While many Excellence concerts at the Covey Center sell out quickly online, attendees may still find opportunities to watch these free performances through a standby process. According to Box Office Manager Vicki Stone, the center allows up to 900 seats to be reserved even though the capacity is approximately 600 seats.
Between 7:00 PM and 7:15 PM, the box office distributes standby tickets to those interested in attending.
The standby system relies on returned tickets and cancellations. Stone stated that the box office attempts to have tickets returned a few days before a performance because some people reserve more than they need or are unable to attend.
While the box office may call individuals on a waiting list if tickets are returned, Stone advises patrons to utilize the standby line. This method has proven highly effective, with Stone estimating a 98% success rate for getting tickets after an Excellence concert has reached sold-out status online.
The reliability of the standby system is high, as Stone noted that the center has only turned people away once or twice in her 15-plus years at the Covey. The center makes efforts to ensure everyone who wants to attend can enter even five minutes before a show begins.
An upcoming event utilizing this schedule includes the Will Baxter Neil Diamond tribute show on May 25.
