If you are trying to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster but the website is not loading or allowing you to select tickets, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies, providing tickets for concerts, sporting events, theater shows and more. With high demand events, Ticketmaster can sometimes struggle with huge spikes in traffic when tickets go on sale. Here are some tips on what to do if Ticketmaster is not loading for you when trying to get tickets.
Try refreshing the page
The first step is to simply refresh your web browser page. Click refresh or F5 to reload the page and see if that fixes the issue. Sometimes a quick refresh can help load the next phase of the ticket buying process. Just refreshing over and over may eventually get the page to fully load. You can also try completely closing out of your browser and reopening it to start fresh. Reloading the page essentially resends the request to the Ticketmaster server which may work if there was an error or connectivity issue.
Check Ticketmaster system status
Ticketmaster has a system status page you can check at status.ticketmaster.com to see if there are any known issues currently occurring on their platform. This page will highlight any problems, maintenance or outages that may be impeding your ability to access tickets. If you see a notice for an ongoing major outage, that likely explains why you cannot complete your ticket transaction. The best option is to wait until the issue is resolved rather than continuously retrying. Keep the status page open and refresh it to track when Ticketmaster systems are back up.
Use a different web browser
Try accessing Ticketmaster from a different web browser like Firefox, Chrome or Safari. Sometimes browser issues like cookies, caches or software conflicts can prevent pages from loading correctly. By trying a different browser, you rule out any browser specific problems. If Ticketmaster loads fine in another browser, you know the issue is isolated to your normal browser. You can either complete the ticket purchase there or try troubleshooting your default browser.
Use a different device
Similarly, attempt accessing Ticketmaster from a different device like your mobile phone if you were originally trying on a desktop. Connecting from a different device like a laptop, tablet or smartphone essentially starts a brand new browsing session with no saved cookies, caches or history. A new device also usually means testing from a different internet connection and IP address as well. Shift over to cellular data if you were on Wi-Fi before. Confirming Ticketmaster has issues on multiple devices indicates a problem on their end rather than anything on your side.
Check your internet connection
Make sure you have a stable internet connection when trying to use Ticketmaster. Website load issues are often due to spotty Wi-Fi or mobile data connectivity. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to refresh the connection. If on Wi-Fi, switch over to wired ethernet for faster speeds. For mobile, disable cellular data and re-enable it toggle airplane mode on and off. If you have access to multiple networks, attempt connecting through a different one. Ticketmaster requires consistent internet bandwidth to load properly so rule out any temporary ISP problems.
Disable browser extensions
Browser addons and extensions like ad blockers can sometimes interfere with page loading. Try disabling all extensions and trying Ticketmaster again. Tools that block ads or trackers may prevent essential page resources from loading correctly. If Ticketmaster starts working after add-ons are disabled, turn them back on one-by-one to identify any problem extension. You can also try doing an extension reset to revert any settings changes back to default.
Clear your browser cache
Over time, excess cached files and cookies can slow down page loading in your browser. Try clearing your cache and browsing history which forces Ticketmaster to fully reload. In Chrome, go to Settings, Privacy and Security, Clear Browsing Data and click clear. In Firefox, go to History, Clear Recent History and select what to clear. This refreshes the browser and reloads the site from scratch so any cached issues are eliminated.
Adjust your Ticketmaster search options
Rather than simply searching for an event, adjust your Ticketmaster filters to expand your results. Narrowing by specific sections or ticket types may be overloading that part of the system. Try searching without using filters like best available. You can also expand beyond your initial location to see if tickets are accessible in nearby cities. Removing filters and expanding your search increases your chances of getting ticket options to populate.
Try a Ticketmaster alternative
Ticketmaster has exclusive ticketing deals with many major venues and promoters. But for some events, there are alternative sellers worth checking out. StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and TickPick all sell verified resale tickets. Sites like AXS and Eventbrite also work directly with select venues and shows. Expanding your search beyond Ticketmaster lets you check for tickets across multiple sales platforms and may present better results.
Use a different Ticketmaster sales channel
Ticketmaster tickets can be purchased directly through their website but they also sell through other channels. The Ticketmaster mobile app is optimized for high traffic situations and offers another sales portal. You can also connect your Ticketmaster account to a verified reseller like StubHub that integrates directly with Ticketmaster’s inventory in some cases. There are also options to buy tickets over the phone or in person at the event venue box office when available.
Consider waiting for the general on-sale
Often the only Ticketmaster tickets available during pre-sales are verified resale tickets at inflated prices. These limited pre-sale windows tend to see the most issues with high fan demand. If possible, wait for the general public on-sale date and time for better ticket availability and potentially better website performance. While risks selling out, the traffic loads tend to be be more manageable than rush of a popular pre-sale. Set a reminder for the general on-sale and clear your schedule so you can be ready the moment tickets go live.
Try Ticketmaster later or another day
For extremely high demand shows where tickets will sell out immediately, you may have no choice but try booking right as tickets go on sale when site issues are most likely. In these cases, all you can do is keep retrying and hope to get lucky during the sales frenzy. But for most events that will not instantly sell out, sometimes the best option is waiting to buy tickets. Let the initial sales rush pass and try Ticketmaster again later in the day or the next day. The same tickets will likely still be available without having to compete with peak traffic loads on the site.
