Answer: PRESALE

A presale refers to a specialized period of time before the general sale of tickets or merchandise where a select group of individuals, often die-hard fans, are given the opportunity to purchase items or access before the public. It provides an exclusive buying opportunity for fans who are eager to secure tickets or merchandise before they become available to the general public.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Buying opportunity for die-hard fans. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.