Concert Ticket Prices Soar, But Savvy Bargain-Hunters Score Shows for Under $15
Concert ticket prices are reaching record highs, but savvy bargain-hunters are discovering ways to attend major shows for a fraction of the cost. These deal-seekers monitor resale platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, TickPick, and Gametime to catch dramatic price drops, especially near showtime.
Concert ticket prices rising, bargain hunters
The strategy is simple but effective: wait until the last minute when ticket brokers desperately try to offload unsold inventory. Prices typically hit their lowest point 2-3 days before a show, then drop again dramatically on the day of the event, particularly after the opening act begins.
Some remarkable examples include:
- Bruce Springsteen tickets for $8 in Philadelphia
- Cyndi Lauper for $9 (normally $148)
- Coldplay for $12
- REO Speedwagon and Train for just $2 in Los Angeles
- Santana and Counting Crows for $4 near Seattle
These deals emerge when scalpers overestimate demand and need to recover at least some of their investment. According to Pollstar, the average ticket price for top 100 tours in North America has nearly doubled in the past decade to $136.45, making these bargains even more valuable.
To successfully bargain-hunt for concert tickets:
- Monitor multiple resale platforms regularly
- Be flexible with timing and willing to attend last-minute
- Accept that you might occasionally miss shows if prices don't drop
- Focus on areas with frequent concerts for more opportunities
- Be prepared to purchase quickly when prices drop
These dramatically reduced prices don't necessarily indicate poor attendance - many of these shows, like Bruce Springsteen's tour, rank among the highest-grossing worldwide events.