Concert tickets are not as cheap as they used to be. According to Statista, the average price of a concert ticket is $130.81– a 23% increase since 2022. But if you’re anything like me, you’d never let a high price tag stop you from seeing a good show. I’m going to let you in on all my methods on how to save money on concert tickets using a couple strategies, so you’ll never have to miss your favorite artist when they come to town.
Purchase Tickets In-Person
When you buy tickets from online marketplaces such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, or Vivid Seats, around 35% of your total cost is made up of fees. You can avoid these fees and get tickets at face value by purchasing directly from the venue’s box office. While it’s definitely more of a hassle to make the trip, you can expect to save at least $40 per ticket.
As someone who works in the box office for multiple concert venues, I’ve noticed that guests who really know how to save money on concert tickets plan ahead. They’ll check the event calendars for each venue, and purchase tickets for all the shows they’d like to attend at once. Doing this will not only save you hundreds of dollars in fees, but it will also ensure that your tickets are delivered securely, avoiding any difficulty accessing them later.
Sign up for Artist Presales and Fan Clubs
Many artists release presale offers a couple days before tickets go on sale to the general public. This is a great way to secure good seats at reasonable prices. Check sites like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, as well as artist social media and Spotify pages for the latest tour announcements and presale info.
You can also use third-party websites such as Box Office Fox to search for upcoming artist presales and deals on tickets. Many artists have fan clubs, where they will release exclusive deals to members to help them save money on concert tickets. In many cases, these fan clubs even provide better deals to long-term members, so it’s best to join as early as possible.
Obstructed Seating
A simple way to save money on concert tickets is to ask the box office if they have any obstructed seats available. An obstructed seat is one where the view is partially blocked by things like sound equipment, loudspeakers, or cameras. These seats are offered at a heavily discounted price and typically still provide a good concert experience.
From what I know, the obstructed seats aren’t really as bad as they sound. Sometimes the “obstruction” is minimal and even avoidable. The specifics vary by show but this is a fantastic, and lesser-known way to save money on concert tickets.
Timing of Purchase
Though it’s never a guarantee, ticket prices can fluctuate depending on sales volume. From my experience in the box office, I’ve seen tour managers drop ticket prices last minute to sell the remaining inventory for shows that didn’t sell as well as expected.
Learning how to save money on concert tickets can be especially useful in situations like these. By waiting until the day of the show and checking availability at the box office, there’s a chance you’ll be able to get seats for much less than the original price. However, this strategy is risky and doesn’t work every time. I’d only recommend it for an artist that isn’t as popular and has a lot of inventory left in the days and hours leading up to the show.
Upgrade Your Seats
Many venues will let guests upgrade their seats. This won’t be an option for every show you attend, but it’s always worth asking. Typically, you pay the difference of your previously purchased ticket and the seat you’d like to upgrade to.
The best way to do this is to find the cheapest seats possible just to get yourself through the door. Once you’re there, ask the box office if upgrades are available. If you’re lucky you can potentially score great seats without paying so much upfront.
Ask Around!
One of the most overlooked methods when figuring out how to save money on concert tickets is using social media. Join Facebook and Instagram groups that are relevant to the artist or event you’re interested in. Post asking if anyone is looking to sell tickets, and you might be surprised by the number of responses.
This approach gives you the opportunity to negotiate directly and determine a price that is within your budget. It is important to note that some of these responses could be from scammers, so always make ensure that the tickets are authentic before sending anyone money.
Hopefully this article is your first step towards figuring out how to save money on concert tickets. Live music is something that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial obstacles. Be sure to check out my other blog posts for all things live music!