These tips can help you score great seats
Concerts, sporting events and live theater productions appeal to a vast array of audiences. Few entertainment options compare to live events, which allow audiences to cheer on their favorite teams or applaud their favorite performers in person.
It’s not always easy to secure tickets to in-demand live events, which tend to sell out quickly. Many venues now sell tickets online, meaning the days of standing in line at the box office are long gone. Online ticket sales can make it even harder to score great seats, but the following are a few pointers to help you secure tickets no matter how big an event may be.
Bookmark popular ticket retailers or download their apps. Ticketmaster® is the most prominent ticket seller in the United States. However, some smaller venues may use their own ticketing services. If you frequent certain venues, bookmark their websites or download apps on mobile devices and tablets so you have round-the-clock access to tickets.
Get on mailing lists. Here is a time when getting on email or regular mailing promotion lists can be an asset. Venues and promoters commonly begin promoting events several months in advance to drum up interest. Being in the know means you will know the moment tickets become available, and your presence on mailing lists might even make you eligible for exclusive presales.
Become a “sponsor, ” “friend” or “member.” Various venues offer membership or sponsorship plans. Your annual membership or sponsorship fee may afford you privileges not available to the general public. Such benefits may include advance notification about events and presale eligibility. You also may have access to preferred seating or be eligible for meet-and-greets or backstage tours. Investigate the opportunities at a theater or venue near you.
Research venue seating plans. Understand the layout of the show or event space. This way you can choose exactly where you want to sit for the best views or the most affordable prices. Having this information available can speed up the time it takes to complete your ticket transaction.
Consider going solo. Watching a show or attending a game is certainly enjoyable with company, but sitting together can make finding great seats more difficult. It’s much easier to get a ticket for one during a show’s public sale because single seats aren’t in high demand. Have friends do the same and then meet up after the event.
Be ready to act fast. Have all necessary items waiting so you can complete your ticket checkout transaction within the time limit. Online ticket selling services give buyers a small window of time to select a seat and complete their purchases. Have your credit card in hand and establish an account with the site well in advance of the sale date so you can quickly log in when tickets finally go on sale.
Don’t discount the box office. You still may be able to purchase tickets at the venue itself. If you pass a theater or sports arena during your daily commute, stop in and see if on-site tickets are available. You may have more time to select your seats, and venue employees may help you choose the best seats.
Live entertainment is a popular pastime. Ensure you get seats to the next big game or must-see event by employing a few simple ticket-buying strategies.