Scoring tickets to the hottest concerts, sporting events, or theatrical productions can feel like a battle royale. General ticket sales often turn into frantic online scrambles, leaving many fans empty-handed. However, a secret weapon exists in the ticketing world – the venue presale. This exclusive window allows certain individuals to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public, increasing your chances of securing those coveted seats.
Unveiling the Venue Presale
A venue presale is a limited-time period where a portion of event tickets are made available for purchase before the general public can access them. This opportunity is typically offered by the venue itself, granting them some control over ticket distribution and potentially rewarding loyal patrons.
How Does a Venue Presale Work?
The specifics of a venue presale can vary depending on the venue, artist, and event. Here’s a general breakdown of the process:
Eligibility: To participate in a venue presale, you’ll typically need a unique access code. This code can be obtained through various methods, such as:
Venue Mailing List: Many venues maintain email lists for patrons who wish to receive event updates and presale opportunities. Signing up for these lists is often the easiest way to secure a presale code.
Artist Fan Club Membership: Some artists offer presale codes as a perk to their official fan club members. Joining a fan club can provide access to exclusive presales for their tours or shows.
Credit Card Promotions: Occasionally, credit card companies might partner with venues or artists to offer presale codes to their cardholders. Check your credit card issuer’s website or promotions for such opportunities.
Presale Window: Once you have a presale code, you’ll be able to access a dedicated online portal during the designated venue presale window. This window typically lasts for a few hours or a day, depending on the event.
Purchasing Tickets: During the presale window, you can use your code to browse available ticket options and purchase seats before they go on sale to the general public.
Advantages of Participating in a Venue Presale
There are several advantages to participating in a venue presale:
Increased Chance of Getting Tickets: Presales offer a significant head start over the general public, significantly increasing your chances of securing tickets, especially for highly anticipated events.
Wider Selection of Seats: Since the presale occurs before general sales, you’ll have access to a wider selection of seats, including potentially better locations or closer proximity to the stage.
Priority Access: Presales often offer a more relaxed and less competitive environment compared to the frantic rush of general ticket sales.
Things to Consider Before Joining a Venue Presale
While venue presales offer advantages, there are some things to keep in mind:
Limited Availability: Presale tickets are limited in quantity. Even with a code, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the tickets you desire.
Potential for Code Misuse: Presale codes can sometimes be leaked or shared online, potentially reducing the exclusivity of the presale.
Advance Planning: To participate in a venue presale, you’ll need to plan ahead by securing a presale code and knowing the specific window for ticket purchases.
Alternative Ways to Secure Event Tickets
If you miss out on a venue presale, don’t despair! Here are some alternative ways to get tickets:
General Ticket Sales: Once the presale window closes, the remaining tickets are typically released for general public purchase. Be prepared for a potentially competitive online environment.
Secondary Marketplaces: Websites like StubHub or Ticketmaster resale allow fans to resell their tickets. However, prices on these platforms can be significantly higher than face value.
Waitlists and Fan Clubs: Some venues or artists might offer waitlists or fan club notifications for additional ticket releases in case of cancellations or returns.
Conclusion: Mastering the Ticket Hunt
Venue presales are a valuable tool for event ticket seekers. By understanding how they work, the methods for obtaining presale codes, and the advantages and considerations involved, you can significantly increase your chances of scoring those coveted tickets. Remember, planning, a bit of luck, and knowledge of these presale opportunities can be the key to unlocking a successful ticket hunt!
