Gametime vs Ticketmaster
Gametime and Ticketmaster sit at opposite ends of the ticket market. Ticketmaster is where most tickets are sold first, at face value plus fees; Gametime is a resale app built for buying in the last days and hours, with the fee bundled into the price you see. Which is cheaper depends almost entirely on when you buy.
*Buyer fees are third-party estimates and float with demand. Facts current as of 2026.
The key difference
Timing and pricing model. Ticketmaster's price is set by the promoter and stays put until tickets run out; its service, facility and order fees are added on top. Gametime's prices are set by resellers and tend to fall as the event approaches, with nothing added at checkout.
Which should you use?
Buy on Ticketmaster at on-sale, or any time face-value tickets are still available for a show that will sell out. Buy on Gametime in the final 48 hours for events that have not sold out, when resale prices often drop below face value. For a sold-out event in between, compare Ticketmaster's verified resale against Gametime's all-in total for the same section.
See which is cheaper for your event
Prices move by the hour and the cheapest site changes per event. Tixplorer compares live prices across TickPick, Gametime, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster and other trusted marketplaces so you see the lowest total in one search.
Gametime vs Ticketmaster: FAQs
Is Gametime cheaper than Ticketmaster?
Close to the event, often yes: Gametime's resale prices drop as start time nears and its fee is already in the displayed price. At on-sale, Ticketmaster at face value is usually cheaper. For sold-out events the two can go either way, so compare the all-in total.
Is Gametime legit?
Yes. Gametime is an established resale marketplace with a Ticket Coverage guarantee: valid tickets or a replacement or refund. Tickets are delivered to your phone, often within minutes.
Can I use Gametime tickets at a Ticketmaster venue?
Yes. Resale tickets bought on Gametime are the same tickets, transferred to you by mobile. Some venues require them to be accepted into the Ticketmaster or team app for entry; Gametime walks you through that transfer.