more seating
New seats can open up anytime leading up to the event. Check your waitlist status periodically for updates.
Pitfalls of Ticketmaster Waitlists
While waitlists give regular fans fair access, there are some potential downsides:
- No guarantee of tickets – You may not get notified if a short waitlist.
- Short ticket windows – You only have 2-4 hours to buy, so check email often.
- Credit card holds – Your card may be temporarily charged when notified to ensure you can pay.
- Restricted views – The best seats are usually gone, you may get obstructed views.
Waitlists are not a sure thing. But they still beat paying inflated resale prices. With persistence, you can often score tickets.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster Waitlists
If waitlists are full or you want other options, consider:
- Fan clubs – Artists often hold tickets for fan club members.
- Venue presales – Many venues have pre-sales a day before the public onsale.
- Credit card presales – Some cards like Amex offer advance ticket access.
- Resale sites – You can find overpriced tickets on StubHub, VividSeats, etc.
- Radio contests – Local radio often gives away hard-to-get tickets.
- Social media contests – Follow venues and artists so you don’t miss any contests.
These all give you extra shots at getting seats outside of waitlists. Combine them with waitlists to maximize your chances.
What if You Miss the Ticket Purchase Window?
If you are emailed waitlist tickets but miss the short purchase window, don’t panic. Here are some options:
- Email Ticketmaster and politely ask for another chance to buy tickets. They may grant you access if tickets are still available.
- Keep monitoring ticket listings in case the event releases even more seats down the road.
- Check for fan club presales where the artist may hold back some tickets just for members.
- Buy verified resale tickets as a last resort if prices aren’t too inflated.
Persistence and flexibility are key. With some luck and continued effort, you can often score seats even if you initially miss the waitlist window.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster waitlists provide fair access to high-demand tickets. By joining early and regularly monitoring your status, you can vastly improve your chances of buying seats at face value. Waitlists are free and easy to join. Just be diligent about checking your email so you don’t miss the small ticket purchase window.
While not guaranteed, waitlists beat paying exorbitant resale prices. With flexibility and persistence, you can often score tickets to “sold-out” shows. Use waitlists in combination with other pre-sale options to maximize your shot at great seats.
