How did you Obtain Tickets this W/E and Monday?

MrBill64 · Post by **MrBill64** » March 13, 2006 3:48 pm

Wondering how everyone obtained tickets to a Buffett show this past w/e. For those who obtained tickets to more than one show, choose how you obtained your tickets to the first show you bought tickets for.

Bill

Hoosier PH · Post by **Hoosier PH** » March 13, 2006 3:50 pm

Always get mine online.

Nole Pirate · Post by **Nole Pirate** » March 13, 2006 3:51 pm

Online, no problem at all, however I don't think I can say the same for everyone.

bsredlight · Post by **bsredlight** » March 13, 2006 3:57 pm

Lottery at TM outlet.

rednekkPH · Post by **rednekkPH** » March 13, 2006 4:02 pm

Online...5 shows...15 minutes...with much planning and lots of help from my friends.

surfpirate · Post by **surfpirate** » March 13, 2006 4:32 pm

The only way I ever get tickets. Locate a ticketmaster outlet at a location that does not utilize a lottery (rules out immediately Hecht's, etc.). Plan to invest a minimum of 24-36 hours. Usually means a drive of 2-3 or more hours away and then 24+ hours camping out. With the right kind of research, I'm usually #1 in line so I get to run the show. Set the basic line rules, i.e. you don't need to stay in line for the full night, but I will do a roll call every 2 hours to make sure you didn't sign the list and then sneak off to a warm, cozy bed only to reappear in the morning hoping to assume your place in line. Encourage everyone, if possible to pay cash to not slow up the process for those in line behind them. Respect the area (don't trash it). The usual basic courtesy stuff. The last few years I've only wanted 2 tickets for my wife and I, best available. I usually score orchestra - been front row twice at Merriweather and once at Nissan. This year I scored 2nd row orchestra center section at Nissan. Told my wife if we didn't get orchestra again that I'd sell the tickets and we go lawn (she's been spoiled over the years).

I realize this only works if you A) have the time to invest the 24-36 hours camping out .... B) want only 2 tickets best available, and .... C) are willing to do a little pre-work research.

Odds are stacked so far against you if all you are able to do is attempt to grab tix online. Put some effort and time into and you will be rewarded. Don't complain if you get shut out and the only effort you expended was setting an alarm clock for 9:45 am to go online.

Saw my first of 70+ shows in 1978 at King's Dominion in Virginia. $6 college rate pass to the park got me every ride as well as Jimmy's show. Been hooked ever since.

LIPH · Post by **LIPH** » March 13, 2006 4:41 pm

surfpirate wrote:Odds are stacked so far against you if all you are able to do is attempt to grab tix online. Put some effort and time into and you will be rewarded. Don't complain if you get shut out and the only effort you expended was setting an alarm clock for 9:45 am to go online.

I can't remember the last time I went to a TM outlet or tried calling them on the phone. I get all my tickets online, every concert I go to, not just Buffett, and last Saturday was the first time I've ever been shut out. Ever. I always get reserved seats, I've been as close as the 3rd row 3 times and in the first 10 rows probably 7 or 8 other times. I don't drive 2-3 hours, I don't have to camp out at the TM outlet. Whether you go to a TM outlet, the venue box office, call TM on the phone or try buying online, the tickets all come from the same pool. It's the luck of the draw.

surfpirate · Post by **surfpirate** » March 13, 2006 4:53 pm

LIPH wrote:
surfpirate wrote:Odds are stacked so far against you if all you are able to do is attempt to grab tix online. Put some effort and time into and you will be rewarded. Don't complain if you get shut out and the only effort you expended was setting an alarm clock for 9:45 am to go online.
I can't remember the last time I went to a TM outlet or tried calling them on the phone. I get all my tickets online, every concert I go to, not just Buffett, and last Saturday was the first time I've ever been shut out. Ever. I always get reserved seats, I've been as close as the 3rd row 3 times and in the first 10 rows probably 7 or 8 other times. I don't drive 2-3 hours, I don't have to camp out at the TM outlet. Whether you go to a TM outlet, the venue box office, call TM on the phone or try buying online, the tickets all come from the same pool. It's the luck of the draw.

LIPH. Didn't mean to "dis" you. I realize camping out isn't an option for everyone. But by camping out at a location I know I'm #1 and in the queue. Yes I'm one of about 70 or so people who are also #1 at whatever TM location they are at as well ..... but online you are competing with tens of thousands hoping to get lucky. I know my odds are beter at a TM location particularly if I'm #1. All the tickets come from the same pool .... yes .... but my odds are much, much better.

All you have to do is read these boards and the postings from many of those tens of thousands who were shut out. They tend to blame TM and not the long odds of being a single small fish in the massive online pool.