With Taylor Swift announcing her Eras Tour for 2023, fans are scrambling to get tickets. Given Swift’s immense popularity and the demand for tickets, prices on primary ticket sellers like Ticketmaster are incredibly high. This has led many fans to look to the secondary resale market in the hopes of finding more affordable tickets. However, will resale prices actually go down as the tour dates approach? There are several factors at play.
Current Resale Prices
Looking at major resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats, it’s clear that current resale prices for Swift’s Eras Tour are sky-high. For example, floor seats are going for $3,000-$5,000 per ticket on average. Even upper deck seats far from the stage are priced at $500 or more. Fans are understandably outraged at the inflated resale prices. However, this is fairly typical for an in-demand artist like Swift immediately after a tour announcement. The key question is whether these prices will remain so high or start to drop as show dates approach.
Sample Resale Prices on StubHub
| City | Venue | Section | Current Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | Floor | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | Lower Level Side | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | Upper Level | $500 – $800 |
| Chicago | Soldier Field | Floor | $3,500 – $4,500 |
| Chicago | Soldier Field | Lower Level | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Chicago | Soldier Field | Upper Level | $600 – $900 |
Factors That Could Lower Prices
There are a few key factors that suggest resale prices for Taylor Swift’s tour could start to drop as show dates get closer:
High Initial Demand and Speculation
The extremely high prices right now are partly driven by frenzied demand from die-hard Swift fans who want to secure tickets immediately no matter the cost. There is also speculation from resellers hoping prices will go up even more. As the initial rush subsides, more casual fans will wait for prices to drop before buying.
Difficulty Selling at Current Prices
Although there is intense demand now, it may be difficult for resellers to continue selling large volumes of tickets at such inflated prices. At a certain point, there will be fewer fans willing and able to pay $1,000+ per ticket. Unsold inventory could motivate resellers to slash prices.
More Tour Dates May Be Added
Swift is currently scheduled to perform two nights in most cities, but she could potentially add more dates if venues allow. More tour dates would increase overall supply and make tickets less scarce.
Market Saturation Closer to Show Dates
As it gets closer to specific show dates, it’s common for more tickets to flood the resale market. Season ticket holders and others who bought tickets speculatively may try to cash out. Greater supply closer to events tends to bring prices down.
Factors That Could Keep Prices High
On the other hand, there are some factors that could prevent resale ticket prices from dropping significantly:
Swift’s Continued Popularity
Swift just released her 10th studio album Midnights, which already broke Spotify’s record for most-streamed album in a day. She continues to be one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. Demand from fans globally could stay strong enough to buoy resale prices.
Limited Tour Dates and Venues
The Eras Tour is expected to hit only large stadiums in a select number of cities. With just 52 show dates announced so far, the limited tour makes tickets more of a hot commodity. More dates at smaller venues would increase supply.
Difficulty Getting Tickets from Primary Sellers
Given the lack of tickets available directly from Ticketmaster and other primary sellers, fans may have no choice but to pay inflated resale prices if they want to attend shows. Primary market shortages typically drive up secondary market prices.
VIP Packages and Meet & Greets
Unique VIP experiences like meet-and-greets with Swift are in especially high demand. These limited offerings can sell for $1,000+ no matter what, buoying floor ticket prices.
Affluent Fans Less Sensitive to Price
Swift has many affluent older fans with high disposable incomes who are willing to pay premium prices for the best seats. These fans are generally less sensitive to price fluctuations.
Historical Resale Price Trends for Other Major Tours
Looking at recent major concert tours can provide a sense of whether ticket resale prices typically go down, stay level, or keep rising as show dates approach:
| Artist | Tour | Resale Price Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Beyoncé | The Formation World Tour (2016) | Stayed high, slight drop |
| U2 | Joshua Tree Tour (2017) | Dropped gradually |
| Taylor Swift | Reputation Tour (2018) | Dropped closer to show dates |
| Ed Sheeran | Divide Tour (2017-19) | Stayed high, slight drop |
| Coldplay | A Head Full of Dreams Tour (2016-17) | Dropped gradually |
| Bruno Mars | 24K Magic World Tour (2017-18) | Stayed high, slight drop |
Looking at other major pop tours over the past 5-10 years, there are examples of prices dropping gradually as shows approach, like U2 and Coldplay. There are also examples of prices remaining high with limited drops, like Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. Swift’s own Reputation Tour seemed to see a more noticeable price decline closer to show dates.
Projecting the Resale Market for Taylor Swift’s Tour
Given everything we know about Swift’s popularity, the limited number of shows, and historical resale price trends, here are some predictions:
Moderate Price Drops Expected
For most shows, resale prices likely reach their max right now and will come down as dates approach. However, prices will remain high due to continued strong demand. Expect perhaps a 25-40% drop from current levels.
Highest Demand Cities to Hold Value
Certain major cities like New York and Los Angeles where Swift is only playing 2-3 nights will see smaller price declines. Superfans will pay up for limited chances to see her.
VIP Packages Will Retain Value
Unique VIP experiences will continue selling for huge premiums regardless of regular ticket price drops. Diehard fans will pay.
Timing Matters
It’s likely the biggest price drops materialize in the 1-2 months leading up to specific show dates as sellers get anxious to unload tickets. Savvy buyers may get better deals waiting until the last minute.
Conclusion
In summary, resale ticket prices for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour will likely drop from their current extreme highs as show dates approach. However, prices should remain well above face value given the limited number of dates and Swift’s massive fanbase. Certain cities and VIP packages will retain value the most. Swift fans hoping for deals still may need to temper expectations unless purchasing at the last minute. The best strategy is watching pricing trends closely over the next 6-9 months and pouncing when the inevitable dips in prices come. With patience and persistence, substantial savings on resale tickets are possible.
