The Best Platforms, Tips and Safety Advice
Buying concert tickets online has never been easier, but it can be confusing with so many sellers, prices and seating options available. Whether you’re trying to grab seats for a sold-out show or looking for the best deal, knowing where and how to buy concert tickets online is key. This guide covers trusted platforms, how to score affordable tickets and tips for staying safe.
Trusted Online Ticket Sellers
There are two main types of online ticket platforms: primary sellers and resellers. Primary sellers work directly with the event or venue. Resellers offer tickets people have already purchased and are now selling, often at market-driven prices.
Primary Ticket Sellers
- Ticketmaster. This is the largest platform for concert tickets. They offer verified tickets, pre-sales and interactive seat maps.
- Live Nation. Live Nation owns Ticketmaster, and is often the first stop for tour announcements and presales.
- AXS. This site is popular for arena and stadium events, and is used by many major venues across the U.S.
- Eventbrite. Eventbrite is great for smaller concerts, indie shows and festivals. It often has free or low-cost events.
Resale Platforms
- StubHub. This is one of the most recognized resale sites, and offers a FanProtect Guarantee for all purchases.
- SeatGeek. SeatGeek aggregates listings from many sources, making it easy to compare prices in one place.
- Vivid Seats. This site offers loyalty rewards and verified resale tickets. It often runs discount promos for first-time buyers.
- TickPick. You won't find hidden fees on TickPick. What you see is what you pay, which makes it easier to budget.
Tips for Finding Affordable Concert Tickets
Scoring a great deal takes a little strategy. Here are some tips to help you save:
- Set price alerts. Use platforms like SeatGeek to notify you when ticket prices drop.
- Be flexible with seats. Avoid front rows and opt for side or upper sections for better pricing.
- Check resale sites close to the event date. Sellers often reduce prices last minute to avoid losing money.
- Look for presales. Sign up for fan clubs or artist newsletters to access early-bird sales.
- Buy from the venue. Sometimes venues have box office-only sales with no service fees.
How to Avoid Scams and Fake Tickets
Unfortunately, the ticket resale world can attract scammers. Here's how to protect yourself:
- Use reputable platforms. Stick to verified websites like those listed above.
- Beware of social media deals. Facebook Marketplace often has unverified, risky listings.
- Check for a buyer guarantee. Make sure the site offers protection if the event is canceled or the ticket is invalid.
- Look for digital transfer options. Most major events now use mobile-only tickets, which are harder to fake.
- Don’t pay with Venmo, Cash App or gift cards. These payment methods offer no buyer protection.
Using Apps to Buy and Manage Tickets
Most ticketing platforms offer apps where you can search, purchase and store your tickets all in one place. This makes event-day check-in smoother and eliminates the need to print anything.
- Ticketmaster app. This app is required for many big-name concerts. It syncs with your email and calendar.
- StubHub app. This app offers barcode scanning and instant ticket delivery.
- Apple/Google wallet. Most phones will have this option. It's great for storing and accessing mobile tickets offline.
When to Buy Tickets
Timing is everything. Here are a few general rules:
- Presale. A presale lets you access tickets before the general public. You can use fan codes or credit card promotions for access.
- First day of general sale. Buy early to lock in standard pricing.
- Week before the event. If the show isn’t sold out, prices may dip on resale sites.
Enjoy the Show!
Buying concert tickets online is convenient, but it’s important to know the best places to look, how to spot a deal and how to stay safe. Whether you’re trying to catch your favorite artist live or attending your first music festival, using the right platforms and tips can make the experience smoother and cheaper. Start early, compare prices and enjoy the show!