Planning a trip to see some great tennis? Learn how to best buy tennis tickets, ensuring you have a good experience from start to finish. Whether you’re a true tennis nerd or a casual spectator, our tips will hopefully help you secure the best seats at the most competitive prices at your tennis travels.
When it comes to purchasing tennis tickets, timing is everything. From Grand Slam tournaments to smaller ATP or WTA events, being aware of ticket release dates is crucial.
We’ll share our best information on when and where to find the best ticket deals, ensuring you don’t miss out on the opportunity to watch your favorite players. You’ll also get insights on different ticketing platforms to easier navigate those sites.
- Timing is Important
- Grand Slam Tickets
- ATP/WTA Tickets
- Preparing for Ticket Sales
- Ticketing Platforms
- Cheap vs Expensive Tickets
- Tips to Find Low Prices
Timing is Key: Know When Tickets are Released
Timing is important when you want to buy tennis tickets. Being aware of exactly when tickets are released can give you a significant advantage in securing the best seats and getting them at decent prices.
So, how to stay up-to-date with ticket release dates for various tennis events?
Grand Slam Tournaments
The Grand Slam tournaments are of course the hardest ones to get tickets for. These events attract a massive audience and demand for tickets is incredibly high.
- Wimbledon Tickets
- US Open Tickets
- Australian Open Tickets
- Roland Garros Tickets
Here are some tips for keeping track of ticket release dates for Grand Slam tournaments:
- Follow official social media accounts: Most tournaments announce ticket sale dates on their official social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram. Make sure to follow these accounts and possibly also set alerts for their updates.
- Check tournament websites: Most tournaments have dedicated websites where they announce ticket sale dates and provide other important details. Visit these websites regularly ahead of the event when looking to purchase tennis tickets.
- Sign up for newsletters: Some tournaments offer newsletter subscriptions that provide updates on ticket sales and other important information. Apart from keeping you up to date on upcoming releases, there are sometimes tips for discounts as well.
- Utilize ticketing platforms: Ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster or StubHub often sell tickets for ATP and WTA events. Set up alerts or notifications on these platforms for these specific events, to be notified when tickets become available.
- Set reminders: Once you have the ticket release dates, set reminders on your phone or computer to ensure you’re ready to purchase as soon as sales start. Tickets for popular matches can sell out within minutes.
Don’t Forget all the Great ATP and WTA Events
The smaller ATP and WTA events offer a chance to witness some incredible matches and up-and-coming talent.
To keep track of ticket release dates for ATP and WTA events, follow the same procedure as the Grand Slam listed above.
These tournaments may not have the same level of prestige as the Grand Slams, but they can offer fantastic opportunities for fans to experience the game up close and they usually feature a few of the top-ranked players.
A Few Important Links
Why Buy Tennis Tickets for ATP and WTA Tournaments?
ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) events showcase some of the sport’s most promising players, along with some of the top names. These tournaments often provide a more intimate setting than the larger Grand Slam events, allowing spectators to feel closer to the players and the game.
Some of these events are very close to the popularity of the Big Four.
Let’s look at the Indian Wells ATP event as an example and find some good ticketing sites and social media accounts to follow:
Indian Wells ATP Tickets
The Indian Wells Masters (or BNP Paribas Open), is the first Masters 1000 tournament of the season. This event in California is growing fast in popularity and here you’ll truly enjoy yourself while watching really good tennis!
The official site offers tickets and various tennis packages for purchase. This includes everything from single session tickets to luxury suits and front Front Box Club tickets.
Tickets can also be bought from most online ticketing platforms, see examples further down on this page. We recommend checking all these sites, especially for single session tickets, prices can be more volatile here.
We would follow these social media accounts to stay up to date on ticketing and information for Indian Wells:
Find Hidden Gems among the ATP and WTA
- Research the Calendar: Stay informed about the ATP and WTA event calendar. Mark dates for tournaments that interest you and fit your schedule. The ATP calendar and the WTA official calendar offer a good view with dates and locations of tournaments. Also, check out our Masters 1000 betting section for a good overview of the biggest ATP tournaments.
