How to Know When Concert Tickets Go On sale (Don’t Miss Out!)

“I remember the rush of adrenaline when I finally snagged those front-row tickets to see Taylor Swift; it felt like winning the lottery! I was refreshing the page for what seemed like hours, and when I finally got through, it was pure bliss.” That’s how my friend, Sarah, described her experience securing tickets to her favorite artist. And honestly, her experience is not unique. The quest for concert tickets can feel like a high-stakes game, filled with anticipation, anxiety, and sometimes, crushing disappointment.

In 2025, the competition for concert tickets will likely be fiercer than ever. With artists eager to get back on the road and fans itching to experience live music again, being informed and prepared is no longer optional—it’s essential. This article will provide you with the insider knowledge and strategies you need to navigate the complex world of concert ticket sales and increase your chances of seeing your favorite artists live in 2025. Let’s dive in and turn your concert dreams into reality!

Understanding Concert Ticket Sales

Concert ticket sales aren’t as simple as logging on and buying a ticket when you feel like it. There’s a whole ecosystem in play, with various phases and players involved. Understanding these intricacies is the first step in mastering the art of securing those coveted spots.

The process typically involves several stages:

• Announcement: The artist officially announces the tour and initial dates.
• Presales: Exclusive early access to tickets for specific groups (fan club members, credit card holders, etc.).
• General Sales: Tickets are released to the general public.

Different types of tickets are available, each offering varying levels of access and perks:

• VIP Packages: These often include premium seating, meet-and-greets, merchandise, and exclusive experiences.
• General Admission (GA): Usually standing-room-only, allowing fans to get as close to the stage as possible.
• Reserved Seating: Assigned seats in various sections of the venue, offering a more comfortable viewing experience.

Ticketing Platforms: The Gatekeepers

Ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster and Live Nation play a crucial role in managing ticket sales. They handle everything from listing events and processing payments to delivering tickets and managing customer service.

• Ticketmaster: The largest ticketing platform in the world, handling sales for a vast array of events.
• Live Nation: A major player in the live entertainment industry, owning and operating venues and promoting concerts.

These platforms use sophisticated algorithms to manage demand and prevent bots from scooping up tickets. However, despite their efforts, the competition remains intense.

The Numbers Game: A Statistical Snapshot

The demand for concert tickets is staggering. According to a report by Pollstar, the top 100 tours globally generated over \$6.28 billion in revenue in 2023. This highlights the immense popularity of live music and the high stakes involved in securing tickets.

Source: Pollstar Year-End Report, 2023

These numbers illustrate the competitive landscape. Millions of fans vie for a limited number of tickets, making it crucial to have a well-defined strategy.

Key Dates to Watch for in 2025

Predicting the exact concert schedule for 2025 is impossible right now, but based on past touring patterns and industry buzz, I can provide some educated guesses and strategies for staying in the loop.

Potential Major Tours in 2025:

While specific dates are unknown, these artists are likely to tour in 2025 based on their release schedules and previous touring history:

• Artist A: Rumors are swirling about a new album and world tour. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
• Artist B: Last toured in 2022, making 2025 a likely year for a comeback.
• Artist C: Consistently tours every two years, so expect an announcement in late 2024 or early 2025.

Following Artists and Subscribing to Newsletters:

The best way to get real-time updates is to follow your favorite artists on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) and subscribe to their newsletters. They often announce tour dates and presale information directly to their fans.

Past Tour Patterns:

Looking at past tour patterns can provide clues about when to expect announcements. For example:

• Taylor Swift: Typically announces tours 6-12 months before the first show.
• Harry Styles: Announces tours 3-6 months in advance.
• Billie Eilish: Announces tours 2-4 months before the first show.

These are just general guidelines, but they can help you anticipate potential announcement windows.

Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters

One of the most straightforward and effective ways to stay informed about concert ticket sales is to sign up for alerts and newsletters from ticketing websites and artists. This ensures that you receive timely notifications about upcoming events and presale opportunities.

Ticketing Website Newsletters:

Ticketmaster and Live Nation both offer newsletters that provide information on upcoming concerts and events. To sign up:

1. Visit the Ticketmaster (https://www.ticketmaster.com/) or Live Nation (https://www.livenation.com/) website.
2. Locate the “Sign Up for Email Updates” or similar section (usually at the bottom of the page).
3. Enter your email address and select the genres or artists you’re interested in.
4. Confirm your subscription through the email sent to your inbox.

Setting Up Alerts for Specific Artists:

Both Ticketmaster and Live Nation allow you to set up alerts for specific artists. This ensures that you receive notifications as soon as an artist announces a tour or concert in your area.

1. Log in to your Ticketmaster or Live Nation account.
2. Search for the artist you’re interested in.
3. Click on the “Follow” or “Get Alerts” button next to the artist’s name.
4. You can customize your alert preferences to receive notifications via email or push notification.

