New Page Title:Where to Buy Sold Out Tickets

Missing your favorite artist or a big game can be disappointing. Finding last-minute tickets to sold-out shows can feel stressful. With the tips in this guide, you will be better prepared to find sold-out tickets to a must-see event and get in with confidence.

A long line of people wait to get tickets outside of a venue.

Check Ticket Resellers

There are benefits and risks to any transaction, especially online, but with the right ticket reseller, your event experience can be preserved. Among reputable ticket resellers, TicketSmarter is a great platform to use when looking to buy sold-out tickets.

The purchase process is simple and quick. Sellers who list inventory on our ticket marketplace source tickets in several ways, including presales, verified transfers, and established relationships with venues and promoters. Sold-out does not always mean no more tickets. Day-of returns, released holds, and last-minute official drops can appear close to showtime.

Another benefit is that most ticket resellers offer a ticket protection plan or policy. This can help ease any worries over your purchase and ensures that you get a receipt with your ticket order. You can try the venue for day-of or rush tickets, however, there is no guarantee that this will work. You also avoid taking chances with a digital lottery or waiting list when you buy on a trusted marketplace. Regulators have recently taken enforcement action against major platforms for deceptive pricing and resale practices, underscoring the importance of buying from marketplaces that publish clear guarantees and transparent delivery policies, as the Federal Trade Commission has noted.

Why Trust TicketSmarter For Ticket Resale?

TicketSmarter has a 100% Guarantee that applies to all tickets purchased on our marketplace. Our 100% Guarantee ensures that customers will receive a refund if their event is canceled and not rescheduled, if their order was accepted but not delivered by the seller in time for the event, if their order was accepted but not shipped in time for the event, or if their tickets were not valid for entry.

Additionally, when purchasing tickets through TicketSmarter, you can opt in to receive extra ticket protection before completing checkout. Allianz Global Assistance, which is a separate company from TicketSmarter, provides this extra ticket protection that can cover your ticket purchase for specific reasons such as a covered illness or injury, mechanical breakdown, traffic accidents, airline delays, and certain weather emergencies. Allianz’s Event Ticket Protector™ products are commonly offered at checkout and state they may reimburse up to 100% of ticket costs for covered reasons, so review exclusions and claim procedures when you add protection, according to Allianz Global Assistance. Always review plan details for covered reasons and exclusions, then keep your receipts and documentation in case you need to file a claim.

Smart Steps To Buy Last-Minute, Safely

Start with trusted sources. Buy from official channels first when possible. When using resale, use a verified ticket marketplace like TicketSmarter that offers a clear guarantee and secure checkout.
Check the URL and security. Confirm HTTPS and the padlock before entering payment information. Save all confirmation emails and order numbers.
Choose secure delivery. Mobile tickets are common for last-minute purchases and can include rotating barcodes that protect you from screenshot fraud. Download tickets in advance in the venue or platform app.
Compare options. Prices can change quickly near showtime. If you are flexible, check different sections and delivery types to find value.
Use a credit card. Credit cards often provide additional protection for disputes or unauthorized charges.
Keep an eye on timing. New tickets can appear up to the event from returned holds and customer exchanges. Refresh the listing and set alerts on event day.
Review fees and policies closely before checkout. Since late 2024 the Federal Trade Commission’s rule requires sellers of live-event tickets to disclose the total price inclusive of mandatory fees up front, so always confirm the “total price” is shown before checkout, per the FTC.

For more event-day preparation, see TicketSmarter’s guide on what to bring to a concert.

How Last-Minute Inventory Appears

Even when a show is marked sold out, tickets can reappear as:

Artist or venue holds released near showtime
Returned blocks from partners
Customer returns and exchanges
Small official drops to balance sections

Check back frequently on event day and be ready to purchase when you see a good seat and delivery method.

Delivery, Entry, and Validation Tips

Accept mobile transfer promptly and add tickets to your phone wallet or the venue app.
Do not post barcodes publicly. If you share a photo, cover the code and personal details.
Arrive with a charged phone, valid ID if required, and your order confirmation. Some venues verify identity during admission.
Many venue apps and ticketing systems now use dynamic, rotating mobile barcodes that refresh frequently to prevent screenshot fraud, so download and accept transfers in the official app to ensure codes are valid at the gate, as explained by venue ticketing systems.
If something seems wrong, contact TicketSmarter support immediately with your order number so we can help resolve issues under the 100% Guarantee.

When To Use a Marketplace vs Venue Day-Of

Use a ticket marketplace when you want selection, verified transfers, and a posted guarantee.
Try the venue day-of if you are comfortable with uncertainty and potentially long lines. Venue releases can be limited and unpredictable.
For tours and high-demand concerts, a marketplace often provides faster checkout and clearer policies, especially close to showtime.

Explore Live Events Now

Browse Concert Tickets for upcoming shows and tours.
Find Sports Tickets for games happening this week.
Discover Theatre Tickets for plays and musicals that fit your schedule.
Learn more tips on the TicketSmarter Blog, including our Ultimate Guide to Selling Concert Tickets.

Get Sold-Out Tickets Today

Cut out any stress and worry when you find last-minute tickets for sold-out shows with TicketSmarter. From seeing a Broadway show on a budget or getting courtside seats to a basketball game, TicketSmarter has you covered.

FAQs: Buying Last-Minute Tickets To Sold-Out Events

How can I safely buy last-minute tickets to sold-out concerts from reputable resellers?

Use a trusted ticket marketplace such as TicketSmarter that offers a clear 100% Guarantee, secure checkout, and verified ticket delivery. Check the site’s HTTPS, review fees and policies, and download mobile tickets in advance. You can also browse concert tickets to see real-time availability.

What protections should I look for when purchasing resale tickets online?

Look for a marketplace guarantee that covers non-delivery, invalid tickets, and cancellations that are not rescheduled. TicketSmarter’s 100% Guarantee covers these situations. Optional ticket protection at checkout can add coverage for specific disruptions like illness or travel delays. Allianz’s Event Ticket Protector™ products are commonly offered at checkout and may reimburse up to 100% of ticket costs for covered reasons, so review exclusions and claim procedures when you add protection, per Allianz.

How do ticket marketplaces get last-minute inventory for sold-out shows and tours?

Inventory can appear when artists or venues release holds, partners return blocks, or customers return and exchange tickets. These drops can happen on event day. TicketSmarter updates listings as new inventory becomes available.

Why choose a reseller with a guarantee and optional ticket protection?

A strong guarantee helps if tickets are not delivered, are invalid, or if the event is canceled and not rescheduled. Optional ticket protection can reimburse the ticket cost for covered reasons, adding another layer of confidence. TicketSmarter offers both the 100% Guarantee and an optional ticket protection plan at checkout.

What are best practices to avoid scams when buying day-of tickets?

Stick to secure marketplaces like TicketSmarter, avoid off-platform payments, verify the URL, and use a credit card. Save your receipts and order confirmations. Download tickets to your device and verify transfer status before you head to the venue.

How can optional Allianz-style ticket protection help with illness, travel delays, or cancellations?

Ticket protection can reimburse your ticket cost for covered reasons such as a covered illness or injury, traffic accidents, airline delays, mechanical breakdowns, and certain weather emergencies. Policies vary, so review the terms at checkout on TicketSmarter and keep documentation for claims. Allianz’s Event Ticket Protector™ overview explains common covered reasons and claim details, per Allianz.

When is it better to use a reseller marketplace instead of trying venue day-of or rush tickets?

Use a marketplace when you want speed, selection, and clear protections. Venue day-of or rush tickets can be limited and unpredictable. For high-demand tours, TicketSmarter often offers more options and fast mobile delivery close to showtime.

What steps ensure last-minute resale tickets are valid for entry?

Buy on TicketSmarter, confirm your order email, accept the ticket transfer, and add tickets to your phone wallet or the venue app. Bring your ID if required and arrive early. If an issue arises, contact TicketSmarter support with your order number for help under the 100% Guarantee.

How do fees, guarantees, and delivery policies compare for last-minute tickets?

Review the total price, guarantee terms, and delivery method before you buy. TicketSmarter clearly displays fees during checkout, provides the 100% Guarantee, and supports mobile delivery so you can enter quickly. Since late 2024 the Federal Trade Commission’s rule requires sellers to disclose the total price inclusive of mandatory fees up front, so always confirm the total price is shown before checkout, per the FTC.