Score Tough Tickets

There's no bigger disappointment than the words sold out when you go to buy tickets for an event. But don't believe everything you hear (or see). With a little ingenuity, you might still find what you want.

THEATER Make a late entrance
Procrastinators often have an advantage in the search for theater tickets. On the day of a show, many theaters offer standing room only (SRO). And house seats held for stars and the press often go unused and are put on sale 48 hours before the curtain lifts. Call theaters to find out what's available.

MUSIC Join the club
Even if you're not a fanatic, consider joining a musician's fan club for presale promotion codes and additional private sales. Also, check out radio stations that play the artist's music. Although winning tickets on the air is a long shot, some stations' Web sites have ticket swap areas or chat rooms where a listener can trade, say, an extra U2 seat for a ticket to see Elton John.

SPORTS Get scalped
Buying tickets from a scalper on game day can leave you nervous about authenticity (not to mention legality). Now some Web sites, such as www.stubhub.com [3], sell tickets with a scalperlike markup, but they also come with a guarantee. Even sports teams have sites where ticket holders sell their unwanted ducats. Bay Area baseball fans can go to the Giants' Double Play Ticket Window at www.sfgiants.com [4], where tickets are posted at padded prices (plus a 10 percent convenience charge).

This article was first published in September 2005. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.