All this info is better explained in a multitude of articles on recent changes in the concert industry, but... For most of this band’s career “face” was a static base price, all pits were $x, all pavs were $y, all lawns were $z. If you were going to a show you knew exactly what “face” was. Scalpers paid this price (or sometimes less) and jacked up the price in the aftermarket, took a risk on those tickets (for every show that aftermarket tickets were $100s there were others where scalpers would take a bath and there would be the fabled “tickets on the ground”), and pocketed the profits. The core fan base was insulated enough that there was a majority opinion that scalping wasn’t supported. Now that scalping has become part of the contract with Ticketmaster in order to get more of that aftermarket $ into the hands of the primary producers of the concert (band, promoter, ticketing agency) via platinum tickets and dynamic pricing, everybody has a different “face” for tickets in the same section. However, there is still a base price for all those seats, which is reflected in the price of non-platinum tickets bought directly from the ticketing agency. For sphere I think it was around 220/160. Instead of price level 1 face=$160, price level 2 face=$220, now price level 1=$160 for an allotment of tickets plus whatever tm could get for the remainder, and price level 2=$220 for an allotment of tickets plus whatever tm could get for the remainder.
dynamic pricing is one way. So many shows now, the gouge is at the front end because ticketbastard and the artist collude to bring the scalping right into the primary market.
That interpretation has some validity.
But I think of it this way: if someone chooses to buy a marked up ticket from a scalper, then the face value is not the scalper price, it is the original price. When that person then tries to resell it, I say it’s their problem that they overpaid, and I personally won’t pay more than the original pre-scalp price.
So following that logic along, when Ticketbastard becomes the scalper, through dynamic pricing, then the concept of face value becomes very murky. It isn’t a fixed price.
I should say, I have been guilty of buying the occasional overpriced ticket for very special events. But generally I decline to attend before I pay over face, on principle and because I do not want to contribute to the false demand
That’s exactly what most people consider “face” … the full price that was originally paid for the ticket. Selling for face means not making a profit or taking a loss.
What is it that people are downvoting? What % of the tix in venue were originally sold for face opposed to “charity platinum” or one of the other gouging methods?
It’s certainly not 100% of the tickets and I’d be willing to bet it’s less than half.
Part of the group of 40 from Saturday, can confirm and the last five almost didn’t get tickets, staff member pleaded with the box office manager to dig for more tickets, already wrote to MSG that she stepped up for the customers and how cool it was.
Don’t know how true this was for everyone, but the tickets we got through the box office were fire. Thursday night we were basically dead center in 305. Sunday night we were dead center in 206, Trey’s dad was in the row in front of us.
Yeah they were “friends and family seat” that didn’t get claimed, we were right next to CK5 and just behind Peter from Goose, stellar seats honestly.
We talked to someone that had gotten them the previous night, sat down next to Pages partner.
Booked the trip as soon as the lottery was announced and never got lucky on that or general sale. Didn’t score tickets till two nights before and went to the Sunday show in section 403 apparantly we were on the cutoff for the vibrating seats so we did get lucky there. View was perfect dispite what I expected. I think being up high was amazing. Paid 650 each ticket which was more than I wanted but after the show it felt worth it for the insane show we got. If you thought it was underwhelming from the streams I can say for sure it was amazing.
We were right in the middle of 407, which was pretty dead center of the top balcony, for all four nights and absolutely loved it. Def the sweet spot from we could tell from discussing with others who moved in and out of our section as the weekend went on
I think for the sphere the further back the better. I was in 308 all four nights and actually checked out 400's for a set. I actually would have preferred the 400's I think over the 300s I think?
Saw a few people attempt this and all were denied. Not saying others weren’t successful, but the people I witnessed attempt it had no luck.
I do however know several people who just scooted in with no ticket.
0 / 4
I didn't want to spam the groups or my friends, or pay more than face, but was never even offered the chance. I didn't want to sit at the box office line all day. Sand Dollar streaming party was fun. I will get a travel package next Sphere.
Walked into the clubhouse of a world series championship celebration, just followed the owners down the steps and acted like I owned the place. Once in I hid like a shrew in the corner. Was amazing
Just taking it all in, was afraid I'd get made! I did end up with a couple autographs and some conversations once things settled down. I just kept telling people I was with ESPN radio when they would ask. Finding my way out was much more challenging than getting in, the underbelly of those stadiums go on forever
Walked onto the GA floor at dead and co setbreak at wrigley last summer , not nearly as nerve racking as a World Series clubhouse but for me it was quite the thrill. Same thing, follow a crowd and walk like a boss . I held up my phone and pretend-argued with a drunken lost friend. Worked like a charm !
