guide to navigating the world of presale tickets on Live Nation, complete with tips, tricks, and everything you need to score those coveted seats for your favorite events.
The Power of the Presale
Live Nation presales offer fans early access to tickets for popular concerts, sporting events, theater shows, and more. Here’s why they’re so desirable:
- Beat the Rush: Secure your tickets before the general public sale, boosting your chances of getting great seats at your desired price point.
- Exclusive Access: Sometimes, certain seats or VIP packages are only available during a presale period.
- Peace of Mind: Snagging tickets early eliminates the stress of trying to compete frantically once general sales open.
how to buy presale tickets on live nation
Understanding Presale Types on Live Nation
Not all presales are created equal. These are the main categories you’ll encounter:
- Artist Presales: Often the first presale to occur, requiring a unique code distributed directly by the artist’s team (usually through fan club memberships or email lists).
- Venue Presales: The venue hosting the event may release a limited number of tickets early, with a presale code sent to their loyal customers or local followers.
- Credit Card Presales: Some credit cards (for example, Citi or American Express) partner with Live Nation, giving their cardholders exclusive presale access.
- Radio Station Presales: Local radio stations sometimes run contests or promotions with presale codes as prizes.
- Live Nation / Ticketmaster Presales: More general presales might be offered to Live Nation email subscribers or those who have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster in the past.
Essential Preparation: Your Presale Success Toolkit
- Create Accounts Early: Have a Live Nation and Ticketmaster account set up in advance, with payment info stored for lightning-fast checkout.
- Follow Your Favorites: Actively follow artists, venues, and relevant credit card companies on social media. Presale codes are often announced there first.
- Become a Fan Club Member: If there’s an artist you frequently buy tickets for, their official fan club will often be your golden ticket to presales.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts: Subscribe to newsletters from Live Nation, venues near you, and your favorite artists to ensure you don’t miss any presale announcements.
Your Step-by-Step Presale Battle Plan
- Gather Intel: As soon as you hear about a show you’re interested in, start researching:
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- When does the presale start (date and exact time!)?
- What are potential presale types (artist, venue, etc.)?
- Where might presale codes be revealed?
- Secure Your Codes: Act fast when codes are announced. Join fan clubs, follow those social media accounts, and be ready at the moment of release.
- Minutes Matter! Log into your Live Nation/Ticketmaster account slightly before the presale starts. Have the exact event page open in another tab.
- Refresh and Be Ready: Right when the clock strikes, refresh the event page. Presale tickets are added to the usual ticketing system.
- Search Strategically: Start with your ideal seat preferences, but be flexible. If they’re snatched up, broaden your search to include other sections or slightly higher price points.
- Persistence Pays Off: Don’t give up too soon! People often leave tickets in their cart that eventually get released back into the system.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Success
- Multiple Devices: Try accessing the presale on your computer, phone, and tablet simultaneously to increase your chances of getting through.
- Team Up: Enlist a friend to search alongside you, doubling your ticket-grabbing power.
- Know Your Limits: Pre-decide on your maximum price to avoid impulse spending in the frenzy.
Presale Limitation & Important Notes
- Presales Don’t Guarantee Tickets: Demand is still high, just for a smaller pool of buyers.
- Codes Have Power: Correctly entering that presale code is the key that unlocks the virtual gates.
- Ticket Limits Apply: Most presales limit how many tickets per transaction to prevent scalping.
What if I Miss the Presale?
- General Public Sale: You still have a chance, but be prepared for a virtual battle and potentially less selection.
- Verified Fan Programs: For super in-demand events, Ticketmaster sometimes has pre-registration programs to weed out bots on sale day.
Last-Minute Release: As the show approaches
- Production holds or VIP packages can sometimes create newly available tickets even days before the show. Keep checking!
Alternatives if Tickets Remain Elusive
- Secondary Market: Sites like StubHub or SeatGeek offer tickets for resale, but often at higher prices. Proceed with caution, understanding buyer protection policies.
- Day-Of at the Venue: Occasionally, a limited number of tickets are released at the box office on the day of the event. This is a gamble though.
- Enjoy Differently: Can you watch a livestream of the show or attend a similar artist’s concert at a smaller venue?
The Thrill of the Chase and the Importance of Perspective
While presales offer a significant advantage, there’s an undeniable thrill to the hunt for those perfect concert tickets. Sometimes, the journey of scoring your seat becomes part of the cherished memory you’ll associate with the show itself.
Remember, if you don’t succeed this time, there will always be another concert, another presale opportunity, and another chance to experience the magic of live events.
