Fans Struggle for Springsteen Tickets to the Wachovia Spectrum Show

After Bruce Springsteen's blowout of a concert during the Super Bowl Half-Time Show, fans are struggling to get tickets to see the magic in person, but aren't having much luck.

Fans got a taste of Springsteen's tour during the Super Bowl, when he and the E Street Band played a 12 minute set with each of the four songs ("Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," "Born to Run," "Working on a Dream" and "Glory Days") chopped up to fit time constraints. Most fans enjoyed the show. The energy was good and Springsteen got things riled up from the get-go.

However, one reaction on NJ.com was very similar to my own:

"Bruce's voice is permanently shot. He didn't hit one note right. Now, more than ever, it's all yelling and hoarse singing that sounds more like talking. Age and fatigue has taken it's (sic) toll."

But despite negative reviews, the fans are still out in full force. Tickets went on sale at 10 AM this morning through ComcastTIX at ComcastTix.com. One of the most searched for sets is Springsteen and the E Street Band's impending performance at the Wachovia Spectrum in Philadelphia on April 28 and 29^th. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 1.800.298.4200 or in person at the Wachovia Complex box office.

The significance of the setting alone is enough to send die-hard Springsteen fans scurrying to find tickets. The Spectrum was the first arena in which Springsteen ever performed (June 3, 1973). During the entirety of his career, Springsteen has played the Spectrum 30 times and his return is bittersweet. According to NBC Philadelphia, the arena will close in fall 2009 to make way for a retail, restaurant and entertainment complex.

Springsteen's new release, "Working On A Dream" became available January 27^th.

Judging from fans' reactions, Comcast TIX may be the best way to purchase tickets, although you should expect a long wait. However, the results are better than those who try to purchase through Ticketmaster.

Here is one fan's experience given on the Bruce Springsteen fan forum:

"I got through on the website at about 9:10, went through the entire purchase process. Waited for order to be completed - then had their infamous error message come up apologizing and to check the order history to see if the order was processed. Of (sic) my order history had zilch! I am furious like you would not believe."

NJ.com reported other errors from the forum:

"Not sure what's up with Routine. Got through to the wait screen within seconds. Then kept getting this maintenance message. Just sent a complaint to Ticketmaster."

"They know for springsteen (sic) sales, you'd better man up and maintain your web purchases. had I known I'd get through INSTANTLY on the phone, I would have done that first. I got through at 9:50 a.m. by phone and by then only upper level behind the stage was available. I'm done with that."

The tour will begin April 1 in San Jose, CA. Click here for the full tour list.

Teresa Masterson, Springsteen Coming to the Spectrum, NBC Philadelphia

John Shabe, What Did You Think of Bruce Springsteen's Super Bowl Set?, NJ.com

Springsteen Fan Forum

Jonathan Cohen, Springsteen North American Tour Starts In April, Billboard