Nothing beats the excitement of seeing your favorite artist live or attending a highly anticipated event—until you realize tickets are sold out. The disappointment can be crushing, but don’t lose hope just yet. With the right strategies, you can still score tickets to sold-out concerts and events. Whether it’s leveraging technology, networking, or knowing where to look, these proven methods will help you secure your spot even when it seems impossible.
1. Check Official Resale Platforms
Many ticketing platforms offer official resale options where fans can sell their tickets at face value or slightly above. These platforms are often the safest way to buy sold-out tickets because they verify the authenticity of the tickets and protect buyers from scams.
Popular Resale Platforms to Explore
- Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan Resale: Many events allow ticket holders to resell their tickets directly through Ticketmaster, ensuring legitimacy.
- StubHub: A well-known secondary marketplace with buyer guarantees.
- SeatGeek: Aggregates listings from multiple resale sites and often offers promo codes.
- AXS Resale: The official resale platform for AXS-ticketed events.
Set up alerts on these platforms to get notified when tickets become available. Prices may drop closer to the event date as sellers become more motivated.
2. Leverage Social Media and Fan Communities
Social media is a goldmine for last-minute ticket opportunities. Many fans sell their tickets at face value (or even below) when their plans change. Engaging with fan communities can also help you find trustworthy sellers.
Where to Look
- Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “[Artist/Event Name] Tickets” or “Last-Minute Concert Tickets.”
- Twitter/X: Use hashtags like #SellingConcertTickets or #[ArtistName]Tickets.
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/Concerts or r/EventTickets often have legitimate sellers.
Pro Tip: Always use PayPal Goods & Services or another protected payment method to avoid scams. Never wire money or use Venmo without buyer protection.
3. Try Last-Minute Strategies
If you’re flexible and willing to take a risk, waiting until the last minute can pay off. Sellers often drop prices drastically as the event approaches to avoid losing money on unsold tickets.
Effective Last-Minute Tactics
- Box Office: Some venues release extra tickets on the day of the event.
- Apps like Gametime or TickPick: Specialize in last-minute sales with no hidden fees.
- Scalpers (Carefully): If buying in person, verify the tickets before paying (some venues can scan them for validity).
This approach requires patience and a bit of luck, but it can lead to significant savings.
4. Sign Up for Waitlists and Presales
Prevention is better than cure—getting ahead of the rush can help you avoid sold-out situations altogether. Many artists and venues offer presale opportunities to dedicated fans.
How to Get Access
- Artist Mailing Lists: Sign up for newsletters to receive presale codes.
- Fan Clubs: Some artists reserve tickets exclusively for fan club members.
- Credit Card Presales: Cards like American Express often offer early ticket access.
- Waitlists: Some platforms allow you to join waitlists for sold-out shows in case tickets are released later.
Being proactive can give you a significant advantage over the general public.
5. Use Ticket Alert Services
Technology can be your best friend when hunting for sold-out tickets. Several services monitor ticket availability and notify you the moment seats become available.
Top Alert Services
- Twickets: A fan-to-fan resale platform that alerts you when tickets are listed.
- Ticketmaster’s “Verified Resale” Alerts: Get notifications for your desired events.
- Concert Tracker Apps: Apps like Bandsintown or Songkick track ticket drops.
Set up multiple alerts to maximize your chances of snagging a ticket before someone else does.
Conclusion
Scoring tickets to sold-out concerts and events isn’t impossible—it just requires strategy, persistence, and a bit of creativity. From official resale platforms to last-minute deals and fan communities, there are multiple avenues to explore. Stay vigilant, use trusted sources, and don’t give up too soon. With these proven methods, you’ll increase your chances of being in the crowd when the lights go down and the music starts.