- Follow Social Media Accounts: We know this is not everyone’s cup of tea… However, it’s quite important nowadays to keep up to date and get unique and fast information. Follow the official social media accounts of ATP and WTA events as well as related fan pages. In addition to tournament updates and match results, they often share ticket information and promotions.
- Utilize Ticketing Platforms: Take advantage of ticketing platforms or official tournament websites to keep track of ATP and WTA event ticket releases. These platforms often offer alerts for your specific event.
Preparing for Ticket Sales
Just a few tips so think about so you’re prepared for the moment tickets come available.
Most Grand Slam tournaments require you to create an account on their ticketing platforms. Take a few minutes to set up your account in advance, providing all the necessary information to save time on the day of the sale.
Some of the tournaments offer package deals that include access to multiple matches or exclusive experiences. These packages can be a great way to secure tickets to high-demand matches, and some even include perks like access to private lounges or complimentary merchandise.
Access the Site Early
On the day of ticket sales, make sure you’re online and ready well in advance of the start time. Some tournaments even use a virtual queue system, so being early on the page can definitely help in many cases.
Also, maybe a bit exaggerating, but if you want to be super sure, increase your chances of success by using multiple devices. Your computer, tablet and smartphone, can all be prepared to access the ticketing platform in case of technical issues.
Comparing Ticketing Platforms: The Pros and Cons
When it comes to buying tennis tickets, there are several ticketing platforms to choose from. Each platform has its own set of pros and cons that can affect your ticket buying experience.
Official Tournament Websites
Pros of purchasing from the official website:
- Reliability: Official tournament websites are the most reliable source for purchasing tickets. They provide accurate and up-to-date information on ticket availability and pricing.
- Access to All Ticket Types: Official websites often offer a wide range of tickets, including single session tickets, day passes and tournament packages.
- Official Ticket Guarantee: Purchasing tickets directly from the tournament website ensures that you are getting authentic tickets and not falling victim to scams or counterfeit tickets.
Cons:
- High Demand: Due to their popularity, tickets on official tournament websites can sell out quickly, especially for high-profile matches or finals.
- Limited Availability: Depending on the tournament, the number of tickets available on the official website may be limited, making it difficult to secure preferred seating or specific dates.
Third-Party Ticketing Platforms
Pros:
- Wide Selection: Third-party ticketing platforms often have a large inventory of tickets available for various tennis events, including high-demand tournaments.
- Convenience: These platforms provide an easy and convenient way to compare ticket prices and seating options from multiple sellers in one place.
- Customer Support: Reputable third-party platforms usually offer customer support to assist with any ticketing issues or concerns.
Cons:
- Possibility of Price Markups: Third-party platforms may include service fees or mark up ticket prices compared to face value. It’s important to consider these additional costs when comparing prices.
- Risk of Fraud: There is a small, but potential risk of purchasing counterfeit or invalid tickets when using third-party platforms. Just make sure to choose a reputable platform and it should be no problem though.
Platforms to Buy Tennis Tickets Online
Cheap vs Expensive Tickets
When you are looking to buy tennis tickets, especially for big events like Grand Slams or Masters tournaments, there’s often a significant price range to consider. The decision between opting for cheaper or more expensive tickets can dramatically impact your experience.
This varies greatly between all events and it’s important to know what is included on the ticket package. Let’s look at some of the common differences.
- View and Atmosphere: The most noticeable difference is usually the view. Expensive tickets usually offer closer proximity to the court, providing a better view of the players and the match. This proximity also often means a more intense and engaging atmosphere. Cheaper seats, typically higher up in the stands, might require reliance on screens for a clearer view of the action.
