Cheap Concert Tickets

Ways to Score Cheap Concert Tickets

College and University Shows

Some of the hottest new acts tour the university circuit first, and passes can be as low as $5 apiece. Many don’t have money to buy a lot of advertising, so check out the school’s website frequently to see who’s scheduled.

Artists’ Websites

As a fan loyalty program, some artists work out a deal with the venue promoter to offer a drawing for free or cheap concert tickets online. There are also drawings for front row seating, backstage passes, and other treats. It’s worth registering on your favorite band’s site, simply to see what they’ll offer.

Classifieds

Sometimes other people buy tickets and then can’t go to the show. You can often snag some cheap concert tickets by checking the front of the newspaper’s classifieds or online through Craig's List, a community that specializes in hooking people up with jobs, services, “stuff”, and other things.

Last-Minute Entry

On occasion, promoters will push attendance by dropping ticket prices after the show starts. This usually happens at smaller venues, and almost always at the door 30 minutes or so after the opening act gets underway.

Promoters need to fill seats to bring in good acts, so they cut into their own profit margin to let more people in at a reduced rate. Don’t count on this option, but if you haven’t bought tickets yet, go to the show anyway and see what the status is.

For arena shows, promoters may opt to swap your nosebleed seat tickets for ones closer to the stage, so the performer sees a better house. You get a free upgrade for the same price.

Radio Station Contests

Attending for free is the best cheap concert ticket there is. Many local radio stations still receive a few rows of promotional tickets to give to listeners. Since there is so much competition to keep listeners, stations try hard to get the audience closer to their favorite acts.

Depending on what music you like – the Rolling Stones, Green Day, Il Divo, Vienna Teng, Tool, Evanescence, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Brad Paisley, or Little Big Town, for example – tune into the station playing that artist. The trick is listening between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. to find out the giveaway schedule or cue. Then hit speed dial when it’s time to call, or go online to the station’s website.

Other Things to Consider

Buy locally. Instead of going through Ticketmaster or another ticket outlet, try buying directly from the venue. You’ll save on service charges and mailing fees. Many arenas are bound to sell tickets through ticket services by contract, but some clubs and small performing houses still sell tickets around town.

Go to other types of shows. Let’s say you’re trying to arrange a date night. You have some restaurant coupons for a new place, you’ve set aside $40 in the entertainment envelope, and you’re ready to hit the town. If you live near a college or university, there are many plays, concerts, and comedy performances to enjoy for an average of $7-$10 apiece. Okay, so you’re not seeing the Blue Man Group. But, it might be the next big thing.

Watch for cross-promotions. If you’re really intent on getting cheap concert tickets, scope out cross-promotions. For example, car dealerships may offer a pair of tickets for every test drive. How does this work? If Jeep is sponsoring part of a tour that the All-American Rejects or Big and Rich are playing, the company hopes that same audience will be interested in their product. So, Jeep gives tickets to a local dealership as giveaways. You’ll have to listen to a sale pitch, but again, free tickets are the best bargain.

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