6 Ways to Save Money on Live Entertainment Besides the Tickets

If you want to save money on entertainment, you should be using TickPick. You can place bids on individual seats, pay no additional fees when purchasing, and there’s even a grading system that helps you choose the best seats available. Once you’ve got your tickets, however, there are still plenty of other ways to save money on a night out on the town. Here are six things to consider for your next entertainment outing.

1. Save on Tailgating

If your excursion involves a sporting event, be sure to save on the tailgating end of things. If it’s a large group, pick up the food and supplies at a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s. Make it a potluck event by asking other attendees to furnish a side dish or some beverages. Get your propane tank refilled at U-Haul or a local hardware store rather than exchanging it for a new one.

2. Keep the Alcohol Under Control

No matter what type of event you’re attending, consuming too much alcohol is expensive – plus it could land you in jail. Getting rowdy at a ballgame can have ramifications, and if you get pulled over for a DUI on the way home, not only are you putting people’s lives at risk, but it could cost you as much as $10,000 when all is said and done. Also, if you serve someone alcohol who then gets in a car wreck, you could be liable, so keep the booze to a minimum.

3. Skip the Extras or Buy Elsewhere

Skip any swag like t-shirts, programs, and other paraphernalia, as well as any additional event extras like roses for your date at a theater performance – your companion may prefer not having to carry them around all night anyway. For your sports swag, check out eBay or Amazon and you can save a bundle over stadium pricing.

4. Use a Deal of the Day Website for Dining

If you opt for a pre-game meal instead of tailgating, check out a deal of the day website like Groupon or LivingSocial and you may be able to score up to 50% off at local eateries. Often, these are new restaurants looking to promote their business, so you just might discover a gem in the process.

5. Reduce What You Pay to Park

To potentially save on parking at your event, drive just a bit past the venue and you might find independent lots charging cheaper prices. Just be sure they’re manned and monitored during the time of the event. Also pay attention to local radio and TV promotions and look for a deal that includes a parking pass in a bundled ticket package.

6. Go Home After the Event

Once the event has concluded, call it an evening and head home. You’ve had enough entertainment for one night, and if you feel the need for a nightcap, have it in the comfort of your own living room. Hitting a club late at night is just going to add to the overall cost of your evening.

If you’re an entertainment enthusiast who likes to attend a lot of sporting events and concerts, you may be in credit card debt as a result. Instead of letting that drag down your finances forever, employ the above tips and devote your newfound surplus to knocking down those balances. Saving money on entertainment events is great, but positively impacting your financial picture at the same time is even better.

What other ways can you think of to save on entertainment events?