SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, is an incredibly popular R&B/soul singer who rose to fame with the release of her debut album Ctrl in 2017. Hits like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend” catapulted her into stardom and she has since collaborated with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Justin Timberlake.
When SZA announced a tour for 2023, fans were incredibly excited to see the Grammy-winning artist live. However, many were surprised and disappointed when tickets went on sale at staggering prices – some over $300 just for general admission! This begs the question – why are SZA tickets so expensive?
High Demand
One of the main reasons SZA tickets are so pricey is that demand drastically outpaces supply. SZA has cultivated a devoted fanbase in the past few years, especially among young people. Her soulful R&B music and vulnerable lyrics resonate with millions of listeners. Additionally, she has become a fashion icon, collaborator with major brands like Crocs, and advocate for mental health awareness. She has gained celebrity fans like Lizzo, Kehlani, and more.
When an artist becomes so popular seemingly overnight, venues struggle to keep up with demand. SZA is booked to play mid-sized theaters and amphitheaters on her tour, with typical capacities of 5,000-20,000 people. Yet her fanbase likely numbers in the millions globally. With so many people vying for limited seats, resellers can drive up prices.
Limited Tour Dates
SZA is only scheduled to perform in 15 cities for a total of 23 concerts on her 2023 tour. She’s playing major markets like Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and New York, but fans from thousands of other cities will need to travel if they want to see her live. Booking additional shows is difficult because SZA has struggled with vocal issues that forced her to cancel concerts in the past.
With so few opportunities to see her perform, fans are willing to pay higher prices for tickets since it may be their only chance. If she added more shows to her tour, prices would likely drop as supply increased. But her limited schedule enables dynamic pricing.
Use of Dynamic Pricing
Many ticket retailers like Ticketmaster now use dynamic pricing, also known as surge pricing or demand-based pricing. Under this model, ticket prices fluctuate over time based on projected demand. As a show gets closer to selling out, prices rise. Fans who buy early get lower prices, while last-minute buyers pay a premium.
SZA’s team likely worked with Ticketmaster to optimize dynamic pricing, projecting how much her hardcore fans would be willing to pay to see her live. While some tickets started around $70, prices surged to the $300+ range as many dates sold out nearly instantly. Dynamic pricing allows the artist and ticket sellers to capture maximum profits based on demand. But it also prices many fans out.
Breakdown of SZA Ticket Prices
Here is a breakdown of what to expect when buying tickets to SZA’s 2023 tour:
Ticket Type | Average Price Range |
---|---|
General Admission | $125-$350 |
Reserved Seating | $150-$500+ |
VIP Packages | $300-$1,000+ |
As you can see, even the “cheapest” tickets typically run over $100. Why so expensive?
General admission tickets are standing room only. Given SZA’s popularity, attendees should expect these to sell out fast and resell for well over $200 each.
Reserved seats are in higher demand since they guarantee a spot to sit. Prices typically start around $150 for upper levels but can easily exceed $500 for lower sections closer to the stage.
Finally, VIP packages offer perks like premium seating, exclusive merch, pre-show parties, and more. These packages allow bigger fans to pay for an enhanced experience, with price tags in the hundreds or thousands.
No matter what, seeing SZA live in 2023 will cost you a pretty penny – if you can even get a ticket.
Tips for Getting Cheaper SZA Tickets
If you’re hoping to buy SZA tickets without breaking the bank, here are some tips:
Buy Early
Try to purchase tickets as soon as sales open to the general public. Sign up for pre-sales when available. Prices will be lowest right when tickets go on sale.
Shop Around
Check prices on different resale sites like StubHub and VividSeats, not just Ticketmaster. Comparison shop for the best deals.
Buy Upper Level or Obstructed View
You’ll save money by purchasing tickets for seated sections farther from the stage or with partially obstructed views. Not ideal but cheaper.
Wait Until Last Minute
Sometimes unsold tickets will get released at discounted prices right before showtime. But this strategy is risky.
See if She Adds Dates
More tour dates at larger venues could potentially bring prices down in some markets. But no guarantees.
Don’t Buy From Scalpers
Avoid buying tickets from people on the street outside the venue. You could get ripped off or sold fake tickets.
Is Seeing SZA Live Worth High Ticket Prices?
At the end of the day, only you can decide if paying hundreds of dollars to see SZA on her 2023 tour is worth it. Here are some factors to consider:
Unique and Energetic Performances
SZA is known for putting on a stellar live show. She sings live with incredible vocal capability and pours raw emotion into her performance. There’s an electricity in the crowd.
Palpable Fan Excitement
Few artists can elicit the sheer enthusiasm from crowds that SZA does. Fans go wild singing along to every word. The energy is palpable.
Sing Hits and Deep Cuts
Of course SZA performs her smash hits, but she also pulls out album deep cuts and fan favorites. You may hear songs rarely played live.
Must Budget Accordingly
Make sure the cost doesn’t strain your finances. Consider less expensive concerts too.
May Be Your Only Chance
Given her health issues, this tour could be your only opportunity to ever see SZA live.
For superfans who can afford it, the experience may be priceless. But it requires careful budgeting for most.
Conclusion
SZA has skyrocketed to stardom in recent years, earning a fiercely loyal fanbase. Yet her 2023 tour features only 23 shows due to vocal issues, driving massive demand for limited tickets. Dynamic pricing and a frenzy of resellers has led to astronomical ticket prices, with even nosebleed seats running $125+.
While these high costs are prohibitive for many cash-strapped fans, the chance to see one of music’s biggest rising stars in an intimate theater setting is a dream come true for devotees able to pay. For the rest, hopefully SZA schedules a larger arena tour soon – one that won’t break the bank quite as severely.