How to Get Tickets to Sold Out Shows

It happens to every music fan. The on-sale starts, you are in the queue, and by the time you get through, the show is sold out. Before you resign yourself to watching from home, try these legitimate strategies.

Check Fan-to-Fan Resale Immediately

Within hours of a sell-out, fans who bought more tickets than they need or whose plans have changed start listing on Tickets9. Unlike scalping sites, prices are capped at face value, so you will not be paying inflated prices. Set an alert and check regularly, as new listings appear throughout the lead-up to the show.

Follow the Artist's Social Media

Artists frequently announce additional dates when shows sell out quickly. If your city's show sold out, a second night may be added. Some artists also release held-back tickets closer to the show date through their fan clubs or social media.

Check for Ticket Drops

Production holds, venue holds, and sponsor allocations are often released in the weeks before a show. These tickets appear on the primary seller (Ticketmaster, AXS) without announcement. Check the primary seller periodically, especially in the final two weeks before the event.

Day-of-Show Listings

The most listings appear on the day of the show itself. Fans who are ill, stuck at work, or whose plans fell through list their tickets at the last minute, often at below face value just to recoup something. For shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas, day-of listings are common.

What to Avoid

Never buy tickets from scalpers outside the venue. The tickets may be counterfeit, already scanned, or simply screenshots. Never send money via Venmo, Zelle, or bank transfer to strangers. Never click links in social media DMs offering tickets. These are overwhelmingly scams.

Patience and persistence pay off. Set alerts on Tickets9 for sold-out shows and you will be the first to know when tickets become available at a fair price.