Planning a group outing to a concert, sporting event, or theatrical performance? Ticketmaster, the behemoth of ticket sales, often imposes limits on the number of tickets you can purchase in a single transaction, typically capping it at eight. This can be a real headache when you’re trying to coordinate a larger group. But don’t despair! While Ticketmaster’s restrictions are designed to prevent scalping and ensure fair access, there are several strategies you can employ to secure enough tickets for your entire crew. Let’s explore these methods in detail.
Understanding Ticketmaster’s Ticket Limits
Ticketmaster implements ticket limits to prevent individuals or automated bots from buying up large quantities of tickets and reselling them at inflated prices. This is an attempt to make tickets available to genuine fans at face value. The specific limit, usually eight, can vary depending on the event and the venue. It’s important to note that this limit applies per transaction, per account, and sometimes even per household.
Why are there limits?
The primary reason behind these limits is to curb ticket scalping. Scalpers use sophisticated methods to buy large quantities of tickets, often using bots or multiple accounts. They then resell these tickets on secondary markets at significantly higher prices, profiting from the demand and leaving genuine fans empty-handed. Ticketmaster’s limits aim to disrupt this practice and make it harder for scalpers to acquire a large number of tickets.
Consequences of Exceeding the Limit
Attempting to circumvent the ticket limits by creating multiple accounts or using bots can have serious consequences. Ticketmaster has the right to cancel your orders, revoke your tickets, and even ban you from using their platform in the future. It’s crucial to play by the rules and use legitimate methods to secure your tickets.
Strategic Approaches to Buying More Tickets
Okay, so you can’t just buy a massive block of tickets in one go. What can you do? Here’s a breakdown of proven strategies:
The Buddy System: Enlist Your Friends
This is the simplest and often most effective method. Coordinate with friends, family members, or colleagues who also plan to attend the event. Have each person create a Ticketmaster account and attempt to purchase tickets simultaneously when they go on sale. This increases your chances of securing enough tickets for the entire group. Communicate clearly about seat preferences and price ranges beforehand to avoid duplication and ensure everyone gets tickets they’re happy with.
Communication is Key
Before the sale, establish a clear communication channel, such as a group chat or email thread. This allows everyone to coordinate their efforts, share information about their progress, and avoid accidentally buying the same seats. Assign specific roles to each person, such as having one person focus on the general admission tickets while another focuses on reserved seating.
Practice Makes Perfect
If possible, participate in a pre-sale or practice sale to familiarize yourself with the Ticketmaster platform and the ticket-buying process. This will help you navigate the site more quickly and efficiently when the actual tickets go on sale. Time is of the essence, so being comfortable with the process can significantly improve your chances of success.
Split the Purchase Over Multiple Transactions
If you can’t rely on others, you can try making multiple purchases yourself. This involves creating multiple Ticketmaster accounts (using different email addresses and payment methods) and attempting to buy the maximum number of tickets allowed on each account. However, be aware that this method carries some risk, as Ticketmaster may detect and cancel multiple orders from the same IP address or payment method.
Use Different Devices and Networks
To minimize the risk of detection, try using different devices (e.g., computer, phone, tablet) and different internet networks (e.g., home Wi-Fi, mobile data) when making multiple purchases. This will make it harder for Ticketmaster to link the purchases back to a single user.
Timing is Everything
When making multiple purchases, try to space them out over a few minutes or even hours. This will make it less likely that Ticketmaster will flag your account for suspicious activity. Avoid making multiple purchases in rapid succession, as this is a common indicator of scalping activity.
Explore Group Sales Options
Many venues and promoters offer group sales programs specifically designed for larger parties. These programs often provide discounted tickets and other perks, such as dedicated seating areas and personalized service. Contact the venue directly or visit their website to inquire about group sales options.
Benefits of Group Sales
Group sales programs offer several advantages over individual ticket purchases. In addition to discounted tickets, they often provide access to better seating locations and personalized service from a dedicated sales representative. This can make the entire ticket-buying process much smoother and more enjoyable.
How to Find Group Sales
Finding group sales options often requires some research. Start by visiting the venue’s website or contacting their box office. You can also try searching online for “group sales” followed by the name of the event or venue. Many promoters also advertise group sales programs on their social media channels.
