Concert ticket prices continue reaching new heights, but savvy bargain-hunters are discovering ways to score incredible deals through last-minute purchases.

For dedicated deal-seekers like Casey McNerthney, finding tickets as low as $9 for Cyndi Lauper or $12 for Coldplay has become an art form. These bargains typically emerge on resale platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, TickPick, and Gametime when brokers need to unload unsold inventory.

The best deals usually appear 2-3 days before a show, with prices often plummeting again just before the event starts. This happens when ticket brokers, who initially buy tickets hoping to sell at a markup, need to recover at least some of their investment rather than take a complete loss.

Recent examples of incredible last-minute deals include:

• Bruce Springsteen tickets in Philadelphia for $8
• Santana and Counting Crows near Seattle for $4
• REO Speedwagon and Train in Los Angeles for $2
• Cyndi Lauper shows for $9 (normally averaging $148)

These bargains exist even as average ticket prices for top tours have nearly doubled in the past decade, reaching $136.45 in North America according to Pollstar. However, success requires flexibility and willingness to:

• Monitor multiple ticket platforms regularly
• Make last-minute plans to attend shows
• Accept the possibility of missing events if prices don't drop
• Consider attending shows already in progress

For those living in areas with frequent concerts, this strategy can provide access to live music at a fraction of the normal cost, turning the challenge of high ticket prices into an exciting treasure hunt for deals.

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