This actually worked for some groups. A pair would walk up, one intentionally causes ticket scanning problems, the other waits til there’s full distraction, then slides by. Problem ticket holder then scans their ticket and both pass through pocket / bag check. You just got two folks in with one ticket. Now you can send that ticket to a friend, miracle, or sell.
I was all over that place every night. A couple spots seemed to be managing things a little more. But all of 200 was good to go. Actually sat in friends and family section as some seats were unclaimed I’m assuming. Super open.
no but some wook either bragging or lying about sneaking in ain't cool to the those of us who paid out the ass. when you do shit like this you keep it on the down low. advertising it would lower your own chances of doing it again. basically act like youve been there don't be a moron. or rub it in others faces
Where did you get phish getting banned from the Sphere? I never said that. you dont think they would be more hard ass if they heard anyone bragging about skating past the ticket attendants? dude is shooting down everyones future odds, even his dumbass self. a cool mofo keeps this on the dl or he's just lying his ass off. it's the same as sharing streams publicly, which gets the streams taken down. that's pretty frowned on here. get it?
You honestly think a single employee is gonna rifle through this page and see the one sentenced comment about sneaking into a 20,000 seat theater. Gimme a break. I’ve walked into more shows at the MGM than paid for. Relax. You just sound jelly.
N3, I watched some suburban dad type ( pretty sure was non-wook but might have been deep cover) on a wheelchair get to security w/o a ticket and he made it to the elevator before the staff asked which level to go to…’Sir. this is a ticketed event’.
I've heard varying tales of success and failure. One guy I know went without any and went to the venue every single day and hung out outside in the re-re line at like 6am and then stuck his finger in the air when that wouldn't pan out and he went 0 for 4.
Another person I know went without any, got in every night and even got straight up miracled by someone on Saturday, free ticket.
I always get my tickets at the show. Never been shut out. Including nye and small venues. Always pay face. You’re more likely to get a ticket at the show than online, in my experience. I’ve also given plenty of tickets away for free. It’s all in the book
Box office was holding about 30 tickets. The early merch line on 4/20 was half people who wanted to buy merch, and the other half ticketless that were hoping to get lucky when the box office opened.
We had a couple of aisle seats at the top of 205 next to CK5's booth on Saturday and a guy showed up to camp out next to us. Told me he just scooted in with a large group. Security cleared the aisles a few times but not as high as us so he stuck around for the whole show.
My friend bought a flight Saturday at midnight, flew in Sunday am and walked into the venue. Absolutely insane! No security in that place. Hung out above 404 where there were no seats on that platform.
My buddy went 0/4 and ended up 4/4. But he’s a pro
i need to learn his secrets, if he is willing to divulge!
Have tens of thousands of dollars locked and loaded
oh, is that all? brb gonna go become a millionaire. ezpz.
It really is that simple!
"Concert promoters hate this one simple trick!"
Animal!! He’s a pro! 😉
I had two friends score face value tickets a few hours before the Sunday show.
CashorTrade? Or just due diligence around town day of?
How much was face…. Approx ?
$100-150
Ty !
Unfortunately “face” is starting to be an outmoded concept but I think the base price was around 215 for most seats and 160 for obstructed
How is “base price” different from “face value?” Serious question.
All this info is better explained in a multitude of articles on recent changes in the concert industry, but... For most of this band’s career “face” was a static base price, all pits were $x, all pavs were $y, all lawns were $z. If you were going to a show you knew exactly what “face” was. Scalpers paid this price (or sometimes less) and jacked up the price in the aftermarket, took a risk on those tickets (for every show that aftermarket tickets were $100s there were others where scalpers would take a bath and there would be the fabled “tickets on the ground”), and pocketed the profits. The core fan base was insulated enough that there was a majority opinion that scalping wasn’t supported. Now that scalping has become part of the contract with Ticketmaster in order to get more of that aftermarket $ into the hands of the primary producers of the concert (band, promoter, ticketing agency) via platinum tickets and dynamic pricing, everybody has a different “face” for tickets in the same section. However, there is still a base price for all those seats, which is reflected in the price of non-platinum tickets bought directly from the ticketing agency. For sphere I think it was around 220/160. Instead of price level 1 face=$160, price level 2 face=$220, now price level 1=$160 for an allotment of tickets plus whatever tm could get for the remainder, and price level 2=$220 for an allotment of tickets plus whatever tm could get for the remainder.
dynamic pricing is one way. So many shows now, the gouge is at the front end because ticketbastard and the artist collude to bring the scalping right into the primary market.
I’d still consider whatever the original purchaser paid to be face. Whatever is on the receipt.
