Getting tickets to see Coldplay live can be an expensive endeavor, but with some planning and flexibility, there are ways to find deals and get tickets for less. Coldplay is one of the most popular bands in the world, so demand for tickets is always high, especially when they are touring new albums. However, bargains can still be found for savvy fans who know where to look and are willing to put in some effort.
Buy Early
One of the best ways to get cheap Coldplay tickets is to buy early, as soon as tickets go on sale. When a new tour is announced, tickets will initially be sold through pre-sales and once general public sales open up, prices tend to rise quickly as availability decreases. Being ready and able to buy tickets as soon as they are released to the general public gives you the best shot at locking in low prices before they climb. Sign up for fan club or venue presales whenever possible as well.
Use Presales
Many ticketing platforms and credit cards offer special presales before the general on-sale date. Taking advantage of presales, which are usually available if you sign up ahead of time, can give you early access to tickets before the masses have a chance to buy them. This increases your chances of getting seats before the most popular ticket types sell out. Presales may require you to register for a fan club, hold a certain credit card or use a special code. Do your research ahead of time to find any presale opportunities to buy early.
Buy Single Tickets
If you are going to the concert alone or don’t mind possibly sitting separately from your group, buying single tickets instead of pairs can save you money. Venues almost always have stray single seats that don’t get purchased as part of two-seat pairs. Buying individual seats as they become available spreads you out throughout the venue, but can unlock cheaper pricing.
Go For Obstructed View or Upper Level Seating
If you don’t mind sitting in obstructed view areas or at the top of the upper decks, you can often save substantially on ticket prices. While these seats are less desirable for some, the trade off of getting into the show for cheap can be worth it. Also check for tickets labeled as “limited view” which may just mean you are off to the far side without necessarily being truly obstructed.
Attract Last Minute Deals
In the days and hours leading up to showtime, check ticket listing sites frequently for last minute deals. As sellers get desperate to unload extra tickets, huge discounts will sometimes emerge. This is risky as availability is unreliable, but you may luck into bargain basement prices by procrastinating. Third party resellers and ticket exchanges are good places to find these last minute fire sale prices.
Buy Resale Tickets
Tickets purchased from resellers and exchanges like Stubhub can be cheaper than face value when demand is low. As the event date nears, resellers may drop prices dramatically if they still have inventory to dispose of. Bidding on auctions can also result in cheap tickets. Buying resale always comes with some risk and you need to vet the source carefully.
Find Ticket Packages
Many ticket retailers offer special packages that bundle show tickets with things like meals, parking, and merch. While these tack on some extra cost, the total package can be notably cheaper than just buying the face value tickets separately. Packaging tickets with add-ons allows the retailer to fill seats by subsidizing costs in other areas.
Join the Band’s Fan Club
Diehard Coldplay fans may want to purchase an official fan club membership, which often provides members with access to exclusive ticket presales. Fan club presales typically offer tickets for the most in-demand locations before the general public can buy them, as well as VIP amenities when available. There is usually a fee to join the fan club, but it can pay for itself with presale ticket access.
Search Local Listings
Check classified ads, Facebook event pages, and local community boards for people selling extra tickets. Individual sellers who are just trying to unload an unused ticket may have very reasonable prices. Locating these local sellers takes more effort but can unlock super cheap tickets from motivated sellers. Make sure to only buy from trusted, verified sources.
Wait Until the Day Of
One of the biggest risks, but sometimes the biggest rewards, is waiting until the day of the event to buy tickets. Prices can plummet on the day of as people try to unload extra tickets before the show starts. Scalpers with unsold inventory may sell below face value just to recoup some costs. You also may be able to buy dirt cheap tickets from people hanging around outside the venue. This is very hit-or-miss but can lead to unbeatable deals if you get lucky.
Consider Attending Multiple Shows
If Coldplay is performing multiple shows in a single city, look for tickets to lesser in-demand performances. A midweek show or additional date added late may have lower demand than a Friday or Saturday night show. Prices typically climb for premier shows while secondary dates have more affordability. Attending multiple shows also allows you more opportunities to find cheap seats.
Buy at the Box Office
Once all other online and presale options are exhausted, heading down to the venue box office directly is an option. The box office will have access to last minute tickets for sale as well as seats held back from early sales. Box office representatives can guide you toward cheaper unsold seats and may offer discounts they don’t publicize online. Build a rapport with the staff to get tips.
Conclusion
While buying discount Coldplay tickets does require effort, flexibility, and some luck, the payoff of seeing one of your favorite bands live makes it worthwhile. With preparation, planning, and persistence, you can secure affordable tickets to the show and save your money for enjoying the concert experience itself. Keep the variety of purchasing options in mind, set price alerts, and don’t be afraid to take a chance on unconventional methods. The cheapest ticket deals go to those who hustle for them.
Here is a table summarizing some of the key strategies for finding cheap Coldplay tickets:
Strategy | How it Works | Risk Level |
---|---|---|
Buy early | Purchase as soon as sales open to general public | Low |
Use presales | Buy ahead of general public through presale codes | Low |
Buy single tickets | Snag individual seats instead of pairs | Medium |
Buy obstructed view | Accept partially obstructed view for cheaper access | Medium |
Buy last minute | Scoop up unsold tickets at huge discounts | High |
Buy resale tickets | Find discounted tickets from resellers | Medium |
Buy ticket packages | Bundle show tickets with other perks | Low |
Join fan club | Gain access to exclusive presales | Low |
Buy direct at box office | Work directly with venue reps | Low |
Buy day of show | Score last second deals outside venue | Very High |