Leverage fan club or credit card pre-sales
Take advantage of any pre-sale opportunities available through an artist fan club or sponsored credit card to get early access to tickets. These pre-sales typically have set aside tickets unavailable to the general public. Limits on these exclusive pre-sales means less website traffic so you can hopefully avoid Ticketmaster problems. American Express and Citi both offer card member pre-sale windows for various events. Just having one of these cards linked to your Ticketmaster account grants tickets access before the mad rush.
Use pre-sale codes strategically
When trying to buy pre-sale tickets, have your unique code ready to enter and move through the process as quickly as possible. Type in the pre-sale password ahead of time on a notepad so you can copy and paste it instantly. Enable auto-fill of your payment details to skip entering payment info manually. Have multiple browsers or devices signed in with your Ticketmaster account ready to try concurrently. Strike strategic to secure your tickets during the small pre-sale window before non-code crowds inundate the system.
Consider VIP or premium ticket options
Ticketmaster typically reserves some tickets for VIP packages, fan club members or credit card perks. These premium ticket allotments tend to still be available after the general admission tickets sell out. Splurging on upgraded seating can increase your chances of scoring tickets even when the base tickets are long gone. VIP sections also fill up much slower so you avoid website struggles. If Ticketmaster has any Platinum, Verified Resale or service-specific offers available, jump on those to end your ticket search.
Set up Ticketmaster account ahead of time
Having an existing Ticketmaster account saves precious time entering your personal info and payment details during checkout. Ensure your account creation, login credentials, contact info and saved payment method are all completed well in advance of the on-sale rush. Ticketmaster lets you store multiple addresses and credit card numbers to expedite the checkout process. Entering everything during the high stress on-sale is a recipe for problems and losing tickets to other buyers.
Use autofill in your browser
In addition to a Ticketmaster account, enable autofill of addresses, credit card details, emails and passwords in your web browser settings. This automatically inputs your information into online forms to skip manual typing. In Chrome, go to Settings, Autofill and enable the options you want. In Firefox, go to Privacy & Security, Forms & Passwords and enable them. Autofill is secure as long as you limit browser access and saves critical time buying tickets.
Have ticket links ready
Most major concerts and teams publish dedicated Ticketmaster ticket links when sales go live. These direct event links take you straight to the right ticket section rather than having to search for the event. Collect ticket links from the official band or team website ahead of time so you can access instantly. Direct links save having to hunt down the event manually giving you a major speed advantage.
Check Ticketmaster for ticket alerts
Beyond just trying to buy tickets when they go on sale, use Ticketmaster’s tools to track ticket availability. On high demand event pages, look for and activate the “Get ticket alerts” option. This notifies you as more tickets are released over time leading up to the event. As the event nears and holders refund tickets, Ticketmaster may release held-back tickets making them available again. Getting these alerts from Ticketmaster allows you to scope up newly available tickets rather than assuming the event has been long sold out.
Use a ticket bot or alert service
Third party notification services like FanAlerts and TicketDrop will monitor Ticketmaster for specific events or teams you select. When Ticketmaster releases new seats or posts pre-sales, these services will text or email you instant alerts. Some paid services called ticket bots will even buy tickets on your behalf within milliseconds using advanced purchase algorithms and proxies. While Ticketmaster frowns on bots, they provide regular fans the same quick-fingered advantage as scalpers.
Adjust number and type of tickets
Competing ticket buyers, strained servers and glitchy site performance makes purchasing large batches of seats together a major challenge. Try reducing the number of seats you are attempting to buy in a single transaction. Buying just 1 or 2 seats reduces purchase complexity Ticketmaster must process and may let your order complete when larger attempts fail. Only increase incrementally to get additional together seats if needed. Also have each person try buying their own seat individually to multiply chances of success.
Keep trying if tickets look sold out
Unless an event is verified as completely sold out, repeatedly try Ticketmaster as tickets are released in batches. Watch social media for reports of new seats becoming available and jump back on Ticketmaster right away. Have patience and persistence checking back often if the event still has active ticket sales pages. Existing ticket holders may return tickets closer to the event date as plans change. Constantly check Ticketmaster directly even if currently only resellers have tickets listed.
Call Ticketmaster customer support
As a last resort if you are unable to purchase tickets online, try calling Ticketmaster’s customer service line at (800) 653-8000. Explain you are unable to access tickets on the website for an event due to technical issues. They may be able to sell over the phone or troubleshoot what the problem may be. At minimum they can log an issue to have their technical team investigate any glitches impacting ticket sales.
Use Ticketmaster Verified Resale
Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace is the safest way to buy secondhand tickets with guarantees against fraud. Available tickets are vetted as legitimate and sales facilitated through Ticketmaster directly. Buying verified resale tickets avoids fake seller scams and paying inflated gray market prices. Focus your resale search on Ticketmaster first before turning to risky general secondary markets. While pricier, verified resale provides reliable delivery of valid tickets.
Conclusion
Trouble accessing Ticketmaster during busy on-sales is frustrating but common for hot events. Try refreshing, switching devices or browsers, adjusting your search filters and clearing your caches. Use pre-sales and ticket alerts wisely to increase your odds. Persist trying Ticketmaster directly even if initially showing sold out. With smart preparation and diligence, you can hopefully bypass the Ticketmaster glitches and secure your tickets.
