My Ultimate Guide to Getting CMT Awards Tickets
Hey friend! I know you‘re a huge country music fan like me, so I wanted to share everything I‘ve learned about getting tickets to the CMT Awards in Nashville. This is the most prestigious event in country music and attending is a bucket list dream for any fan!
I‘ve put together an insider‘s guide so you can land amazing seats and have an unforgettable experience at the show. Let‘s dive in!
When and Where the CMT Awards Are Held
The Country Music Television (CMT) Music Awards air live every June from Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is the undisputed capital of country music, so it‘s only fitting the awards are held there!
Specifically, the ceremony takes place at the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. This is home ice for the NHL‘s Nashville Predators and can hold over 20,000 fans.

Bridgestone Arena lit up for the big night!
The CMT Awards have been hosted at Bridgestone since 2014. The arena has state-of-the-art sound, lighting and screens to enhance the experience.
Here are the dates and locations for the past 5 CMT Award shows:
| Year | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 11 | Bridgestone Arena |
| 2021 | June 9 | Bridgestone Arena |
| 2020 | October 21 | Outdoor venues in Nashville |
| 2019 | June 5 | Bridgestone Arena |
| 2018 | June 6 | Bridgestone Arena |
As you can see, Bridgestone Arena is the longtime home for country music‘s biggest party!
When Do Tickets Go On Sale?
CMT Awards tickets typically go on sale to the general public in early April each year. However, there are often special presales that begin in late March.
Here is an overview of when you can buy tickets:
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March: Pre-sales begin for groups like CMT Insiders, fan club members, and select credit card holders. This gives you first dibs!
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Early April: Tickets go on sale to the general public. This is the wide release date.
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April/May: Additional ticket releases happen as production holds tickets. More chances to get seats!
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May/June: Final ticket opportunities arise closer to the show.
As you can see, early spring is when you want to buy CMT Awards tickets for the best selection and prices. But don‘t worry – you can usually find tickets all the way up to showtime!
Where You Can Purchase CMT Awards Tickets
There are a few options for where you can actually buy CMT Music Awards tickets when they go on sale:
CMT‘s Official Website
This is the best place to purchase tickets directly through the source. You can buy them at cmt.com with total peace of mind.
Ticketmaster
As one of the biggest ticket retailers, Ticketmaster sells a large allotment of CMT Awards tickets. You can grab them at ticketmaster.com.
Reseller Sites
StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and other resellers will also have tickets. Prices are often higher, so compare carefully!
Packaged Deals
Some hotels and travel sites bundle CMT tickets with rooms and other offers. This can be a convenient way to do it all at once!
No matter where you buy, just be sure the tickets are legit. I recommend buying directly from CMT or Ticketmaster whenever possible. But those reseller sites can be a last minute option too.
How Much Do CMT Awards Tickets Cost?
Let‘s talk pricing! Ticket prices for the CMT Awards can vary a lot depending on where you want to sit:
- Upper Level Seats: $100 – $200
- Lower Level Seats: $200 – $400+
- Floor Seats: $400 – $600+
- VIP Packages: $500+
Some other pricing factors:
- Front row tickets are most expensive, sometimes topping $1,000+ each!
- Prices are higher when buying close to the show or day of.
- Group tickets and early bird sales are cheaper.
To summarize, you‘ll likely pay between $100 – $600+ per ticket depending on seat location. Floor seats closest to the stage are prime spots that come at a premium price!
Here‘s a seating chart example from Bridgestone Arena:

As you can see, the closer you get to the main stage, the higher the ticket price. Lower level side seats marked in yellow offer a nice balance of good views and value.
Discounts and Promotions to Save Money
The good news is there are often special deals and discounts offered! Here are some ways you can save:
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CMT Insider Presale – Get early ticket access and exclusive offers by joining this free program.
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Group Discounts – You can usually save around 10% if buying 10+ tickets together.
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Local Radio Presales – Nashville stations hold presales if you have the password.
