Concerts cost more than ever, and unfortunately, it’s the same for sports. But why pay hundreds of bucks for nosebleed seats, when you can use points to attend concerts and sporting events in VIP Suites, for free? Airlines, hotels and credit card brands have each tapped into “experiences” and that means more ways to use points than ever. Even cooking classes with celebrity chefs.
SPG Moments
Starwood Preferred Guest offers without a doubt, the best opportunities to use points for concerts, sporting events, culinary delights and cultural gatherings. Most experiences are just a set number of points, such as suite tickets for two to a sold out concert for 15,000 points- total. Similar offers are out there to attend the SPG luxury suite at arenas like Madison Square Garden, The Staples Center and O2 Arena in London, amongst others. In many of these instances, it can even worth buying the points needed to unlock the “moments”, since the price will still be less than retail price.
The Offers
SPG Moments change constantly, but it’s not at all uncommon to see celebrity chef meet and greets with five course meals, access to Formula One events, sports tickets and of course concert tickets in one of SPG’s numerous luxury suites around the world. They’re usually fully stocked with food and booze, by the way! All current (and future) offers can be found here.
Buy Points?
As we mentioned, some concert, dinner and sporting event prices have gotten out of control. SPG has semi regular sales, one which happens to be on at the moment- where you can buy their points on the cheap. For a concert where it’s 15,000 points for two, tickets would run roughly $149 per person. That’s a lot- but it may be less or similar to standard seats, and you get a luxury suite experience.
Other Programs
Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton have all joined the “experiences” game- but you’ll need a boatload of points to enjoy any of their experiences. Similarly, Delta, British Airways and United each occasionally offer great experiences, though again- lots and lots of points needed. Banks like, American Express, Chase and Citi each have their own programs for cardmembers of select cards, such as Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum and Citi Prestige, sometimes offering priceless opportunities. For now, SPG Moments are the surefire best bet to use a relatively low amount of points for an incredibly awesome amount of enjoyment. We recently enjoyed a five course two Michelin starred, with a private cooking class and drinks reception from Daniel Boloud. Try paying for that!
Have you used points for experiences?
Featured image copyright of Jason Williamson, featuring Foxes.
