If you’re hoping to get tickets to a hot concert or show that is likely to sell out quickly, timing when you log in to Ticketmaster can be crucial. There are some key factors to consider when deciding the optimal time to log in to give yourself the best shot at scoring tickets.
When do tickets go on sale?
The first thing you’ll want to know is when tickets officially go on sale. This varies for different concerts and events. Typically tickets go on sale around 10am local venue time, but it can range anywhere from 8am to noon. Some events even release tickets in the middle of the night like 12am or 1am!
Ticketmaster will list the exact on-sale date and time on the event page once it’s been announced. Keep checking back on the event page for updates as the on-sale time approaches. Promoters and venues can sometimes change the start time for tickets sales, so you’ll want to keep monitoring it.
When should you actually log in?
You’ll want to log into your Ticketmaster account approximately 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled on-sale time. This gives you time to get logged in, pull up the event page, and get ready before tickets go live.
Logging in right at the on-sale time is often too late. There will be thousands of other fans trying to do the same thing, so you want to get ahead of the last minute rush.
Does it matter what device you use?
It’s best to use a desktop or laptop computer to log into Ticketmaster rather than a mobile device. Mobile can work, but desktop tends to handle high traffic better without crashing or slowing down as easily.
Make sure your computer is connected to the internet via a hard wired connection rather than WiFi whenever possible. This helps ensure a smooth and stable connection which is crucial when tickets are going on sale.
Bookmark the event page
Be sure to bookmark or save the specific Ticketmaster event page URL somewhere easy to access like your browser bookmarks toolbar. This saves you time pulling up the right page.
You want to pull up the saved event page about 10-15 minutes before the on-sale time and keep refreshing until the tickets go live. Don’t waste time searching for the right page.
Have your Ticketmaster account ready
Make sure you have a Ticketmaster account created and are logged into it ahead of tickets going on sale. Enter your username and password into Ticketmaster at least 15 minutes before the on-sale time. You don’t want to get held up entering your info when tickets are dropping.
Double check your Ticketmaster account is working properly several days ahead of the on-sale date. Verify your log in credentials, payment info, and shipping address are all correct.
Only use one browser window
Don’t open multiple browser windows for the Ticketmaster event page. This can confuse their system and cause issues with getting tickets in your cart. Only keep one browser window open and continuously refresh that same window.
Be ready at your computer
You should be seated at your computer 15 minutes before the specified on-sale time ready to refresh the Ticketmaster page. Have your credit card in hand or payment info saved to your account.
Avoid getting distracted by other tasks right before tickets go on sale. You don’t want to be caught away from your computer when they suddenly go live.
Refresh constantly when tickets go live
Right before and at the exact specified on-sale time, continuously refresh your Ticketmaster event page browser window. Don’t stop refreshing for at least the first 5 minutes after tickets go on sale.
Keep rapidly clicking refresh or pressing F5 to reload the page. This helps you grab tickets as soon as they appear in the system.
Troubleshoot error messages
If Ticketmaster gives you an error message about the site being down or tickets not being available, keep refreshing! Oftentimes you need to just keep refreshing through error messages for the tickets to show up.
As long as tickets are still officially on sale, persist through error messages if possible. You may luck out and get through.
Use presale codes when available
Take advantage of Ticketmaster presales whenever you can. Presales give you early access to purchase tickets before the general public.
Presale codes are typically available through fan clubs, credit cards, and radio stations. Securing a presale code can greatly increase your odds of getting tickets.
Understand ticket limits
There are usually ticket buying limits in place like 4-6 tickets per customer. This helps prevent scalpers from buying up all the seats. Make sure you are aware of the ticket limit for your event.
Trying to purchase more tickets than the limit will often cancel your order. Stick within the posted ticket maximum.
Use an alternate payment method
If your initial Ticketmaster transaction fails, try processing it again immediately using a different credit card or payment option. This may allow the purchase to go through the second time.
Having an alternate form of payment handy can make the difference in scoring tickets when your first payment stall out.
Keep trying if you don’t succeed
Don’t give up right away! If you don’t manage to get tickets the first time around, keep checking back for release of additional seats or last minute cancellations that free up tickets.
Additional tickets tend to open up over time leading up to the event as things shift around, so persist and keep trying.
Use multiple devices
Although ideally you want to use a desktop computer, having multiple devices signed into Ticketmaster can increase your chances if done right.
Use your desktop as the primary device for refresh, but also pull up Ticketmaster on a mobile device or separate laptop as a backup. Some report the mobile app working when the desktop site fails.
Consider ticket resellers
As a last resort, you may have to turn to ticket reseller sites like StubHub if you absolutely must get tickets. But expect to pay a premium price.
Reseller prices can often run over double face value or more. Only use them if paying inflated prices is worth it to you.
Conclusion
Logging into Ticketmaster at just the right time takes research, preparation, persistence, and a little luck. Following the tips above will help optimize your chances at scoring hard to get tickets. The key things to remember are:
- Log in 15-30 minutes early
- Use a desktop computer
- Bookmark event URL ahead of time
- Refresh constantly at on-sale time
- Troubleshoot error messages
- Have presale code and alternate payment ready
- Keep trying repeatedly if you don’t succeed initially
Landing coveted tickets ultimately comes down to correctly timing your Ticketmaster strategy. With the right approach, you’ll have a great shot at getting seats to your desired event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens right at the on-sale time?
Right as tickets go on sale, thousands of people will be trying to access Ticketmaster and purchase tickets all at the same time. This causes the site to temporarily crash or freeze up. You need to just keep rapidly refreshing and getting through error messages until tickets show up.
Should I use multiple Ticketmaster accounts?
It’s best to just stick with one Ticketmaster account and log in from different devices. Using multiple accounts runs the risk of exceeding ticket limits and cancelations. The safest approach is to only use one account across all your devices.
How quickly do hot shows sell out on Ticketmaster?
For extremely popular concerts, all tickets can sell out within seconds of going on sale. But for most events, it takes 20-30 minutes at least for all the tickets to be purchased during a general public on-sale. Having persistence through errors and continuously refreshing is key.
What are some useful tools for navigating Ticketmaster?
Fan presales, ticket alerts, Ticketmaster Verified resale, and the Ticketmaster app are all useful tools for getting ahead in the Ticketmaster process. Taking advantage of these features improves your purchasing experience.
Should I use auto-fill on my browser?
Yes, using auto-fill for your Ticketmaster login can save precious seconds that make a difference. Have your username, password, and payment info stored in your browser’s auto-fill whenever possible.
| Event | On-sale Date | On-sale Time | Presale Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Sheeran Concert | Fri, Sept 30 | 10:00am EST | TEDDYBEAR |
| Adele Live Show | Tues, Oct 11 | 2:00pm EST | HELLO25 |
| Harry Styles World Tour | Fri, Nov 4 | 12:00pm EST | KIWIFRUIT |
The table above shows examples of real upcoming events along with key Ticketmaster sale info like on-sale date/time and any applicable presale codes.
Tips and Warnings
- Beware of fake presale codes – always verify codes before using them
- Make sure all your Ticketmaster account info is correct before the on-sale
- Have a backup payment method or someone else ready to try purchasing
- Bookmark the event page on both desktop and mobile
- Don’t panic if you don’t score tickets initially – remain persistent
Key Takeaways
- Log into Ticketmaster 15-30 mins early with presale code ready
- Use auto-fill and have payment info saved to your account
- Bookmark event URL and pull up on desktop browser
- Refresh constantly 10 minutes before and after on-sale time
- Troubleshoot error messages and keep trying with alternate payment
- Persist even if you don’t succeed right away as tickets may be released
