5
Dec,2025
Buying concert tickets for a group isn’t just about getting enough seats. It’s about making sure everyone gets in at the same time, sits together, and doesn’t end up paying way more than they should. If you’re organizing a birthday, work outing, or just a night out with friends, the process can get messy fast. One person clicks ‘buy’ and the rest get locked out. Or worse - you all end up in different sections because you missed the group discount window.
Here’s the truth: most venues and ticketing platforms don’t make group buying easy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right approach, you can secure 10, 20, or even 50 tickets at the same price, in the same row, with no stress. And yes, there are real savings - not just on price, but on time and headaches.
Know Your Group Size Before You Start
Not all venues treat groups the same. A small group of 4 might get treated like regular buyers. A group of 10 or more? That’s when special rules kick in. Most major music venues in Australia - like Enmore Theatre, The Forum, or the Enmore Theatre - start offering group rates at 10 tickets. Some, like the Hordern Pavilion or Rod Laver Arena, require a minimum of 15.
Don’t assume you’ll get a discount just because you’re buying multiple tickets. Many platforms, including Ticketmaster and Moshtix, hide group deals behind a ‘Group Sales’ tab. You won’t see it unless you look for it. If you’re buying 8 tickets and the system won’t let you select more than 6 at once, that’s your first clue: you need to contact the venue directly.
Where to Find Group Ticket Deals
There are three real places to look for group tickets:
- The venue’s official website - Always check here first. Look for a link that says ‘Group Sales’, ‘Private Events’, or ‘Corporate Bookings’. These sections often have dedicated phone numbers or email contacts.
- Official ticketing partner group portals - Ticketmaster has a Group Tickets section. Moshtix has a Groups & Events tab. These aren’t always easy to find - they’re often buried under ‘About Us’ or ‘Help’ menus.
- Direct contact with the venue’s box office - If you can’t find anything online, call. Box office staff can manually block off seats for groups, even if the website says ‘sold out’. They have access to inventory that doesn’t show online.
Pro tip: Don’t use third-party resellers like Viagogo or StubHub for group bookings. Prices spike, seats are rarely together, and you lose any protection if the event gets canceled or moved.
Group Discounts: What’s Real and What’s Not
Let’s cut through the noise. A 10% discount on 12 tickets sounds great - until you realize you’re still paying $120 each for a show where general admission is $99. That’s not a discount. That’s a markup.
Real group discounts usually start at 15-25% off for groups of 15+. They’re common for:
- Weekday shows (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Early evening performances (7 PM or earlier)
- Non-headliner acts or local bands
For big-name artists like Tame Impala, Lorde, or Coldplay, group discounts are rare - but not impossible. Venues sometimes offer them for corporate sponsorships or community group bookings (like school music programs or charity events). If you’re booking for a nonprofit, ask. You’d be surprised how often they’ll bend the rules.
How to Secure Seats Together
Getting 10 tickets in a row isn’t luck. It’s strategy.
First, pick your preferred section. Don’t just go for ‘best value’. Look at the venue map. Is there a row where seats 1-12 are together? Or are they split by aisles? Most venues break up large groups to maximize sales. You need to ask for contiguous seating - not just ‘near each other’.
Second, book early. Group blocks are limited. A venue might reserve 20 seats for group sales, but if 3 other groups are also calling, you’re competing. The first group to confirm gets the best spots.
Third, pay attention to payment deadlines. Many venues require full payment within 7-14 days to lock in your group rate. If you’re waiting for 8 people to send you cash via PayPal, you might lose your block. Set a deadline for your group. Use apps like Splitwise to track who’s paid and who’s not.
What to Watch Out For
There are traps. Here’s what catches most first-time group buyers:
- Non-refundable policies - Group tickets are almost always final sale. No refunds if someone drops out. Plan for that. Build a small ‘buffer fund’ to cover last-minute no-shows.
