Several stations boast they have the most tickets to give away. Sure makes it tough for the average guy to get a decent ticket. Don't get me started on tickets in this town. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting in line to buy tickets and you get stuck two rows from the top in back of the stage. Meanwhile, people who've never heard of the singer are sitting down front because they've got connections.
Radio stations get extra tickets because they pay big money to help promote the show.
In the case of the rodeo, stations serve as major sponsors, too.