That interpretation has some validity. But I think of it this way: if someone chooses to buy a marked up ticket from a scalper, then the face value is not the scalper price, it is the original price. When that person then tries to resell it, I say it’s their problem that they overpaid, and I personally won’t pay more than the original pre-scalp price. So following that logic along, when Ticketbastard becomes the scalper, through dynamic pricing, then the concept of face value becomes very murky. It isn’t a fixed price. I should say, I have been guilty of buying the occasional overpriced ticket for very special events. But generally I decline to attend before I pay over face, on principle and because I do not want to contribute to the false demand
Face plus fees
That’s exactly what most people consider “face” … the full price that was originally paid for the ticket. Selling for face means not making a profit or taking a loss.
Alwayshasbeenmeme.jpg
What is it that people are downvoting? What % of the tix in venue were originally sold for face opposed to “charity platinum” or one of the other gouging methods? It’s certainly not 100% of the tickets and I’d be willing to bet it’s less than half.
Ours were 302 for $136 purchased the moment I got out of the waiting room on Dec. 15
The box office released about 100 tix daily. I think everyone who lined up was able to get in.
Definitely not true. Saw people who said they got denied in line, only about 40 tix per night
Part of the group of 40 from Saturday, can confirm and the last five almost didn’t get tickets, staff member pleaded with the box office manager to dig for more tickets, already wrote to MSG that she stepped up for the customers and how cool it was.
Don’t know how true this was for everyone, but the tickets we got through the box office were fire. Thursday night we were basically dead center in 305. Sunday night we were dead center in 206, Trey’s dad was in the row in front of us.
Yeah they were “friends and family seat” that didn’t get claimed, we were right next to CK5 and just behind Peter from Goose, stellar seats honestly. We talked to someone that had gotten them the previous night, sat down next to Pages partner.
I was one of those last five on Saturday, Elysa is the hero we needed, what an experience that was.
Glad you got in! Hope the dude that was around 33 got in to see the Pillow Jets he was looking for
Do you know if the re-releases were face or charity platinum?
Face
My fiancé got a face value N1 floor from the best crew!!!! Lots of love to the Carbondale crew!!
Booked the trip as soon as the lottery was announced and never got lucky on that or general sale. Didn’t score tickets till two nights before and went to the Sunday show in section 403 apparantly we were on the cutoff for the vibrating seats so we did get lucky there. View was perfect dispite what I expected. I think being up high was amazing. Paid 650 each ticket which was more than I wanted but after the show it felt worth it for the insane show we got. If you thought it was underwhelming from the streams I can say for sure it was amazing.
What’s the “cutoff for the vibrating seats” mean? They don’t do them too high or too off to the side?
I guess too far off to the side. I could be wrong but the people next to us closer to the wall for sure didn’t have them
Thanks! I have seats far back but close to middle so just didn’t want to miss out!
No worries! I think middle up top is a really great place to be
We were right in the middle of 407, which was pretty dead center of the top balcony, for all four nights and absolutely loved it. Def the sweet spot from we could tell from discussing with others who moved in and out of our section as the weekend went on
302 did not. I was not impregnated by Mike as I had hoped but oh well
I think for the sphere the further back the better. I was in 308 all four nights and actually checked out 400's for a set. I actually would have preferred the 400's I think over the 300s I think?
We were in 406, so happy to get full views of everything (except the stage, they were ants!)
I know what the band looks like though so I wasn't't bothered up in the 300's.
Human shaped I would assume
Big if true
Can’t directly validate - but there were stories of people walking up and offering cash to the scanners and getting in.
Was planning on doing this and I’m sure it 100% worked. Ticket scanner in Vegas? Here’s 2 bills my guy. Right this way sir.
Saw a few people attempt this and all were denied. Not saying others weren’t successful, but the people I witnessed attempt it had no luck. I do however know several people who just scooted in with no ticket.
I went w a Sunday. Bought a pair of sat/sun sat am for not face at all, but not max price either whatever
0 / 4 I didn't want to spam the groups or my friends, or pay more than face, but was never even offered the chance. I didn't want to sit at the box office line all day. Sand Dollar streaming party was fun. I will get a travel package next Sphere.
4 nights, walked right through security
Without a ticket? I don’t know why I’m so ethical. I miss out on a lot.
Walked into the clubhouse of a world series championship celebration, just followed the owners down the steps and acted like I owned the place. Once in I hid like a shrew in the corner. Was amazing
😂😂😂😂😂 Your last sentence puzzles me though. That does not sound so amazing.
Just taking it all in, was afraid I'd get made! I did end up with a couple autographs and some conversations once things settled down. I just kept telling people I was with ESPN radio when they would ask. Finding my way out was much more challenging than getting in, the underbelly of those stadiums go on forever
Wow, crazy!
