Best Websites To Snag Concert Tickets

by Admin 38 views
Best Websites to Snag Concert Tickets

So, you're itching to see your favorite band live, huh? Awesome! But let's be real, the ticket-buying process can feel like going to war. Don't sweat it, though! I'm here to arm you with the knowledge of the best websites to snag concert tickets. Whether you're a seasoned concert-goer or a newbie, knowing where to look and how to play the game is half the battle. Let's dive in!

1. Ticketmaster: The Giant in the Room

Okay, let's start with the obvious one. Ticketmaster is like the 800-pound gorilla in the concert ticket world. Love it or hate it, they often have a lock on tickets for major events and venues. Here's the lowdown:

  • Pros: Huge inventory, official source for many events, often the first place tickets go on sale.
  • Cons: Fees, fees, and more fees! Plus, they can be prone to glitches and scalpers (more on that later).

How to make the most of Ticketmaster:

  • Create an account: Do this before tickets go on sale. Fill out all your info (address, credit card, etc.) so you can check out quickly.
  • Know the on-sale time: Set an alarm and be ready to go a few minutes before the sale starts. Refresh the page like your life depends on it (but not too much, or they might think you're a bot!).
  • Be prepared for the queue: Ticketmaster often uses a virtual queue system. Once you're in the queue, don't refresh the page! Just sit tight and wait your turn.
  • Have a backup plan: If you don't get tickets the first time, don't give up! Sometimes, tickets are released in waves. Keep trying for a few minutes after the initial sale time.

Navigating Ticketmaster requires patience and strategy. Remember those pesky fees? Keep an eye on those as you proceed to checkout – they can sometimes be a shocker! Also, be wary of Verified Resale Tickets on Ticketmaster. While they're technically verified, they're often marked up significantly. Sometimes, you're better off exploring other options.

To improve your chances on Ticketmaster, consider signing up for their email list. This way, you'll get notified about presales, which can give you a head start before the general public. Also, check if your credit card or bank offers any exclusive presales for Ticketmaster events. It's always worth looking into!

2. AXS: The Rising Challenger

AXS is another major player, particularly for events at venues they own or partner with. They're known for their AXS Mobile ID system, which aims to reduce ticket fraud.

  • Pros: Often has tickets for specific venues, AXS Mobile ID adds security, sometimes offers more reasonable fees than Ticketmaster.
  • Cons: Smaller inventory than Ticketmaster, Mobile ID requires a smartphone.

Tips for using AXS:

  • Download the AXS app: You'll need it for the Mobile ID system, which is how you'll access your tickets.
  • Link your account to your venue: If you frequently attend events at an AXS venue, link your account for potential perks and easier ticket access.
  • Explore Flash Seats (if available): Some AXS venues use Flash Seats, which are electronic tickets linked to your credit card. This can be a convenient and secure way to attend events.

AXS is definitely worth checking out, especially if you're targeting a specific venue or artist that partners with them. Their Mobile ID system is a nice security feature, but make sure your phone is charged and ready to go on the day of the event!

Keep an eye out for AXS Invites, where artists and venues sometimes offer special access or discounted tickets to their fans. It's always worth subscribing to artist newsletters or following venues on social media to catch these opportunities.

3. Vivid Seats: The Resale Marketplace

Now, let's talk about the resale market. Vivid Seats is a popular platform where people can buy and sell tickets to events. This can be a good option if tickets are sold out on primary sites like Ticketmaster and AXS.

  • Pros: Huge selection of tickets, often available even after the initial sale, can sometimes find deals.
  • Cons: Prices can be higher than face value, risk of scams (though Vivid Seats offers guarantees).

Navigating Vivid Seats:

  • Compare prices: Don't just buy the first ticket you see! Compare prices from different sellers to find the best deal.
  • Check the seat location: Make sure you know where the seats are located before you buy. Look for venue maps or seating charts.
  • Read reviews of the seller: Check the seller's rating and read reviews from other buyers to get an idea of their reliability.
  • Understand the guarantee: Vivid Seats offers a guarantee, but be sure to understand the terms and conditions. What happens if the tickets are fake or the event is canceled?

Vivid Seats can be a lifesaver when tickets are scarce, but it's crucial to be cautious and do your research. Look for tickets that are priced competitively and from reputable sellers. And remember, prices on resale sites can fluctuate, so keep an eye on them and be ready to pounce when you see a good deal.

Always double-check the event details on Vivid Seats (date, time, venue) against the official event information to avoid any confusion or disappointment. It's better to be safe than sorry!

4. StubHub: Another Resale Giant

StubHub is another major player in the resale ticket market, similar to Vivid Seats. They offer a wide selection of tickets and a fan guarantee.

  • Pros: Large inventory, user-friendly website and app, fan guarantee.
  • Cons: Prices can be high, fees apply, risk of encountering scalpers.

Tips for using StubHub:

  • Set price alerts: StubHub lets you set price alerts for specific events. You'll get notified when prices drop, which can help you snag a deal.
  • Use the interactive seat map: StubHub's interactive seat map lets you see the view from different seats, which can help you choose the best tickets for your budget.
  • Pay attention to the delivery method: Make sure you understand how you'll receive your tickets (e.g., electronic transfer, mail). Choose a delivery method that's convenient for you.

Like Vivid Seats, StubHub offers a fan guarantee, but it's essential to read the fine print. Make sure you understand what's covered and what's not. With a little bit of smart shopping and a dash of luck, you can often find great deals on StubHub and snag those must-have tickets!

Be aware of dynamic pricing on StubHub, where ticket prices can change based on demand. If you see a ticket you like at a good price, it's best to grab it before it's gone!

5. Bandsintown: Following Your Favorite Artists

Okay, Bandsintown isn't a primary ticket seller, but it's an amazing tool for keeping track of your favorite artists and finding out about upcoming concerts. It also provides links to purchase tickets.

  • Pros: Tracks your favorite artists, sends concert alerts, provides ticket links.
  • Cons: Doesn't sell tickets directly, relies on other sites for ticket availability.

How to use Bandsintown effectively:

  • Connect your music accounts: Link your Spotify, Apple Music, or other music services to Bandsintown to automatically track your favorite artists.
  • Set location preferences: Tell Bandsintown your location so you only get alerts for concerts near you.
  • Enable push notifications: Turn on push notifications so you never miss a concert announcement.

Bandsintown is your personal concert concierge. It's a fantastic way to stay in the loop about your favorite artists and discover new music. Plus, it often provides direct links to ticket sellers, saving you time and effort.

Use Bandsintown to create a concert calendar for yourself. This way, you'll have a clear overview of all the upcoming shows you're interested in attending and can plan accordingly.

Bonus Tips for Winning the Ticket War

Alright, guys, here are a few extra tips to increase your chances of scoring those coveted concert tickets:

  • Presales are your friend: Sign up for artist mailing lists, fan clubs, and credit card rewards programs to get access to presales.
  • Consider smaller venues: Sometimes, smaller venues offer a more intimate and affordable concert experience.
  • Be flexible with your dates: If you're willing to attend a concert on a weekday or a less popular date, you might have a better chance of getting tickets.
  • Don't give up! Tickets can become available even after the initial sale. Keep checking back and you might get lucky.

Final Thoughts

Landing concert tickets can be a frustrating experience, but with the right knowledge and a little bit of strategy, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to use a combination of primary ticket sellers, resale marketplaces, and artist tracking tools to find the best deals and snag those must-have tickets. Good luck, and I'll see you in the pit! Have fun rocking out!