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Citi Cardmember Presale – Citi credit card holders get special early access.
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Metro Nashville Resident Discount – If you live in Nashville, you may get a code for $20 off.
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Gift Card Offers – Purchase with a gift card for additional discounts.
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Military, Student & Senior Discounts – May be available with valid ID, so always ask!
Check the CMT Awards website regularly for special deals as new promotions are added over time. A little savings here and there really adds up!
What Bridgestone Arena is Like for the Show
Bridgestone Arena is a top-notch venue to take in the CMT Awards. Here are some key things to know:
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Capacity – It holds over 20,000 seats, making it an intimate arena for a major awards show. Even the upper decks feel close to the action!
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Layout – The arena floor is cleared out to make room for the stage, media pit, and VIP seating areas. Giant screens flank the stage so you can see close-ups.
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Sound & Lighting – The arena was designed with state-of-the-art sound systems and dynamic lighting rigs to create an electrifying concert atmosphere.
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Experience – With nonstop performances and an enthusiastic crowd of country fans, the energy is palpable all night!
No matter where your seat is, Bridgestone Arena offers a fantastic viewing experience. Lower level seats will put you closer to the stars, but the production is designed so even the last row feels part of the action!
Can You Buy Resale Tickets?
Yes, you can buy resale CMT Awards tickets from resellers like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek. There‘s usually a good supply since people‘s plans change.
But be cautious of the following:
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Fake tickets – Only use reputable sites with buyer guarantees.
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Price gouging – Some resellers jack up prices exponentially.
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Restricted views – Check seat numbers to avoid partially obstructed views.
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Non-transferable – Many tickets now require the purchaser to show ID at entry.
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Sold out shows – Less chance of available resale tickets.
My advice is to buy from the primary source when possible. But resale sites are fine if you ensure the tickets are valid and the price is fair.
What to Wear: The CMT Awards Dress Code
The CMT Awards calls for stylish, semi-formal attire since it‘s country music‘s big night! Here are some dress code guidelines:
For Women:
- Cocktail dresses, gowns, or dressy pant suits
- Avoid jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers
- Dressy tops paired with skirts or dress pants
- Fashionable jumpsuits can also work
- Go glam with your hair, makeup and accessories!
For Men:
*Suits or jacket/trousers with collared dress shirt
- Tie is ideal but not required
- Avoid jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers
- Business casual dress shirt/pants are acceptable
- Cowboy hats and boots make fun country style statements
The goal is to look polished and celebratory! Steer clear of casual wear like flip flops, ripped jeans, hats (except cowboys), and the like.
Remember, you may appear on camera or in the background, so dress to impress!
Is Backstage Access Possible for Fans?
Unfortunately, backstage access is extremely limited at the CMT Awards and not possible for the general public. Celebrities, performers, presenters and VIP ticket holders may get backstage entry.
Some top-tier ticket packages come with artist meet-and-greets, but that‘s the only way fans can typically get special backstage access.
So while you likely won‘t be hobnobbing with the stars behind the scenes, you‘ll still be part of country music‘s most exciting night!
Enjoying Country Music‘s Biggest Night!
Friend, I hope this guide gets you pumped up to attend the CMT Music Awards! Scoring tickets lets you witness spectacular performances, see your favorite artists up close, and be part of historic country music moments.
Here are my top tips:
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Get Tickets Early – Prices are lower and selection is best. Join presales or buy on opening day.
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Compare Seat Views – Check arena seat views before buying. Lower level side seats offer a great balance.
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Factor in Fees – Tack on about 25% to ticket prices for fees. Budget accordingly.
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Read Up On Venue Info – Know bag policies, parking, public transit, and other Bridgestone Arena rules.
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Have a Backup Plan – If tickets sell out, make backup plans to watch the show at a bar or house party.
Most importantly, soak up every moment of this incredible country music experience! From surprise collaborations to heartfelt speeches, it‘s sure to be a night you‘ll never forget.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to help ensure you get awesome tickets to the CMT Awards my friend.