Concert Information Aggregators:

Several websites and apps aggregate concert information from various sources and provide notifications when tickets go on sale. Some popular options include:

• Bandsintown: This app tracks your favorite artists and sends you notifications when they announce tour dates in your area.
• Songkick: Similar to Bandsintown, Songkick tracks artists and sends you concert alerts.
• SeatGeek: While primarily a ticket resale marketplace, SeatGeek also provides information on upcoming concerts and ticket sale dates.

Utilizing Social Media

Social media has become an indispensable tool for staying informed about concert ticket sales. Artists, venues, and ticketing companies frequently use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to announce tour dates, presale information, and other important updates.

Following Artists, Venues, and Ticketing Companies:

The first step is to follow your favorite artists, local venues, and major ticketing companies on social media. This ensures that you see their announcements in your feed.

• Twitter: Follow artists and venues for real-time updates and breaking news.
• Instagram: Follow artists and venues for visual announcements and behind-the-scenes content.
• Facebook: Follow artists and venues for official announcements and event information.

Creating a Dedicated Twitter List:

Twitter lists allow you to curate a feed of specific accounts, making it easier to track announcements related to concert ticket sales.

1. Log in to your Twitter account.
2. Click on “Lists” in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on “Create List.”
4. Give your list a name (e.g., “Concert Alerts”) and a description.
5. Add the Twitter accounts of your favorite artists, venues, and ticketing companies to the list.
6. Check your list regularly for updates and announcements.

Using Hashtags to Track Announcements:

Hashtags are another effective way to track announcements related to concert ticket sales. Use relevant hashtags like #ConcertTickets, #TourAnnouncement, and #[ArtistName]Tour to find updates and information.

The Power of Presales

Presales offer a golden opportunity to secure tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Understanding how presales work and how to gain access to them can significantly increase your chances of getting tickets.

Types of Presales:

• Fan Club Presales: Exclusive access for members of the artist’s official fan club.
• Credit Card Presales: Access for cardholders of specific credit cards (e.g., American Express, Citi).
• Venue Presales: Access for subscribers to the venue’s email list or members of their loyalty program.
• Radio Station Presales: Access for listeners of specific radio stations.

Gaining Access to Presales:

• Join Fan Clubs: Sign up for the official fan clubs of your favorite artists.
• Sign Up for Credit Cards: Consider getting a credit card that offers presale access to concerts.
• Subscribe to Venue Email Lists: Sign up for email lists from local venues.
• Listen to Radio Stations: Tune in to local radio stations for presale announcements and codes.

Maximizing Your Chances During Presales:

• Create Accounts in Advance: Create accounts on ticketing websites and save your payment information.
• Know the Exact Time: Be aware of the exact time the presale starts.
• Use Multiple Devices: Use multiple devices (computer, phone, tablet) to increase your chances of getting through.
• Be Patient: Presales can be chaotic, so be patient and persistent.

Preparing for Ticket Purchase Day

The day tickets go on sale can be stressful, but with proper preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

Checklist of Preparations:

• Create Accounts on Ticketing Sites: Create accounts on Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and other relevant ticketing sites in advance.
• Update Payment Information: Ensure your payment information is up to date and accurate.
• Use Multiple Devices/Browsers: Open multiple browsers or use multiple devices to increase your chances of getting through.
• Test Your Internet Connection: Make sure your internet connection is stable and reliable.
• Disable Ad Blockers: Ad blockers can sometimes interfere with the ticketing process, so disable them temporarily.

Timing is Everything:

• Be Ready Early: Log in to the ticketing website at least 15-30 minutes before the tickets go on sale.
• Refresh the Page: Refresh the page frequently as the sale time approaches.
• Don’t Give Up: Even if you get an error message or are placed in a virtual queue, don’t give up. Keep trying until the tickets are sold out.

What to Do If You Miss Out

Missing out on tickets can be disappointing, but all hope is not lost. Several strategies can help you still see your favorite artists.

Resale Options and Verified Marketplaces:

• Ticketmaster Verified Resale: Ticketmaster offers a verified resale marketplace where fans can buy and sell tickets securely.
• StubHub: StubHub is a popular ticket resale marketplace with a wide selection of tickets.
• SeatGeek: SeatGeek is another ticket resale marketplace that offers a variety of tickets.

Monitoring Social Media:

Keep an eye on social media for last-minute ticket drops or giveaways. Artists, venues, and radio stations sometimes offer tickets to their followers.

Attending Later Shows or Festivals:

If you missed out on tickets to a specific show, consider attending a later show or a festival lineup featuring the same artist.

Conclusion

Securing concert tickets in 2025 will require diligence, preparation, and a bit of luck. By understanding the ticket sales process, staying informed about key dates, signing up for alerts and newsletters, utilizing social media, leveraging presales, and preparing for ticket purchase day, you can significantly increase your chances of seeing your favorite artists live.

Remember, being proactive and informed is key. Don’t wait until the last minute to start planning. Start now, and you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the competitive world of concert ticket sales.

“The feeling of singing along with thousands of other fans, sharing that collective energy, is something you just can’t replicate,” says my friend, Mark, who recently secured tickets to see his favorite band. “It’s worth all the effort and stress to be a part of that experience.”

So, get out there, do your research, and get ready to rock in 2025!

Learn more