concerts & shows
I’d start by checking SeatGeek and Groupon for deals first.
SeatGeek is a great way to find out about concert and shows months in advanced and from there use it as a price reference point when you search for ticket prices elsewhere. It’s always good to cross-check an artist’s direct website for concert tour dates and ticket pricing.
Groupon will sometimes surprise you by running a deal on a concert or show you’re trying to see, especially if it’s being held at a smaller venue. I’ve seen tickets for Diddy, TI, Baby Bash and others on Groupon.
pre-sales
Sometimes sites like Ticketmaster will have a pre-sale. If you go to concerts often, it might make sense to be on the online mailing list so you can be notified of the presales. Live Nation occasionally has group discount ticket rates or promo codes that take $10 off your next order. Just be aware that sites like Ticketmaster or Live Nation typically have expensive handler fees. There’s nothing you can do to waive these fees, but it’s just good to anticipate them so you aren’t sticker shocked.
Separated by city, you can search upcoming event deals (anything ranging from concerts to food events to certain sports games). I love using this to find out about all types of events. You can also do last minute searches under the “This Weekend” tab. Goldstar periodically has deal alerts which are flash sales on events or “comp trains” where tickets are comped and you just pay for ticket processing fees (typically under $10!) Recently my friend and I got tickets to Bill Maher for $15 cheaper than other sites with Goldstar’s Deal Alert. (Note: You can’t select seats but you will have tickets seated together if you have multiple tickets in the same order).
This has probably been the most reliable for comedy shows, tours (like “Book of Mormon”) or tickets for Vegas shows. I really haven’t seen any tickets for a rap concert on here or anything, best for ongoing event that have long runs, like shows in Vegas. Use this for ongoing show tours, movies, or sports games, rather than one-off artist performance dates.
Message me with your name and SAG member ID number if you’re a fellow actor seeking the SAG-AFTRA union code.
You’ll have to enter the lottery every day which can be a pain in the ass, but if you win, Broadway show tickets for only $25 suddenly become worth it. Entries start at 11 am each day and cut off at 9 am the day before the show you entered on. Winners are emailed at 9 am each day and you have 1 hour to purchase your tickets if you are a lottery winner. Broadway Direct Lottery includes shows on Broadway as well as the ones on tour in other cities (mainly Los Angeles).
All in all, cross check multiple ticket buying outlets before you purchase. Referencing two to three sites should give you a good idea.
