September 2000  Hate waiting in line or phoning to buy tickets? Then online ticket purchasing is for you. Whether you're looking for sporting events, concerts or shows there's an online resource waiting.
 If you're not sure which event to go to, start out with http://guide.yahoo.com to find out what's going on in your area. Indicate what you're looking for (concerts, shows, etc.) and the location (city/state), then indicate your time line (this week, next month, etc.). Within seconds, several listings pop up, along with ticket prices, maps to the venue, show times and where to buy tickets.
 Once you've chosen an event, consult our list of ticket venues to make your purchase. Keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure the purchase occurs on a secure server. Most browsers indicate a secure page by showing a closed lock icon at the bottom of the browser window or displaying a URL that starts with "https."
- Be aware that sites usually offer both "will call" and mail. You can pick up your tickets at the box office the day of the event or receive them by mail. If you choose mail, be sure to purchase with adequate time for delivery.
- Use a ticket broker site for sold-out events or front row seats. Sites such as www.tixs.com bring buyers and sellers together. The site is organized by type of event, plus you can query by keyword and location to narrow your search.
- Buying from ticket brokers can be risky. Typically, brokers sell tickets at market value, not face value. The National Association of Ticket Brokers, www.natb.org, is a group that offers some protection by asking members to sign a Code of Ethics. Search their site to find a member broker in your area.
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