- Comfort and Amenities: High-priced tickets often come with added comforts like more legroom, cushioned seating, and access to exclusive areas such as lounges or bars. These areas might offer complimentary refreshments, private restrooms or even shelter from weather. Cheaper tickets generally mean basic amenities, and always a risk of sitting in the rain.
- Access to Players or Exclusive Events: Sometimes, pricier tickets include access to practice courts, a chance to witness player warm-ups or entry to special events like post-match press conferences or meet-and-greet opportunities. These are rarely accessible to holders of more economical tickets.
- Crowd and Environment: The type of crowd can differ based on ticket price. More expensive areas might attract serious tennis nerds, while the cheaper sections could have a more diverse and potentially more fun crowd. Well, this can either be a pro or a con, depending on your personal preference for watching the game.
- Price Difference Justification: Consider if the price difference is justifiable for you. For some, the experience of being close to the action and the added comforts are worth the additional price. For others, simply being present at the event and soaking in the overall atmosphere, regardless of the seat, is sufficient.
- Budget and Frequency of Attendance: If attending tennis matches is a rare occasion for you, splurging might make it more memorable. However, if you’re a frequent attendee, opting for cheaper tickets could be more economical in the long run.
- Areas to Avoid for Cheapest Tickets: Be wary of the absolute cheapest tickets. Sometimes, these seats might have obstructed views or be situated in less desirable sections of the stadium, like directly under the sun or in windy corners.
Whether expensive tennis tickets are worth it depends on your priorities, budget and also the options for the specific tournament you are visiting. For some arenas, a more expensive ticket is just not worth the money and for another event we would strongly recommend spending a bit more.
For instance, Indian Wells is known for its picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere, which can be enjoyed from most seats, while tournaments like Miami or Monte Carlo might offer more exclusive experiences in premium seats.
Also, the Australian Open, with its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, can be enjoyed from basically any seat. The modern facilities ensure good visibility and comfort even in less expensive seating areas. Check out our tips for visiting Australian Open.
Wimbledon, on the other hand, is played in a different setting. Steeped in tradition and considered by many to be the most prestigious tennis tournament. The experience of watching a grass-court match on Centre Court, especially the finals, is unmatched and here it might be worth it to splash the cash for an unforgettable experience. Especially if you’re going only once.
Tips for Lower Prices
Below are some ideas for anyone looking to get really cheap tickets to tennis tournaments.
Many tournaments offer early bird discounts for those who buy tickets well in advance. Keep an eye on the tournament’s official website and social media for announcements about ticket sales dates. Purchasing tickets as soon as they become available can often secure a lower price.
Consider attending matches on weekdays or during early rounds of the tournament. Tickets for these matches are typically cheaper than for weekend games or later rounds.
As stared many times in this article, subscribe to newsletters from tennis organizations and ticket selling platforms. They often send out alerts for discounts, presale opportunities or special promotions that can lead to lower ticket prices.
Some tournaments offer discounts for group purchases. If you plan to attend with friends or family, buying tickets as a group can sometimes reduce the cost per ticket.
Check out reputable ticket resale websites. Fans who can no longer attend often sell their tickets at a lower price as the event date approaches. However, be cautious and use only trusted platforms to avoid scams.
Some tournaments offer free entry to volunteers. While this involves working at the event, it also provides a chance to watch matches for free during your off-time.
While risky, last minute purchases and waiting until the last minute can sometimes result in lower prices, especially from resellers trying to offload tickets for a match happening soon. This approach is best for those who live near the venue or can make last-minute travel arrangements.
Consider attending smaller ATP/WTA tournaments, where ticket prices are generally lower, and you can still enjoy high-quality tennis.
If you’re a frequent attendee, look into loyalty programs offered by tournament organizers or ticket vendors. These programs can offer discounts, early access to tickets, or other perks.
Follow tennis players, brands and tournament social media accounts. They occasionally run contests or giveaways offering free or discounted tickets.
Remember, while finding lower-priced tickets is a bonus, it’s important to ensure that the source is legitimate to avoid fraud.
