How to Save on Concert Tickets in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its dynamic music scene, historic venues, and a steady stream of national and international touring artists. From the iconic Long Beach Arena and the revitalized The Pike Outlets to intimate spots like The Observatory and The Green Room, the city hosts an impressive variety of concerts year-round — spanning hip-hop, rock, electronic, jazz, and Latin genres. However, as demand grows, so do ticket prices. With premium seating, service fees, and limited availability, concertgoers often find themselves paying significantly more than face value.

This guide is your comprehensive resource for saving money on concert tickets in Long Beach. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a local music enthusiast, or a visitor planning a weekend getaway, learning how to strategically purchase tickets can save you hundreds of dollars. We’ll walk you through proven methods, insider tips, essential tools, real-world examples, and frequently asked questions to ensure you never overpay again. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to secure affordable tickets to the shows you love — without sacrificing the experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Know the Venue and Its Ticketing Partners

Before you start searching for tickets, identify where the concert is being held. Long Beach has several major venues, each with its own ticketing partner and policies. For example:

• Long Beach Arena — Often uses Ticketmaster or AXS
• The Observatory — Uses Ticketfly (now part of Eventbrite) or their own direct system
• Pepperdine University’s Smothers Theatre — Uses their own box office or TicketWeb
• The Green Room — Typically sells tickets via direct website or local platforms

Each platform has different fee structures. Ticketmaster, for instance, often adds service fees of 15–25%, while smaller venues may charge flat rates or no fees at all. Always check the venue’s official website for the “Tickets” link — this ensures you’re buying from the primary seller, not a third-party reseller that inflates prices.

2. Set Up Price Alerts and Monitor Early

Prices fluctuate based on demand, time of sale, and even the day of the week. Many artists release tickets in phases: presales, general on-sale, and sometimes last-minute drops. Use free price-tracking tools like:

• SeatGeek — Offers price trend graphs and “Deal Score” ratings
• StubHub — Shows historical pricing and alerts when prices drop
• Google Alerts — Set up alerts for “Long Beach concert tickets [artist name]”

Set alerts as soon as an artist is announced. Prices are typically lowest during the initial on-sale window. Waiting until the day of the show often results in higher prices unless tickets are unsold — which is rare for popular acts.

3. Join Artist and Venue Email Lists

Artists and venues frequently offer exclusive presales to subscribers. These presales often occur 24–72 hours before the general public sale and may include:

• Discount codes (e.g., 10–15% off)
• Early access to better seats
• Bundle deals (ticket + merch)

Subscribe to newsletters from:

• The artist’s official website
• Long Beach Arena’s mailing list
• The Observatory’s newsletter
• Local music blogs like Long Beach Music Scene or LA Weekly

Many fans miss this step, assuming all tickets are sold the same way. But presale access can mean the difference between $120 and $75 tickets.

4. Use Student, Military, and Local Discounts

Many venues and promoters offer discounts for specific groups:

• Student discounts — Verified through ID.me or UNiDAYS. Present your student ID at the box office or enter a promo code during checkout.
• Military discounts — Available at Long Beach Arena and some larger venues. Look for “Military Ticket Offer” on the event page.
• Local resident discounts — Some events offer reduced pricing for ZIP codes 90801–90810. Check the event page for “Local Offer” or “City Resident Discount.”

Always check the “Special Offers” or “Accessibility” section on the ticketing page. These are often buried but can yield significant savings.

5. Attend Pre-Sale Events and Fan Club Memberships

Many artists run official fan clubs that grant early access to tickets — sometimes weeks in advance. For example:

• Chance the Rapper’s fan club offered presale access before his 2023 Long Beach show
• Imagine Dragons’ fan club provided discounted tickets for their 2022 concert at the Arena

Joining a fan club often costs $5–$20/year — a small investment for guaranteed savings. Some clubs also offer exclusive merch, early entry, or meet-and-greet opportunities.

6. Buy Tickets on Off-Peak Days

Ticket prices can vary based on the day of the week. Shows on Thursday or Sunday often cost less than Friday or Saturday performances. This is because:

• Weekend shows have higher demand
• Weekday shows attract fewer corporate buyers and tourists
• Some venues offer “Midweek Madness” discounts

Check the event calendar for weekday shows. For example, a Thursday night concert at The Observatory might be $20 cheaper than a Saturday show by the same artist.

