Rolling Stones to hold lottery for ticket upgrades >> Tour dates and concert ticket info >> LiveDaily

Rolling Stones to hold lottery for ticket upgrades

Published August 18, 2005 12:51 PM

By Jon Zahlaway / LiveDaily Senior Writer

Rolling Stones fans who've already bought tickets for the group's upcoming tour might find themselves closer to the band than they expected--like, on the stage.

The Stones, who launch their latest world tour in Boston next week, are giving fans a chance to upgrade to on-stage seats via a random drawing at each show. Concert goers are "encouraged to bring their cell phones to the concert," and, upon entering the venue, can "dial the reserved Rolling Stones short-code 25852 and enter the word 'Stones," according to details posted at the group's website.

Fans without a cell phone can also enter to win by filling out an "On-Stage upgrade" ballot, which will be available in the lobby of all venues.

Winners, who will be chosen through a random drawing, will be escorted on-stage with up to one guest.

The on-stage seats will provide fans with "an intimate and extraordinary view of The Rolling Stones [ tickets ] and their view of the audience while becoming part of the backdrop and set," according to a press release.

A number of on-stage tickets, priced between $75 and $250, went on sale last Friday (8/12).

The Rolling Stones kick off their world tour with a two-night stand at Boston's Fenway Park on Aug. 21 and 23. North American shows are lined up into early 2006, and fans have already purchased 98 percent of all tickets available for sale, according to organizers.

The group, which released its debut album 41 years ago, is expected to tour the world during the next year in support of the forthcoming studio set, "A Bigger Bang," which hits stores Sept. 8.

Earlier this month, the group released exclusively via Apple's iTunes Music Store three cuts from the new set: "Rough Justice," "Streets of Love" and "Back of My Hand."

[Note: The following tour dates have been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of the publication time of this story. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist websites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]

August 2005
21, 23 - Boston, MA - Fenway Park (w/ Black Eyed Peas)
26 - Hartford, CT - Rentschler Field (w/ Maroon 5)
28 - Ottawa, Ontario - Lansdowne Park (w/ Our Lady Peace, Les Trois Accords)
31 - Detroit, MI - Comerica Park (w/ Maroon 5)

September 2005
3 - Moncton, New Brunswick - Magnetic Hill (w/ Maroon 5, Tragically Hip, Our Lady Peace, Les Trois Accords)
6 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
8 - Milwaukee, WI - Bradley Center
10 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field
13 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
15 - East Rutherford, NJ - Giants Stadium
17 - Albany, NY - Pepsi Arena
24 - Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena (w/ Beck)
26 - Toronto, Ontario - Rogers Centre (w/ Beck)
28 - Pittsburgh, PA - PNC Park (w/ Pearl Jam)

October 2005
1 - Hershey, PA - Hersheypark Stadium (w/ Beck)
3 - Washington, DC - MCI Center (w/ John Mayer Trio)
6 - Charlottesville, VA - Scott Stadium, University of Virginia (w/ Trey Anastasio)
8 - Durham, NC - Wallace Wade Stadium
10, 12 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center (w/ John Mayer Trio)
15 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena (w/ Wilco)
17 - Miami, FL - American Airlines Arena (w/ Joss Stone)
19 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Forum (w/ Joss Stone)
21 - Charlotte, NC - New Charlotte Arena (w/ Joss Stone)
28 - Calgary, AB - Pengrowth Saddledome
30 - Seattle, WA - KeyArena

November 2005
1 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden Arena
4 - Anaheim, CA - Angel Stadium of Anaheim
6 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
8 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
11 - San Diego, CA - PETCO Park
13, 15 - San Francisco, CA - SBC Park (w/ Metallica)
18 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena (on-sales to be announced)
20 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
22 - Salt Lake City, UT - Delta Center
24 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
27 - Glendale, AZ - Glendale Arena
29 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center

December 2005
1 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center

January 2006
10 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
23 - Chicago, IL - United Center