How Ticket Presales Work: The Insider’s Guide to Early Access Tickets

Live events are hotter than ever—whether it’s a Taylor Swift stadium tour, an NBA playoff game, or a Broadway hit like Hamilton. With massive demand, getting tickets at face value is often a race against time. That’s where presales come into play. But how do ticket presales actually work? What gives some fans early access while others wait until general sales?

We’ll break down how ticket presales work, the types of presales available, how you can access them, and expert tips to increase your chances of landing tickets before they’re gone.

What Is a Ticket Presale?

Before diving into how ticket presales work, let’s define what a presale is.

A ticket presale is a limited-time window where select fans or groups can purchase tickets before they’re available to the general public. The goal is to reward fan loyalty, offer exclusive access to specific communities, or test early demand.

Presales typically take place 1–5 days before the general public sale, and while they offer early access, they do not guarantee the lowest price or best seats. In fact, many events allocate only a portion of total tickets to presale customers.

Why Do Ticket Presales Exist?

Understanding the why behind presales helps clarify how they function.

Promoters, artists, venues, and ticketing platforms use presales to:

• Reward fan loyalty (fan club members, subscribers)
• Build hype and exclusivity
• Drive early demand
• Test system performance before general sales
• Segment audiences by offering different access levels (e.g., credit card holders vs. VIPs)

Presales are a marketing strategy just as much as a sales tool.

Types of Ticket Presales

Not all presales are created equal. Depending on the event, there may be several types running simultaneously. Here are the most common presale types to help you understand how ticket presales work from all angles:

1. Fan Club Presales

Artists or bands often offer exclusive early access to members of their official fan clubs. You may need to:

• Sign up for a paid or free membership
• Receive a special code via email
• Use that code during the designated window

Fan club members often get first dibs on VIP packages too.

2. Credit Card Presales

Major credit card companies like American Express, Citi, and Chase frequently partner with ticketing platforms to offer presale access to cardholders.

• You may need to enter a specific code like the first 6 digits of your card.
• Only valid if you pay using that card.

Why it matters: These presales often unlock exclusive seats or packages not available elsewhere.

3. Venue or Promoter Presales

Many venues or local promoters offer presales to newsletter subscribers or VIP lists.

• Requires signing up for emails or loyalty programs
• Great for smaller venues or regional tours

4. Spotify or Streaming Service Presales

Some artists use Spotify or Apple Music to offer presale access to their top listeners.

• You’ll get an email from Spotify if you're a “top fan”
• No signup necessary—just stream regularly

5. Ticketmaster Verified Fan Presales

Ticketmaster’s “Verified Fan” program aims to combat bots and scalpers.

• Requires signing up in advance
• You're vetted based on account activity, purchase history, etc.
• Only selected fans receive unique access codes

6. Radio Station Presales

Local radio stations often run contests or giveaways with presale codes.

• Tune in for code announcements or check station websites
• Not always reliable, but worth checking

7. Live Nation Presales

As one of the largest promoters, Live Nation often runs its own presales.

• Sign up for an account at livenation.com
• Codes are typically "STRUM" or "COVERT" depending on the event

How to Find Presale Codes

Now that you know how ticket presales work, the next question is: Where do you get the codes?

Here are proven ways to secure them:

• Join fan clubs: Paid or free, they’re your most direct path.
• Sign up for newsletters: Artist, venue, and promoter emails often share codes in advance.
• Check social media: Follow artists, venues, and ticket platforms for code drops.
• Listen to local radio: Especially helpful for regionally popular acts.
• Use credit card benefits: Log in to your bank’s entertainment portal.

If you’re ever unsure, sites like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and AXS list presale info under each event.

Do Presales Offer the Best Seats?

Not always. Here’s the truth: While presales give early access, they often don’t include the full ticket inventory. For high-demand events, this could mean:

• Fewer floor or front-row seats
• Only specific sections available
• Limited VIP or Platinum packages

However, early access often helps avoid price surges caused by dynamic pricing during general sales. That’s why even if the selection isn’t perfect, many fans still prefer presales.

How Ticket Presales Work on Major Platforms

Ticketmaster

• Use Verified Fan, fan club, or partner presales
• You’ll be emailed a unique code to use during checkout
• Some presales require a Ticketmaster account in advance

AXS

• Similar structure, with artist and venue-specific codes
• Queueing system may be in place for high-demand events

Live Nation

• Presale codes often provided via email (e.g., “STRUM” or “COVERT”)
• Requires a Live Nation account

StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats

These platforms do not offer presales but often have resale listings as soon as presale tickets are purchased elsewhere.

How to Use a Presale Code (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through how ticket presales work during checkout:

1. Find the presale window on Ticketmaster or your chosen platform.
2. Log in at least 10 minutes before the sale begins.
3. Enter the presale code in the designated box.
4. Select your number of tickets and section preference.
5. Complete checkout quickly—presale tickets can vanish in minutes.

Pro Tips for Presale Success

If you’re serious about getting great seats, use these expert tips:

• Create accounts ahead of time: Don’t wait until presale day.
• Log in early: Being in the digital queue early gives you an edge.
• Have your payment ready: Use saved cards for faster checkout.
• Use multiple devices or browsers: Improves your odds without violating terms.
• Don’t refresh constantly: Use the platform's countdown timers and auto-refresh features.

Common Presale Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

Presales are great—but they’re not foolproof. Here’s what to watch for:

• Wrong code: Double-check spelling and capitalization.
• Too late: Presale tickets may sell out within minutes.
• Queue confusion: Some systems (like AXS) auto-place you in a waiting room.
•  Overpaying for limited seats: Sometimes better seats drop during general sales—be strategic

Are Presales Worth It?

The answer is: usually, yes—especially for high-demand events where general sale tickets may never be available at face value. But they’re not a guarantee.

Pros:

• Early access
• Beat the general rush
• Avoid bots and resellers (sometimes)

Cons:

• Limited ticket inventory
• May require paid memberships
• Still competitive and time-sensitive

Final Thoughts: Mastering How Ticket Presales Work

Understanding how ticket presales work gives you a major edge in today’s competitive live event landscape. From fan club codes to credit card perks, these early access windows are your chance to lock in seats before prices spike or events sell out.