968 replies to this topic

[wishiwasahunter]

Didn't see a topic for the S4 tour yet..

So, who else has bought (or tried to buy) their ridculously overpriced tickets?

I've been trying, but I can't get even two tickets seated together at the Wilkes-Barre, PA location..and it's only seven hours after the ticket sales have been opened to the general public. Wilkes-Barre. Same problem with Reading, too.

This is the first one I've wanted to go to, so I really don't know what it's been like in past years. Have AI tour venues always sold out so quickly..or is the show on less of a decline than we speculate?

Edited by wishiwasahunter, May 21, 2005 @ 4:17 PM.

[Purplish]

I've been trying, but I can't get even two tickets seated together at the Wilkes-Barre, PA location

If I were you I would wait before buying tickets and start checking EBAY. Last year ticket brokers scooped up all the best seats, but several of the venues didn't sell out. I was able to buy row 14 in Atlanta for almost face value through Ebay.

Good luck.

Also, I finally figured out that the Greensboro NC show is not offered through TicketsMaster. You have to go to Tickets.Com.

[winterwhitewolf]

I drove two hours to the box office at the Portland, Maine, Civic Center, only to be told that the only seats they had left were in the very rear of the back balcony. Since I refused to pay $35.00 apiece for tickets where I won't be able to even see the stage, I declined. I plan to keep an eye on Ebay between now and the show.

[wishiwasahunter]

I thought it was odd that people who signed in right away at all the pre-sales and the regular sales could not get anything near.

I actually came upon the pre-sale by accident on the first day, and the best I could do was way in the back of the 100's section. AI selling directly to brokers would not surprise me at all. So here comes the big decision..is it worth it to spend TWICE the money on a broker, but have TWICE as good seats?

Checking out Ebay, I see 2 third row floor (first section) seats for $200 on a Buy It Now auction. I'd love to spring for it, but I've only asked my friend who's coming along to pay for $25 of her ticket, no matter what the final price (she's never seen AI before and is just coming along as a good friend). For me to spend $175 on AI feels a tad ridiculous. But man, those are good seats.

Edited by wishiwasahunter, May 21, 2005 @ 5:34 PM.

[Mmm... Free Goo]

I've been trying, but I can't get even two tickets seated together at the Wilkes-Barre, PA location..and it's only seven hours after the ticket sales have been opened to the general public. Wilkes-Barre.

I've heard that Wilkes-Barre has been one of the biggest ticket sellers for the AI tours (they sold out the AI2 tour, and then had to add another night which also sold out; and I think even the AI3 tour, which flopped in a lot of markets, sold out there), as well as those of AI alumni (Clay/Kelly Independent Tour). Plus, this time around it's in Anthony's home state too, so that would make getting tickets even worse.

Edited by Mmm... Free Goo, May 22, 2005 @ 12:26 AM.

[Thegirliscrazy]

This is the first one I've wanted to go to, so I really don't know what it's been like in past years. Have AI tour venues always sold out so quickly..or is the show on less of a decline than we speculate?

Last year did not do that well in ticket sales, from what I hear. Like someone else mentioned, a lot of venues didn't even sell out and I think I remember hearing something about some of them not even reaching 80% capacity (don't know how accurate that is, though). AI2 did much, much better - it is to date the most successful tour, even though AI1 also did well. AI2 had more dates, though, which probably explains that from a monetary standpoint. If memory serves me correctly, B'ham sold out fairly quickly that year - I wasn't able to buy tix right away, and less than two weeks later, there were none available.

I guess it just depends on the popularity of the bunch, or even of just one or two people in the bunch. Last year just didn't spark any fervor. I wouldn't use it as an indication of the show still going strong though - that will depend on ratings. They just happen to have probably the best overall top ten this year, a bunch that I as a whole I actually would like to see, and won't get impatient while waiting for my favorite to come on stage. Their shenanigans on the show however ruined the potential magic, and could hurt them next year.

