Buying tickets to popular concerts, shows, and sporting events through Ticketmaster can be a competitive process. When there is high demand for an event, Ticketmaster uses a virtual “waiting room” or lobby to control the flow of traffic to the ticket buying pages. Joining the Ticketmaster lobby gives you a chance to buy tickets during the initial on-sale, before tickets sell out or are only available from resellers at inflated prices. With some preparation and tips, you can improve your chances of getting through the lobby to buy tickets.
When Ticketmaster Opens the Lobby
Ticketmaster utilizes the lobby system when there is expected to be very high demand for tickets to an event. This could be for things like concerts by major pop stars or playoff games for popular sports teams. The lobby helps control traffic surges to the Ticketmaster website or app when tickets first go on sale. It prevents the site from crashing and provides a more fair process for fans trying to get tickets.
The lobby is activated right before the scheduled start time for ticket sales. Ticketmaster will provide advance notice that a lobby will be used for an on-sale through its social media channels and event page. However, sometimes the waiting room is added last minute if demand overwhelms the site. Either way, you want to be on the Ticketmaster site for the event before the published start time so you can get into the lobby right away.
Typical Lobby Opening Process
Here is what typically happens when the Ticketmaster lobby opens:
- 10-15 minutes before the scheduled on-sale time, the Ticketmaster event page will refresh with a message that the lobby is open.
- You will be randomly assigned a place in the virtual line.
- Ticketmaster will display an estimated wait time and your spot in line. This time is usually very long at first, like over an hour.
- As people are let through the lobby, your estimated wait time will drop. You may have to refresh to update.
- When it’s your turn, you will be redirected to the ticket purchasing page.
The key is getting into the lobby immediately at the opening time so you have a chance at getting through before tickets sell out. Don’t give up if you have a high estimated wait time early on. That time can drop rapidly.
Requirements for Joining the Lobby
To enter the Ticketmaster lobby when it opens, you need:
- A Ticketmaster account – Creating an account in advance saves time. You don’t want to be entering payment details and contact info after getting access.
- The latest Ticketmaster app or Event Page link – Check prior to on-sale time that you have the latest update of the app or link.
- WiFi connection – For best results, use a stable and fast WiFi network rather than cellular data.
- Patience – Be ready to wait out the lobby period, which may take some time.
Having these things ready will make the lobby process smoother.
Creating Your Ticketmaster Account
If you don’t already have a Ticketmaster account, create one before the lobby opens. Here’s how:
- Go to Ticketmaster.com and click “Sign In” then “Create Account.”
- Enter your email address and choose a password. You will need these to sign in later.
- Fill in your contact info like name, address, and phone number.
- Add your payment method that you want to use for ticket purchases.
This will save you precious time entering info during checkout when you get access to tickets.
Strategies for Getting Through the Lobby
Beyond just meeting the requirements, there are some key strategies you can use to maximize your chances of getting through the Ticketmaster lobby:
Use Multiple Devices
One of the best ways to improve your odds is to join the lobby on multiple devices like phone, tablet, and computer all at the same time. This gives you multiple places in the virtual line, increasing your chances that one will get through quickly. Just make sure to use the same Ticketmaster account on all devices.
Link Multiple Accounts
Similarly, using multiple Ticketmaster accounts on the same device gives you multiple spots in line. You are allowed to link up to four additional accounts to your primary Ticketmaster profile. Log into each linked account on the same device before joining the lobby.
Use Incognito Mode
Navigate to the Ticketmaster lobby page using an incognito or private browser window. This prevents any cached data from interfering with the lobby process. Incognito ensures a fresh connection every time.
Check for Presales
Often there are special presales before the general public on-sale time that offer the first chance at tickets. Keep checking the event page for presale passwords and codes. Fan club or credit card presales are good options for getting in early.
Use Ticketmaster App
The Ticketmaster mobile app tends to work better than desktop browsers when traffic is high. Download the latest version of the app and grant all notifications. Trying on the app and browser at the same time covers your bases.
Once You Access Ticket Buying
After waiting through the lobby delays, the exciting part is finally getting access to purchasing! Here are some tips for this critical stage:
- Act fast – Have an idea of the seats you want beforehand and purchase immediately. Don’t browse around.
- Fewer tickets – If you want more than 2 tickets, buy in separate transactions of 1-2 each.
- Use credit card – Complete checkout with a credit card for fastest processing.
- Avoid refreshing – Don’t refresh the checkout page and risk losing your tickets!
Follow these steps for the quickest checkout. With preparation and persistence, you can beat the Ticketmaster lobby system!
FAQs About the Ticketmaster Lobby
Is there any way to bypass the lobby?
Unfortunately there is no way around the Ticketmaster lobby. Some brokers or season ticket holders may have presale access before the general public that allows them to avoid the lobby. For everyone else, the only option is going through the lobby when it opens.
Can I open multiple lobby windows to get ahead?
Opening multiple browser windows does not help your place in line for the lobby. Your position is assigned when you first join and held in a session on Ticketmaster’s servers. Additional windows will just slow down your connection.
Does using my phone and computer together work better?
Yes, using your phone, computer, tablet, etc. all together can increase your chances. Each device gets a separate spot in line, so you essentially have multiple chances to get through the lobby when sales open.
Can I share my lobby link with friends?
While you can share your personal link to join the lobby, each person needs their own Ticketmaster account to eventually purchase tickets. All tickets are tied to the Ticketmaster account used to buy them.
What happens if I lose internet and get booted?
If you lose your wifi connection and get removed from the lobby line, try rejoining right away. As long as tickets are still available, you should be able to enter the back of the line. Just try to avoid this by testing your connection ahead of time.
Conclusion
Navigating the Ticketmaster lobby queue can be a tedious but necessary process to get access to popular tickets. With an account created ahead of time, a stable internet connection, and the right strategies like using multiple devices, you can maximize your shot at getting through. Monitor presale options, act fast when purchasing, and don’t give up with long wait times. With the right preparation, you can beat the virtual line and get those coveted tickets. Patience and persistence are key.
