Getting tickets to a popular show can feel like a race against time. Whether it’s a highly anticipated concert, theater performance, or sporting event, securing your spot before tickets sell out is no easy feat. But even if you find yourself facing the disappointment of a show selling out, all hope is not lost. There are several effective strategies that can help you score a ticket, or at least still enjoy the experience in another meaningful way.
In this essay, we will explore practical and creative options to consider when a show sells out. From staying persistent with online ticket releases to exploring secondary market opportunities, there are many ways to turn a sold-out show into a rewarding experience.
- Be Persistent with Presales and Waiting Lists
One of the most straightforward methods to get a ticket to a sold-out show is to take advantage of presales and waiting lists. Many events offer presale tickets before the general public release, often exclusive to fan clubs, credit card holders, or those who subscribe to event newsletters. These presale tickets can be a valuable opportunity to purchase seats before the event sells out.
If you miss the presale window, it’s not time to give up. Many events also offer waiting lists for tickets, which allow you to be notified if any tickets become available after people cancel or return their tickets. While there is no guarantee, waiting lists are a great way to stay in the loop and increase your chances of getting a ticket if you’re persistent.
- Set Up Alerts and Monitor for Resale Options
If the presale and waiting lists didn’t work out, don’t lose hope yet. Another option is to set up alerts on ticket platforms or secondary marketplaces. Websites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek allow users to create alerts that notify them when tickets become available for specific events. Many times, ticket holders who can no longer attend may put their tickets up for resale at different price points.
Resale platforms often offer tickets at prices higher than face value, but this can be an opportunity to grab a seat that was previously unavailable. However, it’s important to carefully assess the resale platform you use. Some are more reliable than others, and it’s essential to check that you’re not overpaying or getting a counterfeit ticket. If you do decide to go this route, be sure to purchase tickets through reputable platforms with buyer protection guarantees to avoid scams.
- Explore Alternative Ticket Vendors
While many major ticket sellers dominate the market for large-scale events, there are often other avenues to find tickets. Alternative ticketing platforms such as AXS, Eventbrite, and local venues sometimes offer tickets for sold-out events, often with fewer customers competing for the same seats.
It’s important to not solely rely on the most well-known ticket vendors but to also explore these alternative sources. Even if it seems like a long shot, checking smaller or more niche sites for availability could result in finding the ticket you’re after. You could also check for tickets through social media groups or local community boards where fans often trade or sell tickets for face value.
- Consider Last-Minute Tickets
In some cases, tickets may become available last-minute due to cancellations or unclaimed seats. Venues may release these tickets just before the show, which could give you another chance to secure a seat. It’s not uncommon for major events to hold back a portion of tickets to release on the day of the show, either for last-minute sales or as a contingency for unexpected changes.
If you’re able to attend the event on short notice, this could be an excellent opportunity to snag a ticket. To stay on top of these releases, follow the event’s social media or website for any announcements about last-minute ticket drops. Be prepared to act fast, as these opportunities tend to sell out quickly.
- Try to Get Tickets on the Day of the Event
If all else fails and you’re willing to take a bit of a risk, you can attempt to get tickets on the day of the event. Many people find that tickets become available closer to showtime as plans change, or others decide to sell tickets on the secondary market. Standing outside the venue on the day of the event can sometimes yield great results if other fans are selling tickets or if the venue opens up more seats at the last minute.
While this option isn’t guaranteed, it does provide an opportunity to be near the action and enjoy the event in a way that you hadn’t expected. Be sure to use caution when purchasing tickets from unofficial sellers to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
- Explore Other Ways to Engage with the Event
Even if you’re unable to attend the show in person, there are many ways to still be involved in the experience. Many events, particularly concerts and theater performances, are now streaming online or offering virtual ticketing options. This can be a great solution if you want to see the show but can’t secure an in-person ticket. Many live streams feature multiple camera angles, interactive features, and social components to make the experience feel immersive, even if you’re not physically at the venue.
For those who are really passionate about the event but can’t attend, there are often companion experiences available, such as behind-the-scenes tours, virtual meet-and-greets with performers, or post-event Q&A sessions. These experiences are often held in conjunction with live events and can offer fans a unique way to engage with the performance, even if they’re not in the audience.
- Consider Attending a Different Date or Location
If your favorite show or event has multiple performances or dates available, consider attending a different date or one in a nearby city. Many major tours or productions have multiple locations or travel to different cities during their run, providing you with a second chance to get tickets. While this may not always be ideal if you’re set on attending the original show, attending a different performance or one at a nearby venue can still provide a rewarding experience.
If the event is something like a music concert, you could also explore the possibility of seeing the same artist or performer at another venue later on in the year. While it may not be the exact same show, you’ll still be able to enjoy their talent and the energy of a live performance.
- Accept the Opportunity to Enjoy the Experience in a Different Way
Sometimes, you may not be able to secure a ticket, but you can still enjoy the event from a different perspective. Some venues host watch parties for sold-out events, where fans gather in a different location to view the performance on a big screen. Additionally, nearby restaurants, bars, or cafes often offer special event nights, where fans can still celebrate the show in a community setting, even if they aren’t attending in person.
If it’s a concert, many fans gather in the vicinity of the venue to listen to the music from the outside. While it may not be the same as attending the concert in person, it’s a way to share the experience with other fans and be part of the atmosphere.
- Be Ready for the Next Opportunity
Sometimes the best solution is to simply be prepared for the next time the show or event comes to town. While it’s easy to feel frustrated after a show sells out, many popular artists and performers will return for future shows, sometimes even in bigger venues. If you missed out this time, be proactive about securing tickets for the next opportunity.
Consider setting up alerts, joining fan clubs, or following your favorite artists closely to ensure that you get in early when tickets become available. Many people often miss out simply because they didn’t act quickly enough, so being prepared for the next chance is a great way to turn that missed opportunity into a future success.