Consider Resale Markets (with Caution)
If all else fails, you can turn to resale markets like StubHub or SeatGeek. However, be aware that tickets on these platforms are often sold at inflated prices, and there’s a risk of purchasing counterfeit tickets. Only use reputable resale platforms and carefully verify the authenticity of the tickets before making a purchase.
Risks of Resale Markets
The biggest risk of buying tickets on resale markets is the potential for fraud. Counterfeit tickets are common, and it can be difficult to verify their authenticity until you arrive at the venue. You also run the risk of paying significantly more than the face value of the tickets.
Tips for Safe Resale Purchases
When buying tickets on resale markets, stick to reputable platforms with buyer protection policies. Carefully examine the ticket listings for any signs of fraud, such as blurry images or inconsistent information. Check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase, and be wary of sellers with no history or negative feedback.
Navigating the Ticketmaster Website Effectively
Even with the best strategy, your success hinges on your ability to navigate the Ticketmaster website efficiently.
Be Prepared Before the Sale
Create your Ticketmaster account well in advance of the ticket sale. Enter your billing and shipping information to expedite the checkout process. Familiarize yourself with the venue’s seating chart so you know which sections you prefer.
Log In Early and Be Patient
Log in to your Ticketmaster account at least 30 minutes before the sale begins. This ensures you’re ready to go when the tickets become available. Be prepared for long wait times and potential website crashes, especially for high-demand events. Don’t refresh the page unless instructed to do so, as this could push you back in the queue.
Utilize the Ticket Filters
Use the ticket filters to narrow down your search and find the seats you want. You can filter by price, section, number of tickets, and accessibility options. This will help you avoid wasting time on tickets that don’t meet your criteria.
Alternative Strategies to Consider
Here are some lesser-known, but potentially helpful strategies to consider:
Check for Official Platinum Tickets
Ticketmaster offers “Official Platinum” tickets, which are dynamically priced based on demand. While these tickets are often more expensive than standard tickets, they may be available even when other tickets are sold out. If you’re willing to pay a premium, Official Platinum tickets can be a viable option.
Look for Last-Minute Releases
Sometimes, venues and promoters release additional tickets closer to the event date. These tickets may be released due to production holds being lifted or unsold tickets being returned. Keep an eye on the Ticketmaster website and social media channels for announcements about last-minute releases.
Consider Attending Weekday Shows
If you’re flexible with your schedule, consider attending a weekday show instead of a weekend show. Weekday shows are often less popular, making it easier to secure tickets for a large group.
Final Thoughts: Perseverance is Key
Securing more than eight tickets on Ticketmaster for a popular event can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By employing a combination of these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to be patient, persistent, and adaptable, and don’t give up until you’ve exhausted all your options. Good luck, and enjoy the show!
Ticketmaster Tips
Always read the fine print: Ticketmaster’s terms and conditions can change, so it’s always wise to read up.
Be mindful of location restrictions: Some events may be restricted to residents of certain areas.
Avoid using VPNs: Ticketmaster might block your attempt if it detects VPN usage.
While there is no guarantee that you will be able to purchase all the tickets you need, these strategies offer the best chance of success within the confines of Ticketmaster’s policies. Remember, planning and a little bit of teamwork can go a long way.
Is it actually possible to get more than 8 tickets on Ticketmaster for popular events?
Yes, while Ticketmaster often imposes a limit of 8 tickets per account for many high-demand events, there are strategies you can employ to increase your chances of securing more. These methods involve utilizing multiple accounts, leveraging pre-sales, and exploring official platinum seats, all with careful planning and execution to avoid violating Ticketmaster’s terms of service. Remember, success isn’t guaranteed, but these techniques can significantly improve your odds.
However, it’s crucial to act ethically and avoid using bots or engaging in any activities that might be considered scalping. Ticketmaster actively monitors and combats such behavior, and engaging in it could lead to your tickets being canceled and your account suspended. The key is to use legitimate methods and strategies to maximize your opportunities within the allowed framework.
What are the risks associated with using multiple Ticketmaster accounts to buy tickets?