I already ranted about this in the Idol W/Out the Title thread, but a very mysterious charge has shown up on my CC and pretty much took up what I had hoped to use to get a ticket. So for now I am screwed over, and very, very pissed about it. (You'd think I'd be pissed about the CC more, but my priorities are a little wonky right now.) Maybe I can get something through Ebay. Not sure I wanna fuck with any brokers.

[Konfusion]

I did the presale and got two second-row center floor seats for the last show in Syracuse (!!!!!), and ever since then I can't get more than one ticket for the same show over TM, and even whatever single ticket comes up is seriously crappy seating.

Right now most of the eBay tix are even more ridiculously overpriced.

[MC SammyD]

Check Ticketmaster starting about a week before the show. That's when the venues start releasing better tickets that have been opened up around the stage or weren't used for promotional purposes.

ETA: This plan isn't a secret; it's what happens with nearly every concert I've been to that sold tickets through Ticketmaster. I'm sure a lot of people know about it, but that hasn't stopped me from getting seats within the first 10 rows at various concerts over the years. There's no guarantee it'll work for you, but I'd take a chance with it before I spent an obscene amount of money for a ticket through eBay or a broker.

Edited by MC SammyD, May 22, 2005 @ 4:28 PM.

[wishiwasahunter]

Check Ticketmaster starting about a week before the show. That's when the venues start releasing better tickets that have been opened up around the stage or weren't used for promotional purposes.

It seems like most AI fanatics are aware of this and there will be alot of competition to get tickets at that point. Plus, has anyone tried to get tickets off of Ebay around a week before a show? I'd imagine the prices are insane, given that fans who counted on going to the show but were unable to get TM tickets will be desparate to get anything.

Am really thinking that I should have taken the mid 100's level seating that I was given the option to buy during the pre-sale. It would have been relatively cheaper than the options I have now, plus I've already "met" my favorite and live twenty minutes away from a mall that frequently hosts Idol tours. At this point, I just want to hear them live and see the insanity that this show creates firsthand.

[JPrallster]

wishiwasahunter, I got 2 tickets together in Reading at about 10:15 on Saturday morning. I didn't want floor seats, and the only things they were offering me in the 100 level seating were far away. I finally caved and got the closest far-away ones they would offer me. I'm in section 115, but at least I'm in row C, seats 1 and 2. I'm glad I'm on the end; it'll make it easier to pee when Carrie is singing. Last year I went to the show in Hershey and we had 4 awesome 100-level seats. I've never been to the Sovereign center, so I don't know just how crappy these will be.

I tried to get tickets during the pre-sale and they were offering pretty much the same ones they offered me during the general sale. I thought that was sort of strange.

I didn't check out Wilkes-Barre...I can't justify driving that far, and I already got my time off approved for the 18th-20th. Yes, the American Idol concert requires a day of preparation, a day of shopping at the outlets and oogling Constantine and Bo, and a day of recovery from the eye-fucking and mic-stand carrying :-).

Edited by JPrallster, May 23, 2005 @ 9:09 AM.

[Purplish]

Actually it is just the opposite, people don't want to get stuck getting nothing for tickets that they purchased so most times they will sell them for just about anything. So if you just want a seat in the building, E-Bay the week before brings many good deals.

I agree. I found that seats in the first five rows will stay sky high until the end, but other than that, you can get some real good deals.

You are probably better off dealing with a ticket broker who has a good reputation on EBAY. You can tell this by their favorable percentage, which should be 98% plus. Also read any negative feedback before bidding.

You can also get good deals about two weeks before the show if there are a glut of good but not great seats on sale and buyers are outnumbered by sellers. You can win an auction for at or below face value (when you include all the taxes and Ticketmaster fees).

I got 14th row floor tix last year for face value, and I would be comfortable doing it again through EBAY.

You can also try stubhub.com, but their prices tend to be higher.

[wishiwasahunter]

Reading smackd's comment about being tall for sitting in the 14th row is yet another cause for worry: being 5'1" and all, is getting a non-elevated floor seat an issue? As much as I'm looking forward to seeing signs and batshit insanity, I'd also kind of like to somewhat see the stage and not the back of posterboard for two hours or whatever.