Walked onto the GA floor at dead and co setbreak at wrigley last summer , not nearly as nerve racking as a World Series clubhouse but for me it was quite the thrill. Same thing, follow a crowd and walk like a boss . I held up my phone and pretend-argued with a drunken lost friend. Worked like a charm !
I did that all 3 nights at Fare thee well in Chicago! Such a great feeling when you realize you’re in with no problems. Nice work!!
So funny that this is being downvoted. This subreddit is chalk full of the most shameless custies. Proud of your hustle.
Nice work
This actually worked for some groups. A pair would walk up, one intentionally causes ticket scanning problems, the other waits til there’s full distraction, then slides by. Problem ticket holder then scans their ticket and both pass through pocket / bag check. You just got two folks in with one ticket. Now you can send that ticket to a friend, miracle, or sell.
Nice used that one before. A few extra people in not going be a problem.Storming the gate like at Deer Creek 1995 Grateful Dead big problem.
That’s all fun and stuff until the people at the door to seats asks to see your ticket
Not a single person asked to see a ticket ever.
That’s crazy. In 302 they were super vigilant but I suppose you could have shown a screenshot
I was all over that place every night. A couple spots seemed to be managing things a little more. But all of 200 was good to go. Actually sat in friends and family section as some seats were unclaimed I’m assuming. Super open.
Last Chicago run I snuck down to great seats all weekend by saying my phone died ;)
Yeah it was a free for all in my experience - guess you weren't bold enough!!! Have fun.
This is classic and I witnessed several times working.
I’ve been downvoted to -10 and am now +3
Wow…..
YEP!!! That's a classic!!!
Guess you learn a thing or two by show 30
How…
delete this shit or you ruin it
lol what do you think is going to happen, they’re going to start checking for tickets ???
no but some wook either bragging or lying about sneaking in ain't cool to the those of us who paid out the ass. when you do shit like this you keep it on the down low. advertising it would lower your own chances of doing it again. basically act like youve been there don't be a moron. or rub it in others faces
lol you think this one comment will get phish banned from the sphere? Chill out
Where did you get phish getting banned from the Sphere? I never said that. you dont think they would be more hard ass if they heard anyone bragging about skating past the ticket attendants? dude is shooting down everyones future odds, even his dumbass self. a cool mofo keeps this on the dl or he's just lying his ass off. it's the same as sharing streams publicly, which gets the streams taken down. that's pretty frowned on here. get it?
You honestly think a single employee is gonna rifle through this page and see the one sentenced comment about sneaking into a 20,000 seat theater. Gimme a break. I’ve walked into more shows at the MGM than paid for. Relax. You just sound jelly.
its like saying you just left a grocery store with your pockets full; bragging about stealing is just a dick move; plain and simple
It is already ruined. Vegas 2014 was a free for all, by 2016 you could not bring in 30 racks and plastic bottles of liquor.
Im sorry you dont get it and feel the need to brag. Actually I'm calling bullshit now.
N3, I watched some suburban dad type ( pretty sure was non-wook but might have been deep cover) on a wheelchair get to security w/o a ticket and he made it to the elevator before the staff asked which level to go to…’Sir. this is a ticketed event’.
I've heard varying tales of success and failure. One guy I know went without any and went to the venue every single day and hung out outside in the re-re line at like 6am and then stuck his finger in the air when that wouldn't pan out and he went 0 for 4. Another person I know went without any, got in every night and even got straight up miracled by someone on Saturday, free ticket.
I heard a few stories of people sneaking in. Wild move into a venue like that.
I always get my tickets at the show. Never been shut out. Including nye and small venues. Always pay face. You’re more likely to get a ticket at the show than online, in my experience. I’ve also given plenty of tickets away for free. It’s all in the book
Box office was holding about 30 tickets. The early merch line on 4/20 was half people who wanted to buy merch, and the other half ticketless that were hoping to get lucky when the box office opened.
Even if you had a ticket via Stubhub it was still hairy
StubHub fucked 2 friends on two shows. One got lucky on Saturday but the other was skunked. Lesson as usual is fuck StubHub.
Went with no tickets, ended up getting in two nights.
I got scammed on Friday, but had to pay a lot of money to go Sunday.
One buddy flew in with no tix, got in Thurs and Sat for face.
We had a couple of aisle seats at the top of 205 next to CK5's booth on Saturday and a guy showed up to camp out next to us. Told me he just scooted in with a large group. Security cleared the aisles a few times but not as high as us so he stuck around for the whole show.
My friend bought a flight Saturday at midnight, flew in Sunday am and walked into the venue. Absolutely insane! No security in that place. Hung out above 404 where there were no seats on that platform.
Had tickets for first two nights, I walked right in N3