Attending your favorite concerts is getting more and more expensive. Here's how to save some money so you can enjoy more shows.
Digging through your high-school scrapbook is depressing: not only do you see all the gorgeous men (or women) who "got away," but you also find an old ticket stub: concerts were CHEAP back in those days, even for huge acts like Elton John or The Eagles. It wasn't often that concertgoers dished up seventy-five bucks for the "cheap seats" at the very back of the venue - and the beer was NOT eleven bucks a cup.
Sadly, the prices keep going up while our incomes stay roughly the same. Not everybody can afford a night out at their favorite show anymore - but you can, with a little conservation and planning ahead.
You have to be picky about which shows you attend: while you might love twelve of the acts coming through your area this month, you can't necessarily afford to see all of them. Plan ahead of time so you're sure to catch your very favorite bands and artists.
Also: different venues charge more or less depending on capacity and the act's popularity. Compare the prices for each act and weigh your options: it might be much cheaper to see a show at a smaller venue.
Buy your tickets online, ahead of time. This ensures that you'll have the best seating selection to choose from, and that you won't have to go through a scalper (if such a thing is even legal in your state - if it's not, don't even think about it). Also: if you purchase enough tickets through certain sites, you qualify for pre-sale options, which means you can get your hands on your tix before everybody else. That, and you can earn discounts on future events: you might save just a couple of bucks, but that's better than nothing. While you're at the site, browse around for information on special discounts for the disabled, students, etc. You never know what you can find if you take the time to look.
Consider getting less-than-premium seating. Some venues have open "lawn" areas for ten to twenty bucks per ticket. You won't be able to see your favorite lead singer's nose hairs, but you WILL be able to spread a blanket, stretch out and enjoy hearing the show. This is ideal if you're a large group, or if you just aren't into the shoving-pushing-cramming of actual seating.
Note: Don't put it on plastic. The interest rates and other fees will make the show more expensive than necessary. Use a debit card so the money is pulled from your account immediately.
Make the outing a group event: get as many people together as you can and have everybody chip in what they can afford. If you pool your money you should be able to buy tickets, parking, and a meal after the show. Sometimes you might even find group discounts on large quantities of tickets. If you go to a restaurant afterward, be sure to tip generously, especially if the service is above-average: saving money doesn't mean you have to be a jerk.
Eat before - or after - the show. If beer is eleven bucks a cup, how much do you think actual food is going to cost? It'll be MUCH more expensive than a meal at a decent restaurant, and you lessen the risk of dumping nachos all over your brand-new tee-shirt.
Take public transportation or carpool. Parking is usually charged per carload. If you can avoid taking a vehicle, great: if not, take as few as possible. Don't be lazy, either: if it's cheaper to park farther out in the lot and walk than it is to get a really great spot, consider how much you'll benefit from the exercise.
Don't be suckered by merchandise tables/booths. You're high on energy from the show, so you're willing to cough up twenty-five bucks for a plain old Hanes tee-shirt with the band's name scribbled on it in black Crayola. Be patient: you can find the same thing somewhere else for a better price. Check the act's official Web site or do an Internet search for band merchandise: you'll probably find several places to buy what you want.
Above all, have fun at the show. This is your chance to see your favorite acts live, on stage: relax, sing along, and be sure to flick your Zippo when the slow ballad starts.