BTW: Sorry about all of these questions, but this is my first arena concert ever. Not just first time for AI, but first time ever. Much thanks to the seasoned pros for the tips. ;)

[Homesick]

I'm sorry to say that it is, wishiwasahunter. I avoid the floor unless I have first or second row seats, or there is tiered seating. Once everyone stands up, it's all over. Of course you tower over me by a couple of inches.... Look into platform shoes if you've already bought the ticket.

[wishiwasahunter]

Of course you tower over me by a couple of inches.... Look into platform shoes if you've already bought the ticket.

Of course I did. For the $200, too. I caved, you guys..just couldn't help it. Tenth row on the floor was far too good for me to sacrifice and I used some screwy logic in thinking that "Well, since Mom and Dad are paying for school, I'm just using the money I'd use to pay for school to pay for this AI concert". And now that I probably won't be able to see anything at the show, I'm kinda regretting it, but oh well. For being such a klutz, I walk well on heels, so I'll just wear them.

[dreamer15]

"Well, since Mom and Dad are paying for school, I'm just using the money I'd use to pay for school to pay for this AI concert"

I use that logic all the time. It's perfectly logical to me. Plus, it helps to explain away the two pairs of shoes in in two days thing I've got going these days.

That really sucks, wishiwasahunter. I got eighth row floor right at 9 AM on Ticketmaster for the St. Paul, MN show, which is good enough. I'm not that tall (5'5") but I'm better off than my youngest sister, who is 16 and just barely 5 feet tall.

The sad thing is...I don't live in St. Paul. Or anywhere close to St. Paul. I live in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, an eight hour drive away. I was planning on taking a weekend trip to Minnesota anyway, so I figure, what the heck. The Mall of America couldn't possibly be a two day adventure. Plus, my younger sister (not the 16-year-old, the 18-year-old) is graduating this year and she wanted to go to the show so I bought her ticket as a grad gift. The youngest one isn't really into AI because she's never home as she trains six hours a day, and she only watched Nikko & Vonzell's performances, but she wanted to tag along. That's my story anyway.

The real reason is because I *heart* Nikko. The above stuff is all true, but that's the main reason I'm making the trip. I've never been to an AI show before, so can anyone tell me the exact level of cheese to expect? I do love my cheese.

I don't think the St. Paul show was selling really fast because I went back later on in the evening and there were still some pretty good lower level seats left. I've been to St. Paul before and it's not exactly a hotbed of activity, from what I can gather.

[Soulseeker22]

I got tix thru the poptart promotion for MCI Center in DC. I can't believe I'm even doing this since this is my first season of watching AI but I think it will be a fun thing to go to. :)

You guys who have gone before - what's the atmosphere like?

[Ladyluck]

AI YI YI! Ticketbastard is screwy! I went online 10 am for the presale...the first seats they offered me were not so great, so I opened up another window and tried again...got some good ones. So then I get TWO emails confirming my purchase...one for the good tix AND another for the not-so-good as well! I emailed them, only to be told tickets are nonrefundable. ARGH.

So now I have 4 extra tickets for the East Rutherford show on 7/22. They are in row 212 (balcony and off to the side, about where midcourt would be for a basketball game). I had similar seats for the AI2 concert and they weren't terrible...you could see everyone fine, just not that close. If anyone is interested, email me; I will sell them for face value. (Mods, I apologize if this is not allowed; I swear I'm not a broker, just an idiot who apparently can't be trusted to shop online).

Soulseeker, I saw the AI2 concert -- it was a lot of fun. Everyone sounded really great, even Julia, who I thought was pretty weak on the show. They came out individually in the order they got booted off and each sang a song; then there were a bunch of medleys and duets and trios, and I think Ruben and Clay each sang three solo songs. Our seats were high, as I mentioned, but we got binoculars so my Clay-lovin daughter could see him up close and personal. They also had the big screens up on both sides of the stage so you could see everything close up. (Yes, Kim C. did love the cameras!) The audience was mixed -- all ages -- and very enthusiastic when their faves came out. Supposedly signs are not allowed but down on the floor I saw several. Ruben and Clay both joked around with the audience a lot, which I can imagine Bo, Vonzell, Anthony & Constantine will probably do as well.

eta: Now I'm not so sure my "good" seats are really good -- judging from the seating charts (total ass -- I'm unclear which configuration they are using for the AI concert) they are down on the floor, but in the back section of the floor and not elevated at all. I'm 5'8", but my 8 y.o. son is only 5 feet. He loves Bo -- hope he gets to see him!

etaa: ivc: got your email and responded, thanks!

