Thanks for the suggestions but I think I'm covered now..I recommend turning up with a 'ticket wanted' sign and staying in the one spot, asking any hawk going past if they know of a ticket going. You'd be surprise what happens on the morning of the GF.
Might sound like you will look silly but when hodgey holds up the cup you will only be feeling joy, and you do want to be there.
If you haven't got a ticket with 10 mins to go charge the gate, I am serious. You want to be there. Get the first person to distract the gate attendant and slip on through. If not, double back and charge the gate.