Ticketmaster’s preferred seating refers to seats that are considered more desirable or ‘better’ for an event. This usually includes seats that are closest to the stage or action, in the center sections, aisles, or front rows. Preferred seating gives ticket buyers early access to select these seats before the general public can purchase tickets.
Why does Ticketmaster have preferred seating?
There are a few key reasons why Ticketmaster offers preferred seating options:
- Allows venues, teams, and artists to offer their best seats to fan club members, VIPs, or other priority groups first before the general onsale.
- Provides an incentive or perk for fans to join fan clubs or purchase VIP packages.
- Lets venues allocate tickets to seat holds, for sponsors, or other internal requirements before releasing other seats.
- Segments ticket inventory and demand – preferred seats typically sell out very quickly so this prevents all tickets from selling out right away.
- Drives revenue by getting buyers to pay more for the best seating compared to general admission.
By designating certain seats as preferred seating, Ticketmaster and event organizers can control ticket distribution, generate more revenue, and reward their best customers and fan club members.
How does Ticketmaster determine which seats are preferred seating?
Ticketmaster works with its venue and event clients to determine which seats will be available as preferred seating. There are no set rules and each event will be configured differently based on the goals of the organizers. However, preferred seats are typically determined based on some common factors:
- Seat Location – Sections directly in front of the stage or midfield near the 50-yard line are common preferred seating areas for concerts, theater, and sports events.
- Rows – The first 10-20 rows are often designated as preferred seating since they are closest to the action.
- Center Sections – The middle sections in an arena or stadium allow you to be centered in front of the stage or field/ice.
- Aisles and VIP – Aisle seats and VIP box or floor seats are rare and in high demand.
- Limited View – Obstructed view or limited view seats are not typically included in preferred sections.
Venues will map out their ticketing chart and determine which sections and rows should be held for preferred seating based on their specific layout and seating chart.
How is preferred seating different from general admission seats?
There are a few key differences between preferred seating and general admission seats:
| Preferred Seating | General Admission Seats |
|---|---|
| Best seats in venue – front rows, center sections, premium areas | Remaining inventory not marked as preferred |
| Higher ticket prices, similar to VIP pricing | Discounted or regular ticket prices |
| Only available during presales before general onsale | Available during general public onsale |
| Requires special codes or access to purchase | No restrictions – open to all buyers |
| Limited quantity available | Majority of total ticket inventory |
In summary, preferred seats are positioned as premium seats with early access for privileged buyers whereas general admission is standard seating open to all customers.
How do I get access to preferred seating on Ticketmaster?
There are a few ways fans can get access to preferred seats on Ticketmaster before the general public:
- Fan Club Presales – Most major artists and teams have official fan clubs that offer presale code access.
- VIP Packages – Purchasing a VIP ticket package often includes access to preferred seating.
- Sponsor Presales – Being a sponsor or partner with the event grants presale access.
- Venue Presales – Signing up for a venue’s email list can provide presale passwords.
- AMEX Early Access – Having an American Express card unlocks presales for some events.
- Ticketmaster Verified Fan – Verified Fan Presales prevent bots and allow fans early access.
These presales will all happen ahead of when tickets go on sale to the general public. Presale passwords are required and preferred tickets are in limited quantities. Presales may also limit how many seats you can purchase. So joining fan clubs, checking promoter emails, and finding presale passwords are key to getting the best seats.
When do preferred seats go on sale on Ticketmaster?
Preferred seats are typically available in the days and weeks leading up to the general public onsale through the various presales mentioned above. Each event will have its own presale schedule. It’s common to see the following presale windows on Ticketmaster:
- Artist/Team Presale – 2-4 weeks before onsale date
- VIP Presale – 1-2 weeks before onsale
- Venue Presale – 5-7 days before onsale
- AMEX Presale – 2-3 days before onsale
- Spotify Presale – 1-2 days before onsale
- General Onsale – Preferred inventory sells out quickly once tickets go on sale to general public
Checking the event page frequently leading up to the onsale date will provide the exact presale windows for preferred seating access. Signing up for presale alerts will notify you as soon as seats become available.
How much do preferred seats cost compared to regular seats?
Preferred seats come at a premium price compared to standard seating. Some typical pricing differences for preferred seats:
- Concerts – Between 25-50% more than general admission in same section
- Theater – Orchestra/front mezzanine rows can be 2-3x more than rear mezzanine seats
- Sports – Floor seats or midfield lower bowl can be 4-5x more than upper level corners
- Vegas/Broadway Shows – Front and center section seats are often double general admission prices
For very high demand events like playoffs, championships, or hot tours, preferred seat markups can be even greater compared to back row seats. Prices also rise over time as inventory sells out. Buyers pay a premium for the privilege of getting the best seats locked in early before others.
Tips for getting preferred seats on Ticketmaster
Here are some top tips for fans to improve their chances of getting preferred seats on Ticketmaster:
- Join fan clubs and mailing lists ASAP to get presale passwords
- Follow artists, teams, venues on social media and sign up for alerts
- Use Ticketmaster Verified Fan to avoid bots and get early access
- Check for AMEX and other credit card presales
- Log in early to get into the Ticketmaster virtual waiting room before presales begin
- Have payment details saved to your Ticketmaster account for faster checkout
- Aim for single seats instead of groups if you can’t get all preferred seats together
- Be flexible on dates if you can attend other shows/games to increase options
With high demand, preferred seating goes quickly, so presale codes, early online access, flexibility, and fast checkout are the keys to success.
What are some other ‘premium’ seating options on Ticketmaster?
In addition to standard preferred seating, there are some other ‘premium’ seating options buyers can find on Ticketmaster for certain events:
VIP Packages
These packages bundle guaranteed preferred seats with add-ons like exclusive merch, pre-show parties, premium dining, and more. Popular for major concerts and games. Very expensive but ultimate fan experience.
Platinum Seats
Priced higher than standard preferred seats. Ticketmaster dynamically prices these based on demand similar to airline seats. Prices fluctuate and can be 5-10x general admission tickets.
Suites and Boxes
Private enclosed luxury suites for small or large groups. Available mostly at major sports stadiums and arenas. All-inclusive food and beverage service. Up to tens of thousands per suite.
Front Row Seats
The most coveted seats right against the stage or sidelines. Extremely rare and expensive. Frequently sold as VIP packages or charity auctions versus public sale.
Conclusion
In summary, preferred seating gives Ticketmaster customers early access to the best seats in the house for concerts, theater, and sporting events. Presales, fan clubs, and special offers unlock preferred seat tickets before the general public. These premium seats cost substantially more than regular tickets but provide the closest views and exclusive experiences that super fans desire.
Understanding when and how to access preferred seats, along with being prepared to pay the premium price, is key to scoring seats in high demand sections, rows, and VIP areas on Ticketmaster.