Edited by Ladyluck, May 30, 2005 @ 11:04 AM.

[Brightsky8]

Not sure if this is the right place to post. But I'd be interested in any extra tickets to any/all FL shows (floor tickets). Willing to pay a nice amount...to see my Bo :-D

[Quickbeam]

I'd always been ticket-casual ("wherever, whatever....") until AI and Clay. I've turned into a Ticket Ninja. My experience this year is very different than last year...through the pre-sale I got front row Green Bay and a very close, first tier side section almost on top of the stage for Milwaukee....just what I wanted. Last year I got crap seats through the pre-sales and multiple-bought my way closer.

First timers: I'd strongly suggest you know the seating chart of your intended venue. It has served me well to know great seat sections from lousy ones. Please also know that unlike almost every concert you've been to before, people will be holding up posters. Expect the floor section to stand the whole time with those damn posters. You can't see through them so even if you get decent floor seats, be prepared to be assertive about your field of vision. I have involved arena security to this end.

If you have any mobility impairment that makes standing for hours problematic (or you have kids who want to see), I encourage you to look at the close first tier seats. Some of those are much better than floor seats 10 or more rows back.

[Lanesa]

I've never been to an AI concert and I haven't been to the center where the concert I'm going to will be held. During the presale I bought three lower-level tickets; section 110, row C. Lower level seats -- what are they like? I assume they're not elevated and that everyone in the floor seats, when standing, will make it difficult to see the stage. Is this true? My venue's seating chart shows my seats and they seem pretty far back. Floor seats weren't available and it's a shame that if they do become available, that I can't exchange my tickets and pay the difference if necessary. At least, Ticketmaster doesn't let you do this as far as I know. And shelling out another $100+ isn't an option for me.

Thanks for the info about the atmosphere and what to expect from contestants (solos, duets, etc..), Ladyluck. That's interesting to hear that some contestants act as the ''hosts'' in a way -- joking around and so forth -- I also expect those four Idols to do most of chatting with the audience! Do contestants ever go into the aisles during performances? And Quickbeam -- I appreciate the info you gave too -- I keep hearing about what a problem posters are. Sadly I'm pretty sure they're allowed at my venue so I'll just have to deal with it. Congrats to everyone that got up-close seats, btw.

[JPrallster]

Lanesa, I could very well be wrong, but lower-level tickets should be raised like stadium seats. At the venues I've been to, the 100-level seats are raised enough that your view isn't affected by the people in the floor seats. And with row C, you only have 2 rows of people in front of you. I've never been to Reading (where I'm going this year), but in the 100-level seats at Hershey, even if the people in front of you are standing up and you're sitting, you can still see. Not many people around where I was sitting stood up, and not many had posters. We were in a pretty calm group minus the teen-aged girl who I thought was going to have a heart attack whenever John Stevens came on stage. :-)

As far as I know, Tickmaster is a nazi about refunds. I believe the tickets are 100% non-refundable or exchangable. If you're dead-set on getting different tickets, I'd either sell them on e-bay or find someone you know who would want them. Last year, JPL ran around the floor seats during "Superstition," but no one else left the stage. This year, I predict Constantine won't pass up a chance to do so as well :-). And I'm hoping that Bo leaves the stage, comes to my seat, and takes me to a trashy hotel room somewhere :-) Anyway, the show I was at was mostly 12-year-old girls and their moms. My friend and I (who are in our 20s) went with our moms (who are in their 60s). We had a good laugh about how we were the only people there between the ages of 13 and 40.