There’s nothing like the excitement of seeing your favorite artist or band perform live. However, that excitement can quickly turn to disappointment when you find out that the concert or tour you were so excited about is sold out. But don’t give up hope just yet! Buying tickets to sold-out events isn’t impossible – it just takes a little strategy, patience, and ingenuity. In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to secure tickets to sold-out concerts and tours so you don’t miss out on the live music experience of a lifetime.
Table Of Content
- Why Do Concerts Sell Out So Quickly?
- Strategies for Buying Sold-Out Concert Tickets
- Check Official Resale Platforms
- Use Reliable Third-Party Resellers
- Join fan clubs or mailing lists
- Follow the artist and venue on social media
- Consider VIP Packages
- Look for last-minute deals
- Attend the event and be on the lookout for bootleggers
- Use ticket alert services
- Look for additional shows
- Be flexible with seating
- Tips for avoiding scams
- The role of persistence and patience
- Bottom line: Don't give up on your live music dreams
Why Do Concerts Sell Out So Quickly?
Before we get into the solutions, it’s important to understand why concerts sell out so quickly. High demand, limited seating, and the rise of ticket resellers (black marketeers) are the main causes. Popular artists often have millions of fans vying for a limited number of tickets, and with the advent of online ticket sales, bots can snap up tickets within seconds of release. Additionally, presales for fan club members, credit card holders, or VIP packages further reduce the number of tickets available to the general public. Understanding these factors can help you better navigate the ticket purchasing process.
Strategies for Buying Sold-Out Concert Tickets
Check Official Resale Platforms
Many ticket platforms like Ticketmaster and AXS offer official resale options where fans can sell their tickets at face value or slightly above. These platforms are trusted because they ensure the validity of the tickets and protect buyers from fraud. Keep an eye on these resale areas, as tickets often become available closer to the event date as people’s plans change.
Use Reliable Third-Party Resellers
Sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats are popular third-party resellers that specialize in matching buyers with sellers. While prices on these platforms may be higher than face value, there are often a wide variety of tickets available, even for sold-out events. Be sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable source.
Join fan clubs or mailing lists
Many artists offer exclusive pre-sale opportunities to their fan club members or mailing list subscribers. By joining these groups, you can get early access to tickets before they go on general sale. While this won’t help you with an already sold-out event, it’s a great strategy for future concerts.
Follow the artist and venue on social media
Artists and venues often announce last-minute ticket releases or additional shows on their social media channels. Following them closely will keep you up to date with new ways to snag tickets. Some artists even give out surprise tickets or run free entry contests, so it’s worth staying tuned.
Consider VIP Packages
Although VIP packages are often more expensive, they can be a viable option for sold-out events. These packages typically include premium seating, exclusive merchandise, and other perks, making them a worthwhile investment for diehard fans. Check the artist’s official website or ticketing platform for available VIP options.
Look for last-minute deals
As the event date approaches, some ticket holders may need to sell their tickets due to unforeseen circumstances. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local classifieds can be good places to find last-minute deals, but be careful and verify the authenticity of tickets before making a purchase.
Attend the event and be on the lookout for bootleggers
Although buying from bootleggers is generally discouraged due to the risk of fraud and inflated prices, it may be a last resort for desperate fans. If you choose this route, check tickets carefully and only pay after confirming their validity. Be prepared to negotiate, as black marketeers may lower their prices just before the event begins.
Use ticket alert services
Websites like TicketIQ and Ticketmaster’s Ticket Alerts will notify you when tickets for sold-out events areevents become available. By setting up alerts, you can always stay up to date and react quickly when new tickets are released. These services are especially useful for events with high demand.
Look for additional shows
If a concert sells out quickly, the artist or band may add additional shows to meet demand. Watch the artist’s website and social media for announcements about additional dates. For these additional shows, tickets are often available for longer periods of time, giving you a better chance of securing a spot.
Be flexible with seating
Sometimes tickets for less desirable seats (such as those with limited views or in the upper tiers) are still available even when the rest of the venue is sold out. While these seats may not offer the best views, they can still provide an unforgettable live music experience. Being open to different seating options will increase your chances of finding available tickets.
Tips for avoiding scams
When purchasing tickets for sold-out events, it’s important to be vigilant and avoid scams. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
Buy from trusted sources: Stick with official ticket platforms or reputable resellers with buyer protection policies.
Check the tickets: If you’re buying from a private individual, ask for a proof of purchase and compare the ticket details with the event’s official information.
Use secure payment methods: Avoid paying with cash or bank transfers. Use credit cards or secure payment platforms like PayPal that offer buyer protection.
Beware of offers that are too good to be true: If a ticket price seems unusually low, it’s probably a scam. Trust your instincts and avoid suspicious offers.
The role of persistence and patience
Securing tickets to sold-out concerts often requires persistence and patience. Tickets can become available at any time, whether due to cancellations, additional releases, or last-minute sales. By staying proactive and regularly checking multiple sources, you increase your chances of finding the tickets you need. Remember, the effort you put into securing tickets will be worth it when you’re at the concert and singing along to your favorite songs.
Bottom line: Don't give up on your live music dreams
While buying tickets for sold-out concerts and tours can be challenging, it’s far from impossible. By using official resale platforms, third-party sellers, fan clubs, and social media, you can find legit tickets for even the most in-demand events. By staying informed, being flexible, and exercising caution, you can successfully navigate the ticket-buying process.
So the next time you find yourself staring at a “Sold Out” sign, don’t despair. With the right strategies and a little determination, you can still secure a spot at the concert or tour of your dreams. After all, live music is an experience like no other, and the memories you create will last a lifetime. Happy ticket hunting!
