You Got Tickets! How to Prepare for Your Concert

YOU’RE IN! 
You scored tickets to that artist you’ve been dreaming of seeing for weeks, months, or maybe even years. Go ahead and take a second to bask in the satisfaction, and then get ready to rock with these helpful tips on how to prepare for the concert.

Right After You Purchase Tickets

• Set a Budget
  Expenses can stack up quickly – food, drinks, gas, parking, merchandise, a new outfit. Try to estimate your costs ahead of time so you can set aside some dough.

• Listen to Songs
  There’s nothing better than belting out your favorite tunes with the artist and the other fans in the crowd. Practice the lyrics in your car with a playlist from Spotify or go old school with a mix CD.

• Plan Your Concert Outfit
  A concert is a great time to show off your personal fashion. Do you want to go cool and sexy? Or is it time to let your freak flag fly? Get your ensemble together now so your look is on point at the show. Here are some tips what to wear to concert. 

• Share on Social
  Go ahead and share your excitement on social media – it’s a great way to find out if anyone else you know is going. You can also send a shout out to the band or artist to let them know you’re stoked – who knows, they may even re-Tweet you!

Pro tip:
Do not post pictures of your tickets online ahead of the event, and if you do, please make sure to cover your barcodes! This will prevent anyone from using the unique codes to steal your seats. Cover the code! We cannot express this point enough, please do NOT take photos of your ticket stubs and post them on social media sites. This is the perfect way for nefarious brokers to rip these tickets right off you. We want you to enjoy this experience, it’s meant for you. So please take the extra precautions so you can enjoy the night and avoid heartache. Read more about #CoverTheCode

• Follow the Artist, Venue & Event
  Keep an eye on social streams for special messages (and special offers) as the show nears. Plus, if the band or artist releases any new music, you’ll always have the inside scoop.

Days Before The Concert

• Confirm Your Entry Method
  Whether you go paperless and enter using your mobile device or print your tickets at home, make sure you have everything you need to get in to the event. Most venues offer the following ticket options – click the links for more details and double check your event and ticket order for more information.

Print-at-Home
US Mail
Credit Card Entry (Paperless tickets)
Mobile Entry Will Call
Retail Outlet Pickup
UPS
Transfer Tickets

Take Control Of Your Tickets

 

• Map Your Directions
  Take the stress and confusion out of getting to the venue by mapping your route beforehand. If you’re using an app for directions, you can even save the venue’s address so you’ll be ready to go.

• Figure Out Parking
  Looking for parking at the last minute can be a serious buzzkill. Avoid the hassle by researching parking options and identifying nearby lots ahead of the event.

• Confirm Event Start & Departure Time
  If you’re attending with others, make sure you confirm when the show starts. Check the event info to find out when the doors open and when warm-up acts take the stage. Make sure everyone is on the same page in your group and confirm a departure time that allows for traffic.

• Make a Dinner Reservation
  All that rocking is bound to make you hungry. While all-night diners are a safe bet, you can also class it up with a fancy reservation before or after the show.

Concert Essentials Checklist

Wondering what to bring? Every event is different, so check the venue’s policies before packing for your show. Then, make a checklist of your concert essentials so you don’t leave anything behind.

Don’t forget your:

• Ticket
• ID
• Cash
• Fully charged phone
• Earplugs
• Light sweater

Heading to an outdoor concert or festival?
Then we suggest bringing these additional items. View more festival essentials here.

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat

The Day of the Concert

• Don’t Skip Any Meals
  Make sure you stay energized and start the day with a good breakfast. Also, eating a healthy lunch will prevent your tummy from rumbling in the middle of the show.

• Stay Hydrated
  Drink lots of water before, during, and after the concert to make sure that you don’t pass out in the middle of your favorite song.

• Get Mobile-Ready
  Make sure your phone is charged and sign in to your favorite social media accounts before you go into the event, since you can’t always count on cell reception. And if you’ve opted for a mobile ticket, open it up BEFORE you get to the event.

• Review Your Checklist
  It’s never hurts to check twice before you head out.

• Be Ready for Will Call
  If you’re picking up your tickets at the event, it’s important to review the venue’s will call information. Oftentimes, all you need to bring is your ID or purchasing credit card to redeem your tickets, but be sure to double check venue policies.

• Get There On Time or Early
  Don’t miss a single beat. Arriving early gets you first dibs on food, drinks, merchandise, and amenities like coat check. Plus, you can get to the front of the stage without having to push your way through the crowd.

• Choose a Meet Up Spot
  Before the show, select an easy-to-spot meeting place. If you get separated from your friends (or someone’s cellphone dies), you can all rendezvous at a familiar location. Cell phone reception can be hit or miss at some venues, so it’s important to have a game plan before you rock out.

• Have Fun!
  You’re in. Have a great time. Oh! After the event is over, and you’re sporting that post-event glow, tell others about how it went. Share your concert or event experience with other fans by submitting a review at Ticketmaster.