FillASeat Tampa Bay (buy, theatres, gated)

[SeaSpur]

Anyone currently use or has used this service in another city?

Basically you buy a membership and then get the opportunity to get leftover seats for free to concerts, sporting events, and other events.

Just wondering how it works and if it is worth it...mainly, when a ticket opportunity arises- do they disappear quickly? Are they worthwhile events?

[chi_tino]

I had it for the first year after it debuted in Tampa Bay. I attended a couple of decent concerts which covered my cost, but decided not to renew (even at the $10/person membership rate I was offered). A few pointers:

1. 80% of the "free" shows are comedy club acts that you can get free passes for anywhere.

2. If you are into small theatres and don't mind trying out new shows, you will find lots of opportunities. That's another 15% of the tickets offered. 5% or less are well-known concerts that you may actually have interest in.

3. You have to check every, and I mean EVERY, morning for new shows. They may release something and it will be gone before they even send out their email announcing the show.

4. If you are not exactly sure of your plans 3 weeks from now, DO NOT RESERVE TICKETS. Reservations are a binding contract -- you are legally obligated to attend. How can this be a legal obligation, you ask? Here's how: a no-show will void what you paid for your entire membership.

5. I never saw a sporting event offered.

[SeaSpur]

Thanks, that made my decision. What a scam...and I was beginning to wonder how they cover their costs.

[chi_tino]

I wouldn't call it a scam. You can get value from it, you just need to be very vigilant and opportunistic about checking the site.

I claimed last-minute tickets to a major concert at the Mahaffey, and when I showed up, they gave me 2nd row seats that had been unclaimed at the box office (probably $75-$100 a ticket). That paid for the whole membership.

I declined to renew because I cannot guarantee my schedule 2-3 weeks out, so by the time I knew I could attend, the seats were long gone. If you can, you can extract some great value from it.

[LVguy]

signed up recenly, but are they really that strict? like if you show up late and the reservation is cancelled, your membership might have a warning or cancelled, and I guess it's up to them if you just get a warning or it will be cancelled without refund. and I think it's the same for no show? I mean sometimes you will be late or can't make it. anyone ever miss or be late for a show?