Since the 2000s, concert ticket prices have skyrocketed, ultimately reaching an all time high this year with average prices over $250. Within the last two years, prices have increased around 20.6%. Resellers take advantage of popular concerts such as Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” to sell tickets for triple their price, with prices reaching up to $35,000. As overall production value increases for top artists using larger stadiums, giant screens, and light shows, inflation paves the way for rising costs. Massively produced shows can be unaffordable for many, creating a barrier between those who can go to concerts and those who cannot afford the rising prices. Thousands of dollars will grant seats in the pit near the musician, but not everybody can afford that price. Hundreds of dollars may still only grant you a nosebleed seat at the back of the stadium. Sometimes, larger stadiums can even worsen the quality of music with several thousand people screaming lyrics in a crowded venue. 

However, rising concert prices have not deterred many individuals from purchasing tickets. Attending a concert can be incredibly expensive, but also incredibly rewarding. Having the ability to see artists you admire in person is an unforgettable experience with lasting memories that you can share with friends or family. Concerts form a community within the crowd; having a passion for the artist’s music can make spending a little money justifiable. Watching an artist in a live musical performance is a once in a lifetime experience. While going to a popular and expensive concert may be worthwhile, there are many different ways of experiencing similar opportunities that can be just as rewarding.  For example, less popular artists can host concerts at a more intimate location, which are usually less expensive. Gathering a group of friends to listen to a rising artist one afternoon can be an amazing experience without having to pay expensive fees. Some alternative ways to enjoy concerts is through watching live streams or recordings of them.