The primary risk is violating Ticketmaster’s terms of service, which generally prohibit creating multiple accounts solely for the purpose of circumventing ticket limits. If Ticketmaster detects suspicious activity, such as multiple accounts using the same payment information or IP address, they may cancel your orders and suspend your accounts. This can result in losing the tickets you purchased and being barred from future purchases.
To mitigate these risks, it’s advisable to use accounts belonging to different family members or friends who genuinely intend to attend the event. Ensure each account has unique payment information, email addresses, and preferably different IP addresses (e.g., using separate Wi-Fi networks or mobile data). Transparency and honest use are crucial in avoiding detection and penalties.
How can pre-sales help me get more tickets than the general on-sale?
Pre-sales offer a significant advantage because they occur before the general public has access to tickets. This means less competition and a higher likelihood of securing your desired number of tickets. Many pre-sales are tied to fan clubs, credit card partnerships (like Amex or Citi), or venue memberships. Securing access to multiple pre-sales can dramatically increase your chances of getting more tickets.
By registering for multiple relevant fan clubs, credit card programs, or venue mailing lists, you can gain access to various pre-sale codes. Coordinate with friends and family who also have access to pre-sale codes to maximize your purchasing power. Even if each pre-sale has a ticket limit, combining the purchases from multiple pre-sales can help you reach your desired total.
What are Official Platinum Tickets on Ticketmaster, and how do they affect my chances of getting more tickets?
Official Platinum Tickets are premium tickets that are dynamically priced based on demand, meaning their cost fluctuates based on the popularity of the event. While they are significantly more expensive than standard tickets, they offer a guaranteed way to secure tickets, often in desirable locations, even if the event is sold out through the regular sales channels. They are often available even after the general on-sale.
Although Official Platinum Tickets come at a premium price, they don’t typically count towards the standard ticket limit imposed during the initial on-sale. This means you can potentially purchase your maximum allotment of regular tickets and then supplement your order with Official Platinum Tickets to reach your desired total. If budget isn’t a primary concern and securing tickets is paramount, Official Platinum Tickets can be a valuable option.
What are some strategies for coordinating ticket purchases with friends and family?
Effective coordination is vital when attempting to purchase a large number of tickets. Before the on-sale, clearly define roles and responsibilities, such as who will be responsible for which accounts and payment methods. Establish a communication channel (e.g., a group chat) to share updates and coordinate efforts in real-time during the stressful purchasing process.
Set a target number of tickets per person and agree on a backup plan if one person fails to secure their allotment. Share pre-sale codes and relevant account information (while ensuring security) to maximize your collective purchasing power. After the on-sale, promptly reconcile the purchases to ensure you’ve achieved your desired total and distribute the tickets fairly.
What should I do if I encounter errors or glitches on Ticketmaster during the on-sale?
Remain calm and persistent. Ticketmaster’s website and app often experience high traffic during popular on-sales, which can lead to errors and glitches. Refreshing the page or restarting the app is often the first step, but avoid excessive refreshing, which could trigger security measures. Try using a different browser or device, as sometimes certain configurations can cause issues.
If errors persist, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or switching to a different internet connection (e.g., from Wi-Fi to mobile data). If the error message indicates a problem with your payment method, double-check the information and try a different card. If you’re still encountering issues, consider contacting Ticketmaster’s customer support, but be prepared for potential delays due to high demand.
How can I avoid scams and fraudulent tickets when trying to buy more tickets through third-party sources?
Exercise extreme caution when purchasing tickets from third-party sources, as the risk of encountering scams and fraudulent tickets is significantly higher. Stick to reputable and verified resale platforms that offer buyer protection guarantees, such as Ticketmaster’s Verified Resale program, StubHub, or SeatGeek. Avoid buying tickets from unverified sellers on social media or Craigslist.
Before making a purchase, carefully review the seller’s ratings and reviews on the platform. Pay attention to any red flags, such as unusually low prices or sellers with limited history. If possible, opt for electronic tickets rather than physical tickets, as they are easier to verify. If you must purchase physical tickets, insist on seeing them in person before completing the transaction. Always pay using a secure method, such as a credit card or PayPal, which offers recourse if you are scammed.