Entertainment Junkie l July 20, 2010 l Summer concert season is in full swing with outdoor music festivals and headliner arena shows coming to a city near you! And with the break from school or lax hours at work, there’s plenty of time to take in some tunes.
But before you snag tickets for all your favorite bands, consider these money-saving tips.
Concert Tickets: Rocking out in the front row or peering down from the nose bleeds…it all depends on the price. Think about whether you’re there to oogle the lead singer up close or if you’re just concerned with hearing the music live. Then, buy accordingly.
- Choose general admission and get there early to creep to the front of the crowd!
- Wait on your tickets and look for discounts, promo codes, or ticket packs as the concert approaches. Just make sure it doesn’t sell out!
- Search on Craigslist or StubHub for people selling tickets for a discounted price. Have the seller mail the tickets or at least pick them up at a neutral place. And check the date and details on the ticket to make sure they’re authentic before you seal the deal.
- Join your favorite musicians’ fan clubs. They usually offer advanced ticket sales and up-close seating for the same price as normal seats in a big arena!
Convenience Charges: After finding your seats, confirming the price and hitting “check out,” you often get slapped with a fat convenience charge for tickets.
- Opt to buy tickets at a local grocery store or ticket venue that will sell them directly to you.
- Choose to have them delivered to your e-mail instead of having a physical ticket sent to your door. You should save a few bucks!
Souvenir Swag: Will you really wear that T-shirt or hang that poster in your living room in the future? I know the Backstreet Boys shirt I bought at a concert in 8th grade has long been forgotten. Instead:
- Take photos to commemorate the event.
- Look for merchandise from the band online after the show. It might be cheaper!
BYO Stuff: Listening to music for hours out in the hot sun, you’re bound to get hungry and thirsty. From bottled waters to beers, every vendor will be hawking overpriced goods.
- Eat dinner before the show.
- Bring your own cooler of snacks and drinks, if it’s allowed.
- Stash a raincoat or umbrella in your bag because if it rains, they’ll probably have ponchos…but at a hefty markup!
Getting There: Concert venues often offer pretty pricey parking.
- Check ahead of time to see whether the venue offers free parking or perhaps a shuttle.
- Take public transportation instead, or carpool with friends.
Free Music: Jazz in the park anyone? Cities often give free concerts during the summer, so check out your locale’s event calendar.
