Seeing a Broadway theater performance is one of the most interesting entertainment options in New York City. But, because of high ticket prices, watching a Broadway show can be quite expensive, particularly if it’s something popular like Hamilton, Wicked, or The Lion King. Fortunately, there are many ways to experience Broadway without needing to pay a ton of cash.
Here are some options for people looking for affordable Broadway tickets.
- Go to the TKTS Booth for Same-Day Discounts
One of the most popular options for buying discounted Broadway tickets is the TKTS booth at Times Square, where people can save anywhere between 20% and 50%.
But not everyone knows that there is another TKTS location at Lincoln Center. As a bonus, tourists can download the TKTS app to see what shows are available before they go to one of the booths. Don’t forget that you usually cannot choose your seats when using this service!
- Join Broadway’s Digital Ticket Lotteries
Depending on the production, digital lottery tickets may only cost about $10 (for some Hamilton performances), and about $35 for tickets to other performances.
Visitors can register to participate in lotteries via online resources such as Lucky Seat, Broadway Direct and TodayTix. Certain shows run lotteries of their own via special app-based services.
Since winning tickets is not guaranteed, it is wise to keep entering different lotteries while in New York. New shows tend to have higher chances of winning since not many people enter them.
However, travelers should also think about buying regular tickets to the show they have been waiting for.
- Buy Rush Tickets at the Theater Box Office
Rush tickets are also a way to buy cheap tickets for Broadway shows. Unlike digital lotteries, in order to buy rush tickets, people must arrive at the theater box office when it opens.
Although the prices of rush tickets are usually the same as lottery ticket prices, getting them in person can be safer, as long as there are tickets available.
The web site BwayRush.com contains the names of the productions that sell rush tickets and their policies regarding them. Some shows also allow buying rush tickets through TodayTix, so that one can get cheap tickets without waiting for the show