When Should I Buy Concert Tickets?

70% of all tickets decrease in price over time. Anywhere else, these would be great odds, but when you are determined to see a show, not so much. If you expect ticket prices to drop and they suddenly increase, it can be very off-putting. This was and is the case for Jay-Z‘s performances at Barclays Center this week.

As you can see, all ticket prices for Jay-Z’s concerts have increased in the past month, some more dramatically than others. In fact, average Jay-Z ticket prices have increased by 16% in the last week alone. Add to this that ticket availability becomes limited within 24 hours of the event (as people purchase last-minute tickets), and it seems that purchasing earlier is a better option. For massive concerts like these, if you see a ticket you like, don’t hesitate to buy it. \

It’s also important to note that in this case, at the Barclays Center with Jay-Z’s set-up, the seating charts are deceiving. There are great deals on sections that appear to be obstructed but are not; sections 3-4 and 28-29 will get you close to the stage with a phenomenal unobstructed view (also check out sections 203-205 and 227-229: these are limited-view seats, but not obstructed).

That said, the best and most expensive seats (with a face value of $280) are not reselling well. There’s an excellent opportunity to buy expensive tickets at below face value prices. You can place bids on TickPick, which desperate sellers will pursue. The other option is to just wait until three hours before the show and start watching, but don’t get greedy. (Note: this most likely will not be the case for the weekend shows.)

Even with all of this information, don’t treat each concert the same. Jay-Z tickets will sell differently from Justin Bieber tickets. It’s essential to keep your budget in mind and monitor prices to find the best deal for you.

Good luck!

Caroline