Live events are having a major moment. From packed stadiums during PWHL games to the biggest tours of the year kicking off across North America, millions of fans are looking for tickets right now.
But if you’ve never bought tickets on via resale before, you might have questions:
- How does StubHub work?
- Are resale tickets safe?
- Why do ticket prices change?
- When should you buy?
For 25 years, StubHub has helped fans buy and sell tickets safely online, revolutionizing ticket resale by creating a transparent marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect.
Today, fans in over 200 countries and territories use StubHub to access millions of events—from sports and concerts to theater, comedy, and festivals.
If you’re using StubHub for the first time, here are 10 things every ticket buyer should know before purchasing.
1. StubHub Is a Fan-First Ticket Platform
The first thing to understand is how the platform works.
StubHub is a ticket platform, meaning it connects people who want to buy tickets with people who want to sell them. The platform itself does not own the tickets or set prices. Instead, sellers list tickets and buyers decide whether to purchase them.
Think of it like other marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon—just built specifically for live events.
People sell tickets on StubHub for many reasons:
- Plans change and they can’t attend
- Season ticket holders selling unused seats
- Corporate partners or sponsors distributing inventory
- Fans who bought extra tickets for friends who can no longer attend
The result is a huge selection of tickets across sports, concerts, theater, festivals, and more.
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2. You Can Find Tickets Even When Events Are “Sold Out”
One of the biggest reasons fans turn to StubHub is simple: access.
Even when tickets are no longer available through the original seller, fans who already purchased tickets may list them for resale.
That means you can still find tickets to:
- Sold-out concerts
- Playoff games
- Popular comedy shows
- Festivals with long waitlists
- Even the Super Bowl!
This flexibility is part of what makes resale marketplaces valuable to fans.
The secondary market often helps fans access events that would otherwise be unavailable—and often tickets sell below face value as event dates approach.
StubHub lists millions of tickets to events across more than 90 countries each year, giving fans one of the widest selections available.
3. Prices Change Based on Supply and Demand
If you’ve ever noticed ticket prices changing when you refresh a page, you’re not imagining things.
Ticket prices fluctuate based on supply and demand.
Some factors that influence ticket pricing include:
- Artist or team popularity
- Seat location
- Time remaining before the event
- Number of tickets still available
- Market demand
Because sellers set their own prices, you might see a range of options for the same event.
For example:
- Lower-demand games may have inexpensive seats
- Premium sections may cost more
- Last-minute deals sometimes appear as sellers try to fill seats
The important thing to remember: buyers ultimately determine the market price.
If tickets are listed too high, they usually don’t sell. That’s why you’re still seeing them!
4. Every Order Is Backed by the FanProtect Guarantee
One of the most common questions from first-time buyers is:
“What happens if something goes wrong with my ticket?”
StubHub protects every order through its FanProtect Guarantee.
This means:
- Your ticket will get you into the event
- Or StubHub will find comparable replacement tickets
- Or you’ll receive your money back
This guarantee has been part of the platform since 2006, when StubHub introduced the industry’s first ticket guarantee.
It’s one reason millions of fans choose StubHub instead of buying tickets from unregulated sources such as social media or classified listings.
Fraud on StubHub is also extremely rare — less than 0.2% of orders experience issues at the venue entrance.
5. Most Sellers Are Everyday Fans
There’s a common misconception that resale marketplaces are dominated by professional resellers.
In reality, the overwhelming majority of sellers on StubHub are everyday fans.
In fact:
- 99% of sellers are fan sellers
- 94% sell fewer than 10 tickets per year
In many cases, these sellers simply want to recover the cost of tickets they can’t use.
For example:
- A season ticket holder selling a few games
- A family member who can’t attend a concert
- Someone who purchased tickets before realizing they had a scheduling conflict
Resale marketplaces provide flexibility so fans don’t lose money when plans change.
6. StubHub Offers a Massive Global Selection
StubHub isn’t just a platform for U.S. events.
Through StubHub and viagogo internationally, the platform connects fans worldwide.
Together they serve customers in:
- 200+ countries and territories
- 33 languages
- 48 currencies
That global reach means fans can buy tickets for events almost anywhere.
Examples include:
- International soccer matches
- European music festivals
- Theater in London’s West End
- Major sporting events worldwide
For fans traveling abroad, or planning a trip around a concert, this global marketplace makes it easier to find tickets.
7. StubHub Makes Ticket Buying Simple
Buying tickets on StubHub only takes a few steps.
Step 1: Search for an event
Use the search bar or browse categories.
Step 2: Choose your seats
Interactive seat maps help you see exactly where you’ll be sitting.
Step 3: Complete checkout
Pay securely with multiple payment options.
StubHub supports modern payment methods including:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- Klarna
The platform is also optimized for mobile devices. Over 70% of transactions now happen on mobile.
8. Tickets Are Often Delivered Digitally
Most modern tickets are now delivered electronically.
Common delivery methods include:
- Mobile transfer
- QR code tickets
- Secure digital wallets
- Barcode e-tickets
Sometimes tickets are delivered immediately, while in other cases the event organizer releases them closer to the event date.
This delivery timing typically mirrors how tickets were originally issued by the primary ticket provider.
9. There Are Smart Strategies to Save Money
If you’re trying to find the best deal, there are several strategies experienced ticket buyers use.
Buy during off-peak periods
Prices often spike immediately after tickets go on sale.
Look for single seats
Solo seats are sometimes cheaper because sellers want to fill gaps.
Check prices closer to the event
Sellers may lower prices to ensure tickets sell.
StubHub data also shows that many tickets sell for under $100, especially for concerts and sporting events.
10. StubHub Is Built Around Fan Choice
Ultimately, StubHub exists to give fans more options.
The live event industry has changed dramatically over the past decade. Demand for concerts and sports continues to grow, while the number of available tickets often remains limited.
Resale marketplaces help fans access events they might otherwise miss.
StubHub believes that fans should have the freedom to:
- Buy tickets from the platform they prefer
- Transfer or resell tickets they purchased
- Access events in a transparent and secure marketplace
Competition and choice are essential to improving the ticket buying experience for fans everywhere.
Ready to Find Your Next Live Event?
Whether you’re planning a baseball outing, attending a festival this summer, or finally seeing your favorite artist live, StubHub makes it easy to find tickets.
Explore events near you:
Wherever the moment happens, StubHub helps fans be there.