Bargain-hunters are beating soaring concert ticket prices: Here’s how
Securing cheap tickets has never felt more rewarding as ticket prices continue to rise.
Image credits: Anthony Delanoix.
Concert tickets are pricier than ever
The soaring prices of concert tickets are no secret. With demand skyrocketing for live events and resale platforms taking over the market, fans often face staggering markups- sometimes over 5000% of the face value. Unfortunately, this practice has made attending some of the biggest concerts unattainable for many genuine fans.
The masters of last-minute deals
A growing group of bargain-hunters are on the rise, making securing a cheap ticket all the more sweeter in a market where prices are soaring. Take Casey McNerthney, a bargain-hunter who’s secured concert tickets for as low as $9. From Coldplay ($12) to Cyndi Lauper ($9) and even U2 ($16), Casey embraces the thrill of finding rock-bottom prices for shows at massive venues.
While not always a fan of the artists, Casey is a huge fan of getting tickets at big arena, stadium, and amphitheater shows. In fact, he believes that the excitement of seeing an artist (and their fans) for the first time makes the effort worthwhile:
“It doesn’t matter who you’re going to see at a stadium for less than $15 bucks. You’re going to have a good time if you have the right outlook.”
Casey McNerthney told Wall Street Journal.
Why are these tickets so cheap?
Contrary to what you might think, these ultra-low prices don’t always reflect poorly sold events. Take Cyndi Lauper’s show as an example: The average resale price on SeatGeek was $148 for the same concert as Casey’s $9 ticket.
The steep price drops can often be traced back to the same resale platforms that facilitate the price rises in the first place.
Resellers often bulk-buy tickets, expecting high demand and sell them a high markup to quickly make a profit. However, when they overestimate, resellers are forced to sell cheap to recover their costs. These sales provide concert-goers with a last minute opportunity to see artists.
Some of the time, individual sellers who can no longer attend at the last minute may also list their tickets for below face value just to make some money back.
Tips for securing cheap concert tickets
Securing cheap tickets is no easy feat, it often requires dropping whatever you’re doing in the moment to secure these last minute deals. Here are some tips:
- Timing is key: Ticket prices tend to be at their lowest in the final days before a show, but can still rise up until the event. Prices hit rock bottom on the day of the event, especially in the hours leading up to showtime.
- Stay alert to resale platforms: Keep an eye on sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, TickPick, and GameTime. Even Ticketmaster can offer surprising deals at the last minute.
- Location: Living near a popular tour stop or venue increases your chances of finding deals, as more shows mean more opportunities.
Prices remain a problem
In a world where concert ticket prices are soaring, bargain-hunters are finding ways to beat the system. While their strategies may not solve the broader challenges facing the industry, they offer a glimpse of hope – and a bit of fun – for fans eager to enjoy live music without breaking the bank.