Getting tickets to see your favorite Major League Soccer (MLS) team can be expensive. But there are creative ways to score cheaper seats so you can enjoy the action without breaking the bank.
Here are 25 tips and tricks to find MLS tickets for less.
1. Buy Tickets for Mid-Week Games
Weeknight games usually have smaller crowds than weekend matches. Less demand means lower prices since teams want to fill the stadium. Even big rivalry games can come at a discount if played on a Wednesday.
2. Get Group Tickets
If attending with family or friends, look into group ticket packages. The more people in your party, the deeper the savings. Many MLS teams offer group discounts starting at just 10-15 people.
3. Search Resale Ticket Sites
StubHub, Vivid Seats and SeatGeek often have last minute MLS ticket deals. Prices tend to drop closer to game time for excess inventory still unsold. Sort listings by lowest price to score a bargain.
4. Buy Upper Deck Seats
The higher up you sit, the cheaper the ticket. Upper deck seats offer an elevated view for a fraction of the price of lower level. You’ll save significantly, especially at mid-field where sideline seats command a premium. If you spot empty seats in a better location, you can always try your luck and move at half time.
5. Explore Family Fun Packages
Many teams promote special “family ticket packs” with play areas and giveaways to appeal to young fans. These bundles make the game cheaper and more enjoyable when attending with kids.
6. Join Team Membership Programs
Sign up for official team membership clubs like Austin FC’s “Los Verdes” or the LA Galaxy “Galaxy Nation”. Members get access to presales plus discounts on tickets and merchandise.
7. Investigate Student Ticket Deals
College students can often score amazing ticket offers by showing a valid student ID. Some teams even include free transportation to the stadium. Super savings for those in education.
8. Get on Team Email Lists
When you sign up directly through team sites, you’ll receive notices for flash sales, coupon codes and other last minute ticket promotions not always advertised publicly.
9. See if Your Company has a Discount Program
Many businesses partner with local sports teams to offer special rates for employees. It never hurts to check if ticket perks are part of your company’s benefits package.
10. Search Online Coupon Sites
Before buying tickets, look on sites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin and Groupon for promo codes that allow 10-20% off MLS tickets at checkout. Every dollar saved counts.
11. Buy Partial Season Ticket Plans
You’ll pay less per ticket when purchasing smaller multi-game packages vs. single tickets. Split packs with friends and rotate attending games if you can’t make it to them all.
12. Bid on Ticket Auction Sites
Sites like eBay, QuiBids and Madbid run MLS ticket auctions allowing you to score seats at huge discounts compared to box office pricing. Set your max bid and cross your fingers.
13. Check out Team Happy Hours
Some MLS teams host local bar nights where tickets are included free with certain food/drink purchases. The Houston Dynamo and San Jose Earthquakes are two teams offering these specials.
14. Time it Right on the Secondary Market
Ticket resale prices fluctuate based on inventory and demand as game day nears. Monitor these sites for price drops as sellers slash costs to unload tickets. Some even let you set alerts.
15. Buy Early Bird Season Tickets
Season ticket holders get first access to playoff and championship tickets often at reduced prerelease rates. You’ll have tickets to resell at a profit too.
16. Attend a Double or Triple Header
When an MLS team plays after a baseball or football game in the same venue on the same day, leftover tickets are usually discounted since occupancy is already high. This one won’t work at soccer specific stadiums.
17. Get Tickets as an Add-on to Other Events
Some concert and festival promoters bundle otherwise unsold MLS tickets into packages as bonuses to drive interest. The discounts can be deep on these unused tickets.
18. Check Team Social Media Accounts
Follow your club on Twitter and Facebook for exclusive discount codes and last minute deals on tickets released spontaneously to generate buzz. Enabling alerts is key to not missing out!
19. Buy at the Box Office to Avoid Fees
Skip the convenience fees charged by online sellers and ticket sites. Walk up to the stadium box office on game day for tickets at face value with no add-on costs.
20. Attend Open Team Practices
MLS clubs often open select practice sessions for fans to watch free as part of community outreach. You’ll see players up close and might even score player autographs.
21. Volunteer at the Stadium
Teams may rely on volunteers to staff games and events in exchange for free admission. Ask about volunteer usher, hospitality, green team and kid zone positions.
22. Go on Fan Appreciation Night
At the end of each season, MLS teams designate certain games as fan appreciation nights with prizes, freebies and discounted tickets as a thank you to loyal supporters all season long.
23. Avoid Premium Opponent Matchups
Tickets are always higher priced when top rivals or championship contenders come to town. Skip premium opponents that drive up demand and aim for lower profile matchups.
24. Buy on Game Day After Kickoff
Stubhub, Vivid Seats and TickPick often slash prices on unsold inventory an hour or so after the match starts. You’ll miss part of the action but still catch most the game.
25. Sign up for Contests and Giveaways
Radio stations, local businesses and even the MLS teams themselves give away free tickets through calls-ins, social media contests and in-venue promotions. Entering pays off with a little luck.