Jackie A., 15, got to a Tower Records in Chicago at 6 a.m. last December to get tickets for an 'N Sync concert. She was first in line, but got really weak seats.

Surprised? We were, too, when Jackie wrote us a letter. Then other readers echoed her complaints. So we asked experts how to avoid those lame concert seats -- and score the best seats possible.

When it comes to standing in line, "There's no advantage to getting there early," says Ticketmaster spokesman Larry Solters in Los Angeles, "because there are usually lotteries to see who goes first. It's printed in the ads so people know what to expect, and done purposely because it's dangerous to have hundreds of people with cash waiting in line all night long."

Even if you get to buy tickets first or second, the chances for stellar seats are still slim, because "tickets are sold at all local Ticketmaster outlets, by phone and on-line all at once, and you can buy eight tickets at a time," said Jerry Mickelson, a Chicago concert producer.

You're also competing with the pros: scalpers and ticket brokers. Scalpers sell tickets on the street for more money than they paid. (It's illegal in many states. Plus if the concert gets canceled, you can't get your extra dough back. Ticket brokers have offices and give your money back (except for a service fee) if the concert's canceled.

So how can you beat the odds and get decent seats? It's tricky, but here are a few tips:

When the phone lines are busy and there's a wait on-line, it sometimes works to call the Ticketmaster number in another city. But sometimes Ticketmaster limits sales to the city where the concert is being held.

Call back every day, because Ticketmaster may release some of those good seats that were held or open a new show.

Bring friends if you're planning on getting tickets through a lottery. Everyone can take numbers, and the highest ones will buy the tickets (or lowest, if that's how that particular lottery works).

When you're buying tickets in a lottery, don't bother to get there early. Show up right before the tickets go on sale.

Pub Date: 03/18/99