When attending a large event such as a music festival, sporting event, or convention, there are often different tiers of admission tickets available. Two common options are official platinum and standard admission tickets. There are some key differences between these two types of tickets that attendees should understand when deciding which to purchase.
What is Official Platinum Admission?
Official platinum admission refers to premium tickets that are sold directly by the event organizer or venue. These tickets give attendees access to the best seats or locations at the event. Some key things to know about official platinum admission tickets:
- They are the top tier tickets, above standard admission.
- Usually priced higher than standard admission.
- Limited quantity available.
- Access to premium seating areas or locations.
- May include additional perks like express entry, VIP lounge access, or merchandise discounts.
- Sold directly by the event organizer, artist, team, or venue.
Official platinum tickets are essentially the highest level tickets you can get for an event outside of specialized packages like meet and greets or backstage passes. They offer a premium experience compared to standard admission tickets.
What is Standard Admission?
Standard admission refers to the regular tier of tickets sold for an event. These are the most common type of ticket. Some key things to know about standard admission tickets:
- The base level ticket for general admission.
- Typically the lowest priced option for attendees.
- Large quantity available.
- Access to general seating areas and standing room areas.
- Few or no additional perks.
- Sold through official box offices, ticketing websites, resellers, and resale marketplaces.
Standard admission tickets offer entry to the event at the regular public pricing without premium features. They can be purchased through primary and secondary markets.
How Do the Prices Compare?
There is usually a significant price difference between official platinum and standard admission tickets for the same event. Platinum tickets will have a higher face value price set by the event host. Standard tickets are the base price point.
Event | Official Platinum Price Range | Standard Admission Price Range |
---|---|---|
Concert Festival | $250 – $500+ | $99 – $250 |
Professional Sporting Event | $150 – $1,000+ | $50 – $300 |
Performing Arts Show | $100 – $500+ | $30 – $150 |
While prices vary for each event, platinum admission will cost substantially more than standard tickets in most cases. The premium provides access to the best seats and locations that are limited in quantity.
Where Can You Purchase Each Ticket Type?
Official platinum admission tickets are sold directly by the venue or event host through approved primary ticket sellers. This includes:
- The event’s official box office.
- The venue’s website.
- Approved primary ticketing marketplaces like Ticketmaster.
Standard admission tickets can be purchased through all the same primary sources. In addition, standard tickets can also be purchased through:
- Ticket resellers like StubHub.
- Resale marketplaces like Vivid Seats.
- General secondary ticket exchanges.
The key difference is that official platinum tickets cannot be resold, while standard admission tickets can be resold through secondary exchanges and marketplaces.
When Are Each Ticket Type Available?
Standard admission tickets generally go on sale first leading up to an event. Official platinum tickets are released closer to the event date, often a few weeks or months before the event. This is because the event host monitors initial standard ticket sales and releases platinum tickets strategically based on demand.
As an example timeline:
- 6 months out: Standard tickets on sale to general public.
- 2-3 months out: Additional standard ticket inventory released if needed.
- 1 month out: Official platinum tickets released for premium areas.
- Event date: Limited premium tickets may be released day of event if available.
Standard ticket sales happen further in advance. Platinum tickets are a later, limited release to fill premium seating areas and locations as demand increases.
Can You Resell Each Ticket Type?
An important difference between official platinum and standard admission tickets is resellability.
Standard admission tickets can be resold through secondary ticket marketplaces and exchanges. The ticket holder has rights to resell at a price they set if desired.
Official platinum tickets usually cannot be resold. Most event hosts prohibit reselling platinum tickets to prevent price gouging and ensure fairness. If caught reselling, platinum tickets may be canceled without refund.
So standard admission offers buyers the option to resell, while platinum tickets are for the original buyer only.
How Do Seating Locations Compare?
Official platinum tickets guarantee access to the best seating areas or locations at an event. This includes:
- Front row or floor seats at concerts.
- Lower bowl or courtside seats at sporting events.
- Orchestra or mezzanine seats at theater shows.
- Priority access zones at festivals.
Standard admission tickets provide access to general admission areas in upper decks, the rear grounds, or standing room only access. Seating is farther away from the action.
Platinum offers a premium, close-up experience while standard admission has more distance from the stage, field, etc. Locations are a key difference.
Which Perks Are Included?
Along with better locations, official platinum admission usually includes additional perks:
- VIP lounge or bar access.
- Dedicated restrooms.
- Commemorative merchandise.
- Early venue entry.
- Post-show meet and greet access.
- Special in-seat services like upgraded catering.
Standard admission may include basic access to general facilities but rarely has special perks or amenities. The premium price of platinum tickets grants buyers an elevated experience through these extras.
Conclusion
In summary, official platinum admission provides the highest level of premium ticket available for an event. These limited tickets cost more but get you the best seats, locations, amenities, and perks possible for an elevated experience. Standard admission is the basic entry option at the regular price point with access to general areas without extras.
When deciding on buying tickets, consider how important factors like seating location, exclusivity, or included perks are to you. For many, platinum admission makes for a once-in-a-lifetime type of special event memory. Others may be satisfied with a standard admission experience at a lower cost. Understand the key differences between the two ticket types when purchasing.