10 Tips for Finding Discounted Event Tickets

Finding discounted event tickets can be a challenging task, especially when events are highly anticipated or in high demand. Whether it's a concert, sports game, theater show, or festival, everyone loves a good deal. However, finding the best price for an event ticket requires some planning, research, and strategy. In this article, we will share 10 practical tips to help you find discounted event tickets so you can enjoy your favorite events without breaking the bank.

Use Ticket Resale Platforms

One of the best ways to find discounted event tickets is to explore ticket resale platforms. These platforms allow people who can no longer attend an event to sell their tickets at a reduced price. While resale tickets can sometimes be overpriced, there are often great deals available, especially as the event date nears.

Why It Matters:

Resale platforms often have lower prices because sellers are eager to offload tickets they can no longer use. The closer the event gets, the more likely sellers will offer discounts just to make sure the tickets don't go to waste.

Actionable Steps:

• Check resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek for event tickets.
• Set up alerts on these platforms to be notified when tickets drop in price.
• Look for tickets listed at face value or below; be cautious of excessive markups.

Sign Up for Event and Ticketing Website Newsletters

Many ticketing platforms and event organizers send out newsletters that contain exclusive offers, promotions, and discounts. By signing up for newsletters, you gain access to early bird specials, flash sales, or subscriber-only discounts.

Why It Matters:

Newsletters provide insider information and special promotions that are often not advertised publicly. Subscribing to your favorite event organizers or ticket sellers' newsletters ensures that you're one of the first to know about ticket sales and discounts.

Actionable Steps:

• Subscribe to newsletters from platforms like Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, or AXS.
• Look for discount codes and exclusive offers within the newsletter emails.
• Sign up for notifications about presale events or discounts related to the events you're interested in.

Use Discount Ticket Websites

There are websites dedicated to offering discounted tickets for various events, including concerts, theater shows, and sports games. These sites often offer substantial discounts on tickets, especially if the event is not selling out quickly or if you book in advance.

Why It Matters:

Discount ticket websites can offer significant savings compared to regular ticket sellers. These sites often work directly with event organizers or secondary sellers to provide lower prices for unsold tickets.

Actionable Steps:

• Explore websites like Goldstar, TodayTix, and Groupon for discounted tickets.
• Keep an eye out for "deal of the day" promotions and time-sensitive offers.
• Take advantage of group discounts or multi-ticket deals offered on these platforms.

Look for Student and Military Discounts

If you're a student or military personnel, many events offer special discounts to these groups. Student and military discounts can significantly reduce ticket prices, so it's worth checking if these options are available when purchasing tickets.

Why It Matters:

Events often offer discounts to students and military personnel to make events more accessible to these groups. Discounts can range from 10% to 50% off regular ticket prices, which can result in significant savings.

Actionable Steps:

• Check the event's website or ticketing page to see if they offer student or military discounts.
• Use services like ID.me, which provide verification for discounts on tickets and other services.
• Keep your student ID or military ID handy, as you may need to provide proof to access these discounts.

Check for Early Bird Specials and Presales

Many events offer discounted tickets during presale periods or as early bird specials. If you know about an event in advance, purchasing tickets during these periods can save you a significant amount of money. Early bird specials typically offer the best prices before demand increases.

Why It Matters:

Presale tickets are often cheaper than tickets sold closer to the event date because they are released before general sales begin, and the event organizers are trying to generate early interest. This can also ensure better seating options or availability.

Actionable Steps:

• Register for presale codes or sign up for email notifications from event organizers.
• Look for "early bird" promotions when purchasing tickets to events.
• Be ready to purchase as soon as presale tickets become available, as these are often limited.

Attend a Dress Rehearsal or Preview Event

Many performances, such as theater shows or concerts, hold dress rehearsals or preview performances before the official opening. These events often have discounted tickets available, as they are meant to test the event before the full production begins.

Why It Matters:

Dress rehearsals and preview events are great opportunities to see a show at a reduced price while still enjoying the full experience. The only downside is that these events may not always feature the final version of the production, but they are often very close.

Actionable Steps:

• Check with theaters or concert venues to see if they have preview or dress rehearsal tickets.
• Research the schedule for new shows to find dates for previews.
• Buy tickets early to secure a seat at a preview performance before they sell out.

Use Cashback and Coupon Websites

Cashback and coupon websites can help you save on event tickets by offering cash rebates or promotional codes when purchasing. These sites are great for finding special offers and even more affordable prices for tickets.

Why It Matters:

Cashback websites or coupon services can give you back a percentage of what you spent or provide an instant discount at checkout. This can add up over time, especially if you regularly attend events.

Actionable Steps:

• Look for cashback websites like Rakuten or Honey, which often provide rebates for ticket purchases.
• Use promo codes from websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com when buying tickets.
• Search for specific event codes to apply for discounts.

Follow Event Organizers on Social Media

Event organizers and performers often use social media to announce last-minute ticket deals, discounts, or giveaways. By following these organizations on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, you can stay updated on special offers and opportunities to save.

Why It Matters:

Social media is a fast way for event organizers to reach potential attendees with limited-time deals. Sometimes, they even offer exclusive promotions or flash sales only to their followers.

Actionable Steps:

• Follow event organizers, venues, and performers on social media platforms.
• Turn on notifications for posts about ticket discounts, sales, and giveaways.
• Engage with the content to increase your chances of winning tickets or gaining access to special offers.

Wait for Last-Minute Deals

While this option requires patience, waiting for last-minute deals can sometimes result in deep discounts on event tickets. If an event is not sold out as it approaches the date, organizers may release tickets at a lower price to fill seats.

Why It Matters:

If you're flexible with your schedule and willing to take a chance, waiting until the last minute can offer you steep discounts. However, this is risky for highly popular events that might sell out quickly.

Actionable Steps:

• Monitor ticket sales as the event date approaches and keep checking ticketing platforms for price drops.
• Set alerts to be notified of any last-minute sales or reduced prices.
• Be prepared to buy tickets quickly if prices drop, as they may only be available for a short time.

Consider Alternative Venues or Events

Sometimes the event you want to attend may be too expensive due to its location or the popularity of the venue. If this is the case, consider looking for similar events at smaller, less popular venues. These events can often offer the same experience at a fraction of the cost.

Why It Matters:

Larger events often come with a premium because of their location or the size of the venue. Smaller events can provide a more intimate experience and typically come at a lower cost.

Actionable Steps:

• Research similar events happening in smaller venues or less popular locations.
• Attend regional festivals or concerts that may not be as well known but still provide a great experience.
• Look for independent productions or local performances that offer discounted tickets compared to their larger counterparts.

In conclusion, finding discounted event tickets involves a combination of smart shopping, research, and timing. By using ticket resale platforms, signing up for newsletters, utilizing discount websites, and following event organizers on social media, you can significantly lower the cost of attending your favorite events. Whether you're looking for presale tickets, last-minute deals, or special group discounts, these strategies will help you make the most of your budget while still enjoying all the excitement that live events have to offer.

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