7. Consider General Admission Standing Room Only (SRO)

General Admission (GA) tickets are almost always cheaper than reserved seating. In Long Beach venues like The Observatory or The Green Room, GA standing room is often the most affordable option — and sometimes the most energetic experience.

GA tickets can be 30–50% cheaper than seated tickets. If you’re comfortable standing for the duration of the show, this is one of the smartest ways to save. Just arrive early to secure a good spot near the stage.

8. Look for Group Discounts

Many venues offer discounts for groups of 10 or more. This is especially useful if you’re planning a night out with friends. Contact the venue’s box office directly — don’t rely on the website. Some venues:

• Offer 10–15% off for groups of 10+
• Provide complimentary tickets for every 10 purchased
• Allow flexible payment plans

Group discounts are rarely advertised online, so calling or emailing the box office is essential.

9. Use Cashback and Reward Programs

Several platforms offer cashback on ticket purchases:

• Rakuten — Offers 2–8% cashback on select ticket sites
• Capital One Shopping — Automatically applies coupon codes and tracks cashback
• Chase or Amex credit cards — Some offer bonus points on entertainment purchases

For example, purchasing tickets through Rakuten’s Ticketmaster link could earn you $10–$20 back on a $200 purchase. Combine this with a credit card that offers 3% cashback on entertainment, and you’re saving nearly 10% total.

10. Wait for Last-Minute Drops (With Caution)

Some tickets are released 24–48 hours before the show due to returns, cancellations, or venue overbooking. This is risky — you might miss out — but if you’re flexible, it can pay off.

Set up notifications on:

• Live Nation’s “Last Minute” page
• StubHub’s “Last Chance” alerts
• Twitter/X accounts of the venue or artist (they sometimes post last-minute releases)

Be ready to act fast. Have your payment method saved and your account logged in. Last-minute tickets are often sold at face value or even below — but they disappear in minutes.

Best Practices

1. Always Verify the Official Source

The biggest risk when buying concert tickets is purchasing from a fraudulent or inflated reseller. Scammers often create fake websites that mimic official ones. To avoid this:

• Always type the venue’s URL directly — never click links from social media or emails
• Look for HTTPS and a padlock icon in the browser
• Check the domain name: “longbeacharena.com” is official; “longbeacharenatickets.net” is not
• Verify the seller on the venue’s official “Tickets” page

If a deal seems too good to be true — it probably is. Avoid Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or unverified Telegram groups for ticket purchases.

2. Avoid Hidden Fees

Service fees, convenience fees, and processing charges can add $20–$50 to a single ticket. To minimize them:

• Buy directly from the venue’s box office (in person or phone)
• Use platforms like Eventbrite that often have lower fees
• Compare total cost — not just the face value — across platforms

For example, a $75 ticket on Ticketmaster might end up costing $110 after fees. The same ticket on the venue’s direct site might be $85. Always check the final price before clicking “Buy.”

3. Bundle with Transportation or Accommodations

Long Beach is accessible via public transit, rideshare, and bike lanes. If you’re coming from out of town:

• Look for hotel + ticket packages through Visit Long Beach
• Use the Long Beach Transit app for discounted fares on event nights
• Consider staying in nearby areas like Signal Hill or Lakewood — often cheaper than downtown

Some hotels offer “concert night” discounts if you mention the event. Even a $30 savings on a hotel can offset a higher ticket price.

4. Don’t Pay for Parking in Advance

Many venues offer pre-purchased parking, but prices are inflated. Instead:

• Use public parking lots near the venue — often $5–$10
• Take the Long Beach Transit Line 1 or 2, which runs near major venues
• Use rideshare drop-off zones to avoid parking fees entirely

For example, parking at Long Beach Arena can cost $20 if bought online, but nearby municipal lots charge $8. Save $12 per car — a significant saving for a group.

5. Share Tickets with Friends

If you’re buying multiple tickets, consider splitting the cost with friends. Use apps like Venmo or PayPal to split payments evenly. This reduces individual financial burden and increases your chances of securing better seats as a group.

Also, if one person can’t attend, avoid buying a single ticket. Instead, buy two and resell the extra one through the venue’s official resale platform — which often has lower fees than StubHub or SeatGeek.

6. Time Your Purchase Strategically

There’s a science to when you buy. Avoid:

• Buying at midnight on the first day — bots and scalpers dominate
• Purchasing during peak hours (5–8 PM)

Instead, try:

• Early morning (7–9 AM) on the day of the on-sale
• Mid-afternoon (2–4 PM) when bots have cooled off

Many fans report success buying tickets at 10:30 AM — just after the initial rush.

7. Use Browser Extensions to Compare Prices

Install tools like:

• Honey — Automatically finds and applies discount codes
• Keepa — Tracks price history on ticket sites
• PriceBlink — Compares prices across multiple platforms

These tools run in the background and can alert you to better deals or hidden coupons you might miss.

8. Know Your Rights

California law protects consumers from deceptive ticket sales. If you’re sold a ticket that’s invalid, misrepresented, or non-transferable when it shouldn’t be, you have recourse:

• Report fraudulent sellers to the California Attorney General’s office
• Request a refund if the event is canceled or rescheduled without notice
• Understand that tickets sold by third parties are not guaranteed — always prefer primary sellers

Keep receipts, screenshots, and confirmation emails. They’re your proof if something goes wrong.

Tools and Resources

1. Official Venue Websites

Always start here:

• Long Beach Arena — www.longbeacharena.com
• The Observatory — www.theobservatorylb.com
• Pepperdine Smothers Theatre — www.pepperdine.edu/smothers
• The Green Room — www.thegreenroomlb.com

These sites list all upcoming events, ticket links, and discount information.

2. Ticket Aggregators with Price Tracking

• SeatGeek — Best for price trends and “Deal Score” ratings
• StubHub — Reliable resale platform with buyer protection
• Eventbrite — Often used by smaller venues with lower fees
• Live Nation — Primary seller for many major tours

3. Discount and Cashback Platforms

• Rakuten — www.rakuten.com — Cashback on ticket purchases
• Capital One Shopping — www.capitaloneshopping.com — Auto-applied coupons
• Honey — www.joinhoney.com — Coupon finder for ticket sites

4. Local Resources

• Visit Long Beach — www.visitlongbeach.com — Offers event calendars and local deals
• Long Beach Transit — www.lbtransit.com — Discounted fares on concert nights
• Long Beach Music Scene (Facebook Group) — Real-time updates on ticket drops and giveaways
• LA Weekly Events — www.laweekly.com/events — Covers Long Beach shows

5. Mobile Apps

• Live Nation — Push notifications for presales and last-minute tickets
• AXS — Official app for Long Beach Arena events
• Eventbrite — Easy mobile ticketing and reminders

6. Social Media Monitoring

Follow these accounts for real-time updates:

• @LongBeachArena on Twitter/X
• @TheObservatoryLB on Instagram
• @LongBeachMusic on Facebook
• Search hashtags:

  LBConcerts #LongBeachLive #LBMusic

Artists and venues often announce surprise shows or ticket giveaways on social media. Don’t overlook this low-effort, high-reward channel.

Real Examples

Example 1: Saving $80 on a J. Cole Show at Long Beach Arena

In 2023, J. Cole announced a concert at Long Beach Arena. General admission tickets were listed at $145 on Ticketmaster. A fan, Maria, followed these steps:

• Joined J. Cole’s fan club for $10 (one-time fee)
• Received a presale code 72 hours before public sale
• Used a 15% discount code from the fan club
• Purchased two GA tickets for $62 each — $124 total
• Used Rakuten for 5% cashback — earned $6.20 back
• Used Long Beach Transit — saved $20 on parking

Total savings: $80.80. Maria paid $124 instead of $205 for two tickets.

Example 2: $45 Ticket to a Local Band at The Green Room

A local indie band, “The Tide,” announced a show at The Green Room. Tickets were $60 on their website. A student, Diego, used these tactics:

• Checked the venue’s website for student discounts — found a 25% code
• Used his university ID to verify
• Arrived 45 minutes early for GA entry
• Brought a friend — combined for a group discount
• Used a friend’s Amex card for 3% cashback

Final cost: $45 per ticket. Diego saved $15 per ticket — $30 total.

Example 3: Last-Minute Ticket for Lizzo at The Observatory

Lizzo’s show sold out in 12 minutes. A fan, Priya, didn’t get tickets. Two days before the show, she checked StubHub and found a single ticket listed at $130 — $50 below average resale. She bought it, used a $10 coupon from Honey, and saved $60 compared to the original $190 face value.

She later found out the ticket was returned due to illness — a common reason for last-minute drops.

Example 4: Free Ticket Through a Local Radio Contest

KIIS-FM and KX 93.5 FM occasionally host ticket giveaways for Long Beach shows. One listener won two tickets to a hip-hop festival at The Pike Outlets by:

• Calling in during a morning show contest
• Answering a trivia question about Long Beach music history
• Winning a pair of GA tickets — $0 cost

Follow local radio stations — they’re a goldmine for free or discounted tickets.

FAQs

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend a concert in Long Beach?

Refund policies vary by venue and ticketing platform. Most primary sellers (like the venue’s box office) offer refunds only if the event is canceled or rescheduled. Resale platforms like StubHub may offer buyer protection, but refunds are not guaranteed for personal reasons. Always read the fine print before purchasing.

Are there any free concerts in Long Beach?

Yes. Events like the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Friday Night Lights at the Pike Outlets, and the Shoreline Village Summer Concert Series offer free admission. These are often sponsored by local businesses or the city. Check Visit Long Beach’s calendar for upcoming free events.

Do ticket prices go down closer to the show date?

Sometimes — but not always. For popular acts, prices rise as the date approaches. For less popular shows or weekday events, prices may drop 24–48 hours before if tickets remain unsold. Use price-tracking tools to monitor trends.

Is it safe to buy tickets from third-party resellers?

It can be — if you use reputable platforms like StubHub or SeatGeek, which offer guarantees. Avoid private sellers on social media or unverified apps. Always verify the seller’s rating, check for buyer protection, and never pay via cash or gift cards.

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Most digital tickets are transferable via the original platform (e.g., Ticketmaster, Eventbrite). Check the event’s ticket policy — some may restrict transfers or charge a fee. Paper tickets are easier to transfer but can be lost.

Do children need tickets to concerts in Long Beach?

Most venues require tickets for all attendees, regardless of age. Some family-friendly shows may allow free admission for children under 2, but this is rare for evening concerts. Always check the venue’s age policy before purchasing.

What’s the best day to buy concert tickets in Long Beach?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to buy. Fewer people shop midweek, and some platforms release new inventory then. Avoid weekends and the first hour of on-sale — that’s when bots dominate.

Can I use a gift card to buy concert tickets?

Yes — if the venue or ticketing platform accepts them. Long Beach Arena accepts gift cards for box office purchases. Some platforms like Ticketmaster accept Visa gift cards. Check the payment options during checkout.

How early should I arrive for a GA concert in Long Beach?

For popular shows at The Observatory or The Green Room, arrive 2–3 hours early. For larger venues like Long Beach Arena, 1–2 hours is sufficient. Early arrival ensures better positioning and avoids long lines.

Are there any student discounts for Long Beach concerts?

Yes — many venues offer student discounts with a valid ID. Check the event page or call the box office. Some artists also partner with UNiDAYS or Student Beans for exclusive codes.

Conclusion

Saving money on concert tickets in Long Beach isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. By combining early planning, direct purchases, discount programs, and smart timing, you can attend more shows without breaking the bank. The key is to be proactive: subscribe to newsletters, track prices, join fan clubs, and always verify your source.

Long Beach’s music scene is thriving, and the city offers more than just big-name acts — it’s home to local talent, underground venues, and community-driven events that often come with lower price tags. Whether you’re dancing in the pit at The Observatory or enjoying a sunset set at the Pike Outlets, the right approach ensures you get the full experience without the financial stress.

Remember: the cheapest ticket isn’t always the best — but the smartest ticket is always worth the effort. Use this guide as your roadmap, and make every concert count — not just in memories, but in value.