How a Cancelled Concert Turned Into a Travel‑Hacking Win
There are few things more disappointing than looking forward to a concert for months… only to get the dreaded cancellation email. That’s exactly what happened to us with a show in Knoxville. We had the date saved, the plans made, and then — poof — it was gone. Thanks to a winter storm, the birthday weekend away I had planned for my husband was suddenly canceled.
We love concerts I think this one is at the Pinnacle Nasvhille
Even though we didn’t get to take this trip, you can read about how I stacked several offers for my husband’s birthday weekend - StubHub Credit Chase Sapphire Reserve
Normally, this is the part where the frustration kicks in. You wait for a refund, you hope it processes quickly, and you swear you’ll never use that ticket platform again. But this time, something unexpected happened.
Instead of issuing a refund, StubHub sent us a credit worth 20% more than what we originally paid. And while that usually would have irritated me, this time it actually worked out in our favor… because of one little detail:
We had used our Chase Sapphire Reserve StubHub credit to buy the tickets.
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💳 The Math That Made This a Win
Here’s how it played out:
We spent $180 out‑of‑pocket on the original tickets.
Because we used the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s annual StubHub credit, that purchase was reimbursed.
When the concert was cancelled, StubHub issued us a 20% bonus credit instead of a refund.
Our $180 purchase turned into a $395 StubHub credit.
So instead of being annoyed, we ended up with more than double the value — all because we used a credit we were already planning to use.
This is one of those moments where travel hacking quietly pays off in the background. You don’t plan for it, but when it happens, you’re very glad you set yourself up for the win.
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🎸 Why StubHub Credit Works for Us
If we lived somewhere remote with limited events, this might have been a headache. But our family is in Nashville, and there is always something happening here:
Predators games
Concerts at Bridgestone
Comedy shows
Broadway tours
Festivals
One‑night‑only performances
You name it — Nashville has it.
So instead of being stuck with a credit we didn’t want, we now have a $395 “fun fund” to use on something else. A Preds game? A concert we didn’t even know we wanted to see yet? A spontaneous night out the next time we’re in town? Easy.
🧠 A Quick Tip for Anyone With the Chase Sapphire Reserve
If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, don’t forget about the annual StubHub credit. It’s one of those perks that’s easy to overlook but incredibly valuable if you use it strategically.
And if something gets cancelled — which happens more often than we’d like — you might end up with a little bonus like we did.
New to points and miles check out Ultimate beginner’s guide 👉Beginner Travel Hacking for Moms
🎉 Turning a Disappointment Into a Bonus
Was I sad the concert was cancelled? Absolutely. But thanks to the CSR credit and StubHub’s 20% bonus, we turned a letdown into a small travel‑hacking victory.
Now we have to decide what to use the credit for next. And with Nashville’s event calendar, that won’t be a problem. I might even let my husband choose. It was his birthday gift after all. Maybe I’ll stack it with a free hotel room! So many wonderful options thanks to points and miles.
About the Author
Julie is the creator of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, where she shares real‑life wins, mistakes, and strategies that help families travel smarter with points, miles, and clever hacks. From cancelled concerts to free flights, she turns everyday moments into practical tips anyone can use.
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love the daily tips I share on Facebook. And if you want a place to ask questions, swap ideas, and celebrate your travel wins, join my Travel Hacking Moms Facebook group — it’s the heart of our community.
