Ticketing FAQ

How are ticket prices decided?

The prices of the tickets are finalized through contract negotiations between the artist and the promoter.

What is the difference between purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster as opposed to purchasing directly from the Cox Arena or Aztec Center ticket office?

The main difference relates to service charges.  There is no service charge on tickets purchased directly through the Cox Arena and Aztec Center box office.

Can I upgrade my tickets?

There are not refunds, exchanges or upgrades once tickets are purchased

Does my child need a ticket?

Almost all events scheduled require every patron to have a ticket for entry.  Standard policy is that only “babes in arms” are allowed in without a ticket.  Anyone under 2 must sit on an adult's lap.  For family events, age restrictions may vary. 

What do I do if I need accessible/disability seating?

Accessible seating for guests in wheelchairs and guests with limited mobility are available throughout the arena and Open Air Theatre, and based on event configuration.  Tickets in the accessible seating areas can be purchased through Ticketmaster or through the Cox Arena ticket office.  Ticketmaster will only sell 1 companion seat with 1 wheelchair space.  The Cox Arena ticket office will sell up to 3 companion seats with 1 wheelchair space.  Customers can phone the Cox Arena ticket office at 619-594-5085 with any questions.

Why do some of the best tickets sell so quickly?

When an event goes on sale there are literally hundreds and sometimes thousands of customers simultaneously attempting to purchase tickets across all distribution channels. Like any limited commodity, tickets are sold as long as seats are available, and sometimes they go quickly. If 500 fans are simultaneously buying four tickets each, 2,000 tickets can be sold in a matter of seconds! Also, in some cases, tickets are held by the promoter or have been pre-sold to season ticket holders reducing the number of tickets available for purchase by the public.

Why are “better” tickets sometimes available after the event goes on sale?

Tickets may be released for sale as the event date approaches. This happens for several reasons such as 1) The artist or team may no longer need the tickets that were held when the event originally went on sale, or 2) Once the stage or event area is set up, the venue has a better idea about which seats are obstructed.

Why are there limits on how many tickets I can buy?

The promoter or artist's management will typically impose a ticket limit in order to provide ticket access to as many fans as possible. Ticket limits vary depending on the type of event or the anticipated demand for tickets.

Why do I need to keep my scanned ticket or ticket stub?

The ticket stub is your receipt and proof that you purchased the right to sit in a specific seat. Cox Arena/Open Air Theatre staff will often ask to see a ticket stub when you are moving around the facility or returning to your seat. A ticket stub is also needed whenever a cancellation or rescheduled performance situation occurs.

Why did my tickets turn black?

As a security measure, tickets are printed on thermal paper and may turn black if exposed to extreme heat (glove boxes, dashboards, etc.).  If this happens, contact the Cox Arena Ticket Office at (619) 594-0429 or the Aztec Center Ticket Office at (619) 594-2682.

Why can’t I find information on an event coming to Cox Arena or the Open Air Theatre?

Cox Arena management cannot release information on an event until the promoter representing the event grants permission.  Once we have been given permission to release the information, it will be listed on our event calendar.  Please “click here” (link to upcoming events) to see our upcoming events.

How can I purchase backstage passes?

Backstage passes are supplied by the tour and can never be purchased.  Cox Arena/Open Air Theatre management does not have access to backstage passes

How can people be stopped from standing up during the concert?

Typically, guest services staff and security will not ask a guest to sit down if they are standing in front of their assigned seat.  Their ticket gives the guest the right to stand or sit at their designated seat.  Each situation, however, is handled on an individual basis.  Standing on seats, rails or other structures is never permitted. Additionally, standing or dancing in the aisles is not permitted because of fire codes.