Grandstand On-Sale Ticketing Tips and Tricks

Purchasing Grandstand tickets for the Iowa State Fair is the same in some ways, but may be different in other ways from buying tickets at other entertainment venues. Because of our limited seating and sometimes high demand for certain shows, we have processes in place to keep it fair (pun intended), efficient, and as secure as possible. Below are a few answers to some of the most common questions we receive about how tickets are released, selected, and managed.

Why aren’t all ticket types available when tickets go on sale?
Ticket types are released in stages due to our limited capacity. Reserved seating is released first, followed by obstructed-view and standing room only if inventory allows. Accessible seating must sell out before obstructed-view accessible seats are released.

Why is “Best Available” used on opening day?
For high-demand shows, the “Best Available” option helps customers move faster and reduces the frustration and time involved by multiple customers viewing the same seats at the same time. Seat selection opens once demand stabilizes.

Why can’t I leave a single seat unselected when purchasing tickets?
To make sure as many Fairgoers as possible can enjoy a Grandstand show, we limit the sale of single seats. This helps us avoid leaving isolated seats that are difficult to sell and allows more pairs and groups to sit together.

How does the Fair limit resellers and bots?
We use ticket limits, delayed delivery, bot-prevention tools, 3D secure authentication, and active monitoring. Tickets are not released to resellers at any time, and we can’t guarantee tickets purchased from sources other than E-tix.

Does my Grandstand ticket include Fair admission?
Fair admission is sold separately and is required for each person attending a Grandstand concert. This provides flexibility for when you enter the Fairgrounds and allows guests to enjoy the entire Fair before or after their concert. Tickets can be purchased at a discount before the Fair opens.

Why do Grandstand tickets sometimes sell out so quickly?
We work hard to book the artists that Fairgoers tell us they want to see. As a result, Grandstand shows can generate a lot of excitement and demand. Depending on whether a concert is fully seated or includes a standing pit, the Grandstand accommodates more than 16,000 fans. For well-known acts, thousands of people may be ready to buy tickets when they go on sale. For example, more than 6,600 customers were digitally “in line” when Lainey Wilson tickets went on sale this year. With that level of interest, tickets for popular acts can sell out quickly.

The Iowa State Fair takes every step possible to ensure a safe, secure, and easy ticket purchasing experience. We continue to evolve our ticket purchasing processes in response to customer feedback and as new technologies are made available.