Purchasing tickets to major sports events can be notoriously difficult due to high demand and short supply.
Whilst many readers will be lucky enough to attend major sports events as part of the day job, every now and again you might be looking for that golden ticket to an event that sits outside of your network.
Regulated by the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK, outside of team-operated resale platforms, viagogo offers the safest way for fans to buy and sell tickets to sports and entertainment events.
For the fans amongst us desperate to see their team or favourite player compete, buying tickets from non-regulated sources can be a minefield, so we’ve compiled a list of hints and tips to keep your money safe.
Watch out for Bad Actors
If ticket prices are too good to be true, take that extra moment to make sure that you are buying from a reputable source. Online fraudsters are on every social media platform, and can sneak their way into ticket selling pages.
It is always recommended that if you are buying resale tickets from a stranger, never ever pay directly with cash, online transfer or payment apps. Direct payment methods do not provide protection or allow you to track your order if, in the worst case, it turns out you’ve been scammed — and limit your ability to recoup your money.
Book with Peace of Mind
Though fake tickets on social media are a cause for concern, fraudsters have been known to create fake websites fitted out with copycat logos to lure in prospective buyers. Other websites use unsecure URLs (website links) that could put your precious bank details at risk.
So, wherever you buy your tickets from, make sure that your purchase is covered against event cancellation and fraud. Using safe, regulated, marketplaces like viagogo, that promise 100% customer guarantees on each order, means fans either get into the game or their money back.
Search Smarter
General sale tickets are often small in number and soar in price, being savvy with your searches can save you some serious money. It’s important to consider the price difference between single seats, versus a group ticket, to score a deal.
Prices for seats on ticketing websites tend to dip during off-peak hours or closer to the event – peak hours are the first few weeks after on-sale and in the week leading into the event – so holding out a little longer to get your pass is a good idea.
Pick a seat, any seat!
You don’t have to be on the halfway line to have a good view of a match. Sitting behind the posts, goal or net, or on the corners of a pitch, offer unique perspectives, which allow you to read the match and see the tactics in play.
If you want to perch on the halfway line, enjoy the benefits of the view, but expect to be paying significantly more than your fellow fans. Check out all seating options, and consider the experience you are seeking, before you make a decision.
Location, Location, Location
The beauty of sport is that you often have the golden opportunity to explore new cities, whilst following your favourite team. If you can’t manage to get to ‘home’ games but are happy to hit the road you can often snap up tickets at bargain prices. And with viagogo you aren’t restricted to the UK. We sell tickets in 170+ countries and are official resale partners for the likes of Major League Baseball, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea enabling you to follow your team all around the world.
Have a Back-up Plan
If life throws you a curve ball and for whatever reason you’ve got tickets you no longer need, have a plan B. viagogo is a safe place to sell your spares.
Simply find the event, list your ticket, set the price and choose how you want to get paid. Take peace of mind and know that whatever the outcome, you will either be there, or can sell your tickets so you aren’t left empty handed.
Don’t Share on Social
There is no better sight than the confirmation email, telling you that you’re heading to your fantasy fixture. It is only natural to want to share this celebration with your friends and family, but be careful when you post photos of your tickets, as prying eyes can snap them up.
Visible barcodes, QR codes and order numbers can lead to information on you, or the security of your ticket, being compromised. Protect your ticket, cover up any visible information.
To find those in-demand tickets, or sell seats to events you won’t be able to make it to, head to viagogo.co.uk
