Buy or Scalp?

#1
Ashevolle

Ashevolle

Pandemonium Reigns
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Feb 9, 2009
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#1
So, I used to scalp tickets to Neyland in highschool (late 90s), got student tickets in college, and have only attended one game after college (LSU 2011). I bought those tickets on Stubhub. Scalping used to be a pretty good option, but since its been so many years I'm not sure what to do for my next game at Neyland, which is Georgia this year. Are there deals to be had on gameday usually for a conference game? Any advice would be appreciated.
 
#2
#2
Ticket forum 2-3 weeks before the game is usually a good option for me.I always look at scalping as last resort just because I dont like the hassle. :twocents:
 
#3
#3
Always prefer scalpers. I enjoy the haggling and you almost always can find a great deal if you are patient.
 
#5
#5
I personally always prefer scalping (enjoy the hunt and haggling) and I'll definitely go that route again this year. It's going to be a tough season IMO and because of that there should be some great deals to be had.
 
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#6
#6
It's your call. I'd like to make some comments. Scalping has always been a dubious way to buy tickets. You can never be sure they're authentic. In these times of dire economic times, the likelihood of getting fake tickets foisted off on you is higher. This is why I haunt StubHub when not buying via the UT ticket office.
 
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#7
#7
Street scalping can be very strange. I've seen games that should be high dollar games going for near nothing while other games that should be near nothing commanded high prices. Until gameday, it is just a guess. The bottom line is that if there are more fingers in the air than tickets, prices are going to be high. If there are more tickets than fingers (multiple fingers -- not just THE one), the prices are low.

If you have a game in mind, set your own price and look around. If you find what you want at what you want to pay, buy 'em. If not, keep looking. It is a supply and demand market. If UT beats Oregon or Floriduh, UGa tickets will go up in value. Similarly, if it is a bad start, prices will tumble.
 
#8
#8
And that is your VN Econ 101 lesson. I've dealt with a couple scalpers before normally not waiting long enough to find a deal and generally wound up overpaying. Although I have found if you are buying for a group you can normally get a pretty good bargain.
 
#9
#9
WoodsmanVol said:
It's your call. I'd like to make some comments. Scalping has always been a dubious way to buy tickets. You can never be sure they're authentic. In these times of dire economic times, the likelihood of getting fake tickets foisted off on you is higher. This is why I haunt StubHub when not buying via the UT ticket office.
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If you can't spot a fake, then you probably wouldn't be able to see the field anyway unless you got seats on the first 3 rows.

Don't buy print at home tickets...
 
#11
#11
Your best bet is to hit Craigslist in the town the game, concert, etc. is in 24 hours (or less) before the event. Lots of people who have a last minute issue trying to get rid of their seats at way below market prices. Be prepared to meet somewhere with cash. Works 60-70% of the time for me.

The next cheapest option is to scalp on game day and wait as close as possible to kickoff. There are always good seats available if you don't mind a little bargaining.

Last are ticket brokers and StubHub. Guaranteed seats but you will pay a premium. Only for if you absolutely have to sit in a certain area or have an unusual group that's hard to accommodate.
 
#12
#12
#27VFL said:
Always prefer scalpers. I enjoy the haggling and you almost always can find a great deal if you are patient.
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This year scalping is the way to go, but I believe 2014-2015 could be a different situation. You may have to pay over face value form most games.
 
#14
#14
I always put whatever I'm willing to spend on a ticket in my pocket, then whip the money out when the scalpers start talking prices. I never have to reach back into my wallet for more $$$.
 
#15
#15
shelbyvillevol said:
I always put whatever I'm willing to spend on a ticket in my pocket, then whip the money out when the scalpers start talking prices. I never have to reach back into my wallet for more $$$.
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Precisely, this.

I do prefer hunting Stub Hub from months before the game, all the way up until gameday. Being patient and inquisitive pays off.
 
#16
#16
Thanks guys, good info! Looks like it hasn't changed too much since high school (except the price). I'll be at the Oregon game too, but scalping in the Portland and Eugene areas seems to be less pervasive. Good to know the art of scalping is still alive and well in Knoxville
 
#17
#17
ItsAllVols said:
This year scalping is the way to go, but I believe 2014-2015 could be a different situation. You may have to pay over face value form most games.
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Exactly. I did spend 1,000 for 4 tickets on the 40 yard line to the Florida game last year. That was an epic fail. I have a feeling next years games will cost that again
 
#18
#18
Ashevolle said:
Thanks guys, good info! Looks like it hasn't changed too much since high school (except the price). I'll be at the Oregon game too, but scalping in the Portland and Eugene areas seems to be less pervasive. Good to know the art of scalping is still alive and well in Knoxville
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scalping might be illegal in oregonia. it is legal in TN. illegal in NC.
 
#19
#19
Most of it will depend on the team, if they pull a shocker at the Swamp or at Oregon, then those GA tickets will skyrocket, if they're just doing ok then you should be able to save some from a scalper. I'd buy from a professional site like Stubhub or Ticketsnow rather than a street vendor. 99% are legitimate tickets, but just in case you get a bad one then at least you have somewhere to go to get your money back. With a street vendor you're just SOL.
 
#20
#20
I always buy before I come into town for a game, usually stubhub, but I always try the ticket sections too. I don't care to pay the extra price for knowing where Im gonna sit, and having tix in my hand when I crack my first beer. i'd rather concentrate on tailgaiting than finding tickets!!
 
#21
#21
tm3 said:
scalping might be illegal in oregonia. it is legal in TN. illegal in NC.
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My understanding of the law where scalping is illegal is that as long as you don't ask more than face value its okay. You just can't offer them for s profit. Socialist imo
 
#22
#22
and the last several years, I've often had extra tickets I couldn't give away hardly. Or sell for $10 a piece. Until we start winning, scalping is the way to go.
 
#23
#23
Z06VolinWV said:
I always buy before I come into town for a game, usually stubhub, but I always try the ticket sections too. I don't care to pay the extra price for knowing where Im gonna sit, and having tix in my hand when I crack my first beer. i'd rather concentrate on tailgaiting than finding tickets!!
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Same here. I don't mind haggling but the time spent tailgating is much more valuable to me. If I'm lucky I get to 4 games per year so pre-game events mean a lot. Don't need to waste any of it trying to find a deal. To each his own.
 
#24
#24
From a monetary standpoint, Georgia will bring the highest cost for the season. 1st big home game. That being said, I'd still go the scalper route instead of stubhub. I think a decent ticket could be found for around $10 over face value.
 
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