The Blog for All Your Hospitality Questions

Feb 14, 2011

11:29 AM

How Can I Get Discounted Tickets?

Ryan L. of Berwyn writes: How do I go about getting discounted concert and pro sporting event tickets?

Ryan,

Well, in sports and in showbiz, discounts are a rarity. When tickets are released to the public, they’re generally sold at cost. If anything, the price may go up if middlemen, i.e. ticket brokers, become involved.

Oftentimes, though, complimentary tickets are given to certain individuals or companies in exchange for promotion. But, unless you are affiliated with a radio station, an event sponsor or a publication, you probably won’t be privy to this type of freebie.

One suggestion is to visit the websites of ticket carriers, concert promoters and the sports teams you support, and register for whatever special customer loyalty programs they offer—such as the Wells Fargo Center’s Cyber Club, which provides discounts and a newsletter subscription. Most of these types of incentive programs are free to join.

Trying to obtain highly sought-after tickets is like playing the stock market. You really need to have the right channels in order to invest, and good timing certainly helps. Thus, align yourself with family, friends and co-workers who may have season-ticket plans. Invariably, a game or performance will open up. Having your name on call lists can increase your chances to score tickets.

Online resources are fine, but be wary of rube sites. StubHub has become a notable clearinghouse for tickets, if not a pricey one.

I’ll share my own resource: TicketEvents.com. Local, honest and possessing nearly limitless connections to any event—most anywhere in the country—this broker is the best I’ve worked with in my years as a concierge. The prices are competitive, too.

Here’s another piece of advice for you, Ryan: When tix for the event have been released (read: Phillies playoff games or Bruce Springsteen concerts) and you’ve had no luck obtaining a couple of your own, keep trying! Ticket promoters and sports teams will sporadically release fresh batches, especially within a few hours before showtime.

Good luck!
Ken Alan
 

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