- Hidden fees - Service fees, booking fees, and processing charges are often applied per ticket, even in group sales. Ask for the total price per person, including fees. Don’t trust the ‘base price’ they show you.
- Seat restrictions - Some group blocks are only in the back rows, or on the sides. If you want center stage, you might need to pay full price anyway.
- Age restrictions - Some venues require all group members to be over 18, even if the artist is family-friendly. Check the event’s age policy before you book.
Also, watch for fake group deals. Some scammers create websites that look like official venues. Always verify the URL. Official group sales pages usually end in .com.au and have a phone number listed. If it’s a .xyz domain or only has a contact form - walk away.
Real Examples from Sydney Venues
In 2025, here’s what group buyers actually paid:
| Venue | Minimum Group Size | Discount | Typical Price per Ticket (after discount) | Booking Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enmore Theatre | 10 | 15% | $85 | Phone or email |
| The Forum | 12 | 20% | $78 | Online group portal |
| Hordern Pavilion | 15 | 25% | $92 | Phone only |
| Enmore Theatre | 8 | None | $110 | General sale |
| Rod Laver Arena | 20 | 10-15% | $145 | Corporate sales team |
Notice the pattern? Smaller venues offer better discounts. Bigger venues have higher base prices and smaller discounts. If you’re looking for value, go local. Enmore Theatre and The Forum are often the best bang for your buck.
What to Do When You Can’t Get Group Tickets
Sometimes, the show sells out before you can act. Or the venue doesn’t offer group sales at all. What then?
Try this: Buy tickets in two waves. First, grab 6-8 tickets together as soon as general sale opens. Then, set up alerts for any cancellations. Many people change plans last minute. Use Ticketmaster’s ‘Notify Me’ feature or follow the venue’s social media. Sometimes, seats open up 48 hours before the show.
Another trick: Ask if the venue has a waitlist. Some will let you join a group waitlist - if someone cancels, you’re next in line. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s free and worth a try.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Group Booking
- Designate one person as the group organizer. Don’t let 10 people all try to buy at once.
- Use a group chat to share updates. No one should be left guessing.
- Confirm seating details in writing. Get an email from the venue with your seat numbers.
- Print or save digital tickets for everyone. Don’t rely on one person’s phone.
- Arrive early. Group entries often have separate lines. Ask the venue where to go.
Group tickets aren’t magic. But they’re not impossible either. With a little planning, you can turn a chaotic night of ticket hunting into a smooth, fun, and affordable event. And that’s the whole point, isn’t it? To enjoy the music - not the stress.
Can I get group discounts for big-name artists like Coldplay or Tame Impala?
It’s rare, but possible. Major artists rarely offer group discounts because their tickets sell out fast. However, if you’re booking for a school, charity, or corporate event, the venue’s sales team might make an exception. Always ask - you won’t know unless you try.
What if someone in my group can’t pay on time?
Most venues require full payment within 7-14 days to hold your seats. If someone’s late, you’ll either lose the whole block or have to pay the difference. To avoid this, collect payments upfront. Use apps like Splitwise or PayPal invoicing. Set a hard deadline - and stick to it.
Are group tickets refundable if the event is canceled?
Yes. If the venue cancels the event, you’re entitled to a full refund - even on group tickets. This is protected under Australian Consumer Law. But if the show is postponed, you usually get to keep your tickets for the new date. Always check the venue’s policy before buying.
Can I buy group tickets for standing room only?
Usually not. Standing room tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. You can’t reserve a group spot in the pit. If you want to be together, book seated tickets. Standing areas are chaotic - even for small groups.
Do I need ID for group tickets?
Only if the event has an age restriction. For most concerts, you just need the ticket confirmation (digital or printed). But if you’re buying for under-18s, some venues require the lead booker to be over 21 and present ID. Always check the event’s age policy.
If you’re planning a group night out, start early. Check venue websites. Call the box office. Get your group’s payment plan sorted. The best seats don’t go to the loudest - they go to the most prepared.