Ticketmaster presales allow fans to purchase tickets to concerts and events before the general public. Presales give fans first access to some of the best seats before they sell out. There are a few different types of Ticketmaster presales, and they each work a little differently.
Artist and Venue Presales
Many big concerts will hold an artist or venue presale before the general onsale. Artist presales are usually for fans who are members of the artist’s official fan club. Venue presales are for members of that venue’s email list or fan club. To get access to these presales, you’ll need to join the mailing list or fan club ahead of time. Presale codes are emailed to members before the presale.
VIP Packages Presale
VIP packages like meet and greets or premium seats go on sale before the general onsale. This presale allows you to purchase a special VIP ticket package before they are gone. Prices are usually higher for these exclusive offers.
American Express Presale
American Express cardholders can get early access to tickets through Amex Presale events. These are available to all U.S. American Express Card members. You’ll need to register your American Express card on Ticketmaster and be logged in to access this presale. There is usually an allotment of tickets set aside for this presale window.
Official Platinum Presale
Ticketmaster’s Official Platinum program has first access to tickets. These tickets are premium seats that are adjusted dynamically based on demand. Prices are typically much higher than face value. Official Platinum members can access tickets before the general public.
Premium Seats Presale
For very popular events, Ticketmaster may hold a separate presale just for premium seats like VIP areas or front row seats. This ensures that the best seats don’t immediately sell out. Fans can pay a premium price to guarantee seats in a prime location.
Spotify Presale
Spotify sometimes offers presale ticket access to users who follow particular artists on Spotify. Keep an eye out for presale announcements from the artists you follow on Spotify. Presale codes are usually distributed via email to top fans.
Chase Cardmember Presale
If you have a qualifying Chase credit card or debit card, you may have access to special presales. Chase cardmembers can register their card with Ticketmaster to unlock presale ticket offers when available.
Verified Fan Presales
For very high demand shows, Ticketmaster may utilize a Verified Fan presale. Fans register ahead of time and are “verified” as real human users before they are given presale access. This helps prevent scalpers and bots from gobbling up all the tickets.
VIP Nation Presale
VIP Nation, a premium ticketing site owned by Ticketmaster, sometimes runs special presales for its members. These usually focus on securing VIP packages before public onsales. One must be a VIP Nation member to gain access to these presale offers.
Facebook Presale
In partnership with Ticketmaster, Facebook sometimes provides fan presales for popular events. Follow the event page and artist page on Facebook to stay tuned into any special Facebook presales.
Fan Club Presales
Beyond the official artist fan club presales, other unofficial fan clubs sometimes hold presales for their members. Fan forum sites and concert groups may provide presale codes to members who meet certain qualifications.
Promotional Presales
Radio stations, tour sponsors, and other promotional partners may hold Ticketmaster presales as part of a marketing campaign. Listen and follow your favorite radio stations and brands for special presale offers.
How to Find Presale Codes
Every presale on Ticketmaster requires a special code or link to access it. Here are some tips on how to find presale codes:
- Join artist fan club mailing lists and follow artist social media
- Sign up for venue email lists
- Follow Ticketmaster on social media to find presale announcements
- Register your credit cards/debit cards for special programs
- Listen to the radio and check station websites
- Check presale ticketing sites for codes
- Search Twitter and fan forums leading up to onsale dates
Creating a Ticketmaster Account
Having a Ticketmaster account can help you access presales and purchase tickets faster. Here are some tips for setting up your account:
- Download the Ticketmaster app and create an account
- Add your payment details and save them for faster checkout
- Make sure your billing/shipping addresses are accurate
- Add fan club/mailing list memberships to your profile
- Link other accounts like Facebook and Spotify
- Turn on notifications so you don’t miss presale announcements
Using Presale Codes
When you find a presale code, here are the steps for using it:
- Go to Ticketmaster and search for the event
- Look for the presale and click “Buy Tickets” on that date
- Enter the presale code when prompted
- Select your tickets from the available options
- Complete your purchase within the allotted time
Presale codes are usually time-sensitive and only work within the specified presale window. If you miss the window, you will have to wait for the general onsale.
Presale Ticket Tips
Here are some helpful tips for scoring tickets during presales:
- Log in ahead of time – Save precious seconds by being already logged into Ticketmaster before the presale starts.
- Be ready right at the start time – Don’t be late! Presales can sell out very quickly.
- Have your payment details saved – This avoids wasting time entering info.
- Know the venue layout – Study the seat map so you can make quick selections.
- Use multiple devices – Try on your computer and phone at the same time.
- Use multiple browsers – Open multiple windows/tabs and log into each one.
- Prioritize rarer tickets first – Get the most in-demand options before settling.
- Act fast but don’t panic – Move quickly but don’t make careless mistakes in the frenzy.
- Keep trying if you don’t succeed at first – Tickets may be released in batches so persist.
Conclusion
With so many presale options, it takes strategy and planning to get the best tickets through Ticketmaster presales these days. Joining mailing lists, following social media accounts, procuring codes, and setting up your Ticketmaster account are key to success. Presales give fans the chance to score amazing seats before the general public so it’s worth taking the time to prepare.
