Timing your ticket purchase for best value
The best time to buy event tickets depends on the type of event and how demand evolves. For many events, there are three typical windows: presale, general sale, and last-minute resale.
Timing insights:
- Presales: Ideal for high-demand events—buy early to get face-value tickets and better seat choices.
- General sale: Good balance of availability and price, especially when artists release additional blocks.
- Last-minute: For lower-demand events, resale prices sometimes drop close to the date as sellers try to recoup costs.
Considerations by event type:
- Big stadium concerts: buy during presales or general sale to avoid expensive resale markets.
- Theater and shows: early purchase is best because availability predicts price stability.
- Sports with variable contests: waiting can pay off if the matchup is less in demand.
Tips to decide:
- Monitor ticket prices and set alerts for resale platforms.
- Factor in risk tolerance: buying early secures seats; waiting can save money but risks sellouts.
- Follow artist and venue announcements for added dates or pricing changes.
In general, if demand looks high and you want specific seats, buy early. If the event’s popularity is uncertain and you’re flexible, last-minute buying sometimes yields bargains.