How Ticket Presales Work: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring Early Access

If you’ve ever tried to buy tickets to a popular concert or sporting event, you’ve probably seen the word “presale” pop up before the general public sale begins. But what exactly does that mean? How do ticket presales work, and more importantly—how can you access them to get the best seats before everyone else?

we’ll break down how ticket presales work, why they exist, who gets access, and how to increase your chances of securing tickets during a presale event.

What Are Ticket Presales?

Ticket presales are early access sales that occur before tickets are released to the general public. They’re designed to give specific groups of people—like fan club members, credit card holders, or VIP customers—a head start on purchasing tickets.

Presales typically happen 24 to 72 hours before general ticket sales, offering a limited number of tickets to qualified buyers. While not every ticket is available during presale, it can be a strategic opportunity to secure great seats before demand skyrockets.

Why Do Ticket Presales Exist?

Promoters and venues use ticket presales for several reasons:

1. Reward Loyal Fans: Artists often give their fan club members early access as a thank-you for their support.
2. Reduce Website Traffic: Allowing staggered access helps Ticketmaster and similar platforms manage traffic and avoid crashes.
3. Promote Sponsors: Credit card companies (like American Express or Citi) offer presales as perks to cardholders, encouraging loyalty.
4. Build Buzz: A presale creates urgency and excitement leading up to the general sale.

Presales are also a way to test demand, helping organizers adjust marketing or even add more show dates if initial interest is high.

Types of Ticket Presales

Understanding how ticket presales work starts with knowing the different types. Here are the most common:

1. Fan Club Presales

Artists and bands often reward their biggest fans with exclusive early access. To qualify:

• Join the artist’s official fan club (sometimes paid).
• Receive a unique presale code via email.

2. Credit Card Presales

Companies like American Express, Citi, and Capital One offer presale access to cardholders.

• You may need to enter the first 6 digits of your card number or a special code like “AMEX” or “CITI.”
• Purchases typically must be made with the qualifying card.

3. Venue/Promoter Presales

Venues and promoters send presale codes to newsletter subscribers or past customers.

• Sign up for venue newsletters to be notified.
• These are often location-based.

4. Radio or Social Media Presales

Local radio stations or event sponsors sometimes offer presales to their listeners or followers.

• Follow your favorite artists, venues, and stations on social media.
• Codes may be shared in posts or during broadcasts.

5. Live Nation and Ticketmaster Presales

Ticketing giants like Live Nation and Ticketmaster offer exclusive presales to members.

• Sign up for free accounts.
• Opt in to email notifications to get access codes.

How to Access Ticket Presales

Now that you understand the types, here’s how to actually access a ticket presale and increase your chances of success:

Step 1: Sign Up Early

Join fan clubs, subscribe to newsletters, and create accounts with Ticketmaster or Live Nation well before the ticket release.

Step 2: Look for Presale Announcements

Presale information is usually released:

• On the artist’s website or social media
• Via email newsletters
• On ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster

Pay attention to:

• Presale date and time
• Required access code or credit card
• How long the presale lasts

Step 3: Prepare in Advance

• Log in to your ticketing account 10–15 minutes before the sale.
• Have your payment info saved or ready.
• Enter the access code exactly as given (it may be case-sensitive).

Step 4: Don’t Wait—Buy Quickly!

Presale tickets often sell out in minutes. Don’t hesitate when your turn comes up. If your first choice is gone, try different sections or dates.

Common Myths About Ticket Presales

Let’s clear up some misconceptions about how ticket presales work:

“Presales Have the Best Seats”

Not always. While presales offer good seats, not all sections are released early. Some of the best seats are saved for VIP packages or general sale.

“Presales Are a Scam”

Presales are legitimate but competitive. If you see tickets listed for resale at huge markups immediately after a presale begins, that’s scalpers, not the system itself.

“You Need to Be Famous to Get Presale Access”

False. Most presales are accessible to anyone willing to sign up, follow directions, and act fast.

What If You Miss the Presale?

If you miss a presale, don’t panic:

• General Sale: Happens shortly after, usually with a bigger ticket batch.
• Additional Presales: Sometimes new codes are released later via other channels.
• Resale Options: Ticketmaster and other platforms offer fan-to-fan resale at face value (in many cases).

You can also use browser alerts or apps like Bandsintown, Songkick, or Seatgeek to get notified about future presales.

Tips to Win at Presales

Mastering how ticket presales work is just the beginning. Use these pro tips to improve your chances:

1. Join Multiple Lists: Fan clubs, venues, and ticketing platforms.
2. Be Logged In: Ensure you’re logged in to the platform before the sale starts.
3. Use Fast Internet: Wired connections are usually faster than Wi-Fi.
4. Try Mobile & Desktop: Sometimes one works better than the other.
5. Don’t Refresh Excessively: Wait for the queue to load instead of refreshing repeatedly, which can kick you out.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how ticket presales work gives you a clear advantage in securing seats for high-demand events. While presales don’t guarantee tickets, they offer a valuable head start—especially if you’re well-prepared.

To recap:

• Understand the different presale types.
• Sign up for alerts and fan clubs.
• Be ready with your code, account, and payment method.
• Act quickly and keep trying.

The more familiar you are with the presale system, the better your odds of landing tickets before they’re gone.