Archive for Friday, June 27, 2008
Some concert tickets are tough to score
June 27, 2008
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On the street
What is the best concert you’ve ever gotten tickets to?
Alicia Keys about a year ago. She was a really good performer and the show was awesome.
Tickets online
These days, scoring tickets to major concerts often requires you to click on a Web site at just the right time.
But promoters and other ticket experts say you shouldn’t give up if you don’t earn entry into the Ticketmaster universe.
“There are a bunch of ways. The issues are really what type of tickets that you’re looking for,” said Jesse Jackson, an administrator for Lawrence-based Mammoth Inc.
On Saturday, followers of Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band will get a chance to score a major ticket. At 10 a.m. Saturday, tickets will go on sale for an Aug. 24 Springsteen concert at the Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City, Mo. Tickets are listed as $29, $55 or $89.
Fans can also get in line before 10 a.m. at a Ticketmaster location, such as either Lawrence Hy-Vee store, 4000 W. Sixth St. or 3504 Clinton Parkway.
If you miss out, there are other options.
Get in line
It’s the old-fashioned way, now that Ticketmaster dominates the scene. But music promoters say a certain number of tickets usually get set aside to be sold at the box office.
“It’s very rare that you stand in line, and you don’t get a ticket,” Jackson said.
While it may work, it’s somewhat inconvenient for Lawrence residents to drive to the Sprint Center, 1407 Grant Blvd., in Kansas City, Mo.
Use a broker
If you can’t get through on Ticketmaster or make it to the box office Saturday morning, another option is to find a broker in the area or online.
For the Springsteen concert, area brokers expect a huge demand.
“We’re going to be mobbed,” said Hal Wagner, owner of Ace Sports and Nationwide Tickets in Overland Park.
Wagner said he expected anyone who wanted a Springsteen ticket badly enough would be able to secure one.
“You may pay a higher price for a ticket way up in the sky, but you’ve got the ticket, and the broker’s going to guarantee you’re getting one,” Jackson said.
Even before the pre-sale started Friday, Springsteen tickets were being sold on broker Web sites from $187 to $1,037.
The waiting game
Some tickets may become available the day before or even the day of a concert. But fans who choose to wait are really playing the odds.
“If you really want a good ticket, you’re going to have to work for it in the environment we’re in now,” Jackson said.
There’s also the rare chance the seats might not sell out quickly.
For example, late this week, 40 tickets remained for the Willie Nelson concert July 20 at Liberty Hall, 644 Mass.
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27 June 2008 at 4:26 p.m.
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srj (Anonymous) says…
It's already rumored/noted that he and Sprint center have open dates after the 8/24 show, so don't go crazy.
27 June 2008 at 9:33 p.m.
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bennyoates (Anonymous) says…
Before going to an overpriced ticket broker for Bruce tickets, always consult www.backstreets.com. You'll find plentiful opportunities to buy/trade tickets at face value ONLY.
Never underestimate the sheer power of a Springsteen show. Tickets aren't cheap but Bruce earns every penny and then some. I plan on making the KC show my fourth Bruce concert. The 2002 gig at Kemper Arena was brilliant and unforgettable.
27 June 2008 at 10:55 p.m.
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Marion Lynn (Marion Lynn) says…
I know longer give a rat's patootie about Bruce as he has clearly shown himself to be an advocate of Big Government and a socialist, De Luxe.
27 June 2008 at 11:29 p.m.
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riverdrifter (Anonymous) says…
Mario:
You could've been at the Brady Theater in Tulsa Wednesday night past, but I don't think you do a damn thing 'cept sit in Mom's basement & complain.
See you on the open road, dude.
Naaah.
27 June 2008 at 11:59 p.m.
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riverdrifter (Anonymous) says…
Marion:
I know it's hi-dollar, & you've got someone to watch after, but just go. Example: 7-2 to 7-6, up the spine of the great plains & back. Sleep in car, whatever. Go.
It's never gonna get any cheaper. Go.
28 June 2008 at 12:35 a.m.
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H_Lecter (Anonymous) says…
After seeing Van Halen at the Sprint Center, I can confidently say that I will never pay to see another musical act there.
The seating is too far away and the acoustics are horrible.
99 % of Bruce's material is whiney. Thumbs down on this one… unless perhaps I knew ahead of time that a maniac with a chainsaw was going to run up on stage…
28 June 2008 at 2:22 a.m.
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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
H..
This isn't Alice!
28 June 2008 at 7:19 a.m.
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bennyoates (Anonymous) says…
Who needs the puny negativity of Marion and H_Lecter when the Boss is coming to town? No problem, you won't be missed!
28 June 2008 at 8:48 a.m.
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scott3460 (Anonymous) says…
Can't believe I am saying this, but thank you Marion and HL. Your misguided criticism may just diminish demand for tixs and allow me to enjoy a better seat!
By the way, I think calling for the chainsaw murder of Mr. Springsteen surely ought to violate the policy of the board & those comments ought to be removed.
28 June 2008 at 9:02 a.m.
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Stopbreakindown (Anonymous) says…
I love paying $8-$9 “Convenience” charges for each ticketmaster ticket I purchase. They are doing me such a great service.