There is rarely a time when I don’t have a concert countdown in my phone. Most of the time, an upcoming show is my motivation to get through a rough week, knowing that soon enough I would be in my ultimate happy place with people who all listen to the same music I do on the daily. The amount of concerts I’ve been to in my life is honestly lowkey embarrassing, but I’ve definitely learned some things along the way to share so your next concert is an amazing experience!
- Want to get up close for a low price? GA concerts are your BFF
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Now my first tip is to try and go to concerts at GA venues. They certainly aren’t for everyone, because you don’t have physical seats and have to stand the whole time, but if you are looking to be towards the front of the stage this is the way to go! Everyone typically pays the same flat price for a ticket (unless their are VIP or early entry) and depending on the venue and performer they can be as low as $20 each.
The only downside is since you don’t have an actual seat, you will have to arrive at the venue as early as possible before doors open to get spots in line. Some people I know have waited a couple of hours in line, while others have camped out overnight to secure a front row spot. This can be a big commitment, especially if you are waiting in the freezing cold or heat, but if you really want an up close experience its the best way to get towards the front of the crowd.
Once you’re through security after doors open, try to move as fast as you can to the stage to secure your spot and try not to leave it. People will often try to move where you were standing if you go to get food or use the restroom, so if you have a friend with you rotate and hold each other’s spots while you wait for the opening act to come on.
Alternative: Live Nation Venue Seat Upgrades
This is a venue specific deal, but has really come in clutch for me the past few summers and not many people know about it. Live Nation venues will often allow you to buy seat upgrades starting as far as a week before a show for $20-$30. I have used this with free tickets I’ve won from radio stations to move from the second to last row of the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA, all the way to the last row of the sections closest to the stage. The upgrade was an insane deal, which allowed me to get a seat that was usually priced at $200+, for $20. Crazy right?
I would suggest to do the same thing but with whatever the cheapest ticket is you can buy for that venue, (like lawn at the Xfinity Center), then purchase the upgrade. Keep in mind though that not every show gets an upgrade, so this would probably be something you decide to do once you confirm upgrades are being offered at your venue and you decide to attend the show more last minute. Download the Live Nation App or go on their website and check to see if this service is offered at a venue or show near you!
(Here was my view at a Pentatonix concert with my seat upgrade!)
- Buy tickets during presale for the best pricing
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From my experience, presale is the best way to get the best tickets for a lower price before the general public has access to purchase them. All presales require a code of some sort, so I would do some research to see if you can find one online through Google or Twitter. Sometimes if you are also subscribed to the artists email list, they will send you a code or a link to register through Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan Program. This way, once the presale time starts, you can copy and paste your code into the website and start looking for tickets right away.
If presale isn’t an option, I would purchase tickets when general onsale opens, however the prices may go up and it will be harder to secure the specific seats in the section you may be aiming for. Bottom line though, always look to purchase right when presale or general onsale starts. Even hours later on the same day, single seats may be the only thing left behind for the original ticket price. While sites like Stubhub or SeatGeek are super convenient, the people listing their tickets often raise the prices astronomically from the actual price they paid. That’s why I personally never use them unless it is a last resort.
- Is getting VIP or Meet and Greet worth it?
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It really depends on the person, how much they like the artist, how much the packages are, and what they include. I’ve seen different packages from prices between $100-$1000, so they are a huge range in price, but often include very similar things like a VIP lounge, an exclusive merchandise item, Q&A with the artist, and a meet and greet. Usually most packages will include a ticket as well, so you should take that into account when looking at prices.
Most of the time, I think it is worth it if you really love the artist, have followed them for a long time, and don’t mind spending the money on it. I’ve done Meet and Greet for multiple different artists before and have always found it a worthwhile experience. Especially if the packages include a ticket on the floor or early venue entry, that definitely adds value. Not only that, but you get to meet and chat with the person you look up to and listen to every day, which is always something you’ll never forget. Some of my best concert memories have been at the meet and greets with my favorite artists, but if you don’t want to spend the money on it, keep reading for advice on how to try to meet them for free.
(Here is me and Sabrina Carpenter, she gives the best hugs!)
- Fanny packs aren’t just cute, they’re functional:
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Ever since buying a clear fanny pack for Ariana Grande’s Sweetener World Tour, I’ve been hooked. I’ve always brought mini backpacks to shows in the past, but fanny packs are the way to go. All your belongings are in your view at all times and in a super convenient if you have to take something out of it. However, bag policies at different venues are changing, so always be sure to check and see what yours is before heading out to the show. If looking for a bag to purchase, I would by something clear, since more and more venues are changing to clear bag policies for safety purposes.
- Chat with security, you never know what could happen
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If there happens to be security guards near your seat, be nice to them. Even just making small talk with them can make their day. It might even lead to them giving you the set list after the show, a tip on where the artist will be exiting afterwards, or some exciting stories on what tours they’ve worked on in the past. Plus, they are there to keep you safe! Be nice regardless because they are certainly underappreciated by concert goers.
- Make friends with the fans around you
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Whenever I go to concerts I always try to talk to the people around me. You’re all here because you like the artist performing, so you never know what else you might have in common with them too! Plus, you may be able to help each other out during the show as well if you are there alone. Personally, I’ve met some of my best friends through concerts, so definitely take a chance and meet some new people!
- Want to meet the artist outside after the show? Know where they will be exiting the venue
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I’ve saved the best tip for last. Like I mentioned before, befriending security can help with this, but also looking around yourself and talking to others once you arrive at the venue. Lots of artists will come outside after the show to take pictures with fans, you just need to know where to go. Typically, its wherever the tour buses are or right outside the venue they will set up barricades for you to stand behind. If there’s a large group of people waiting, you probably won’t be able to talk to the artist directly or grab a selfie, but there’s a chance they’ll post a group picture on their social media! Bottom line, don’t rush to your car when the show is over, because there may be more amazing memories to be made!
I hope all these tips help make your next concert the best it can be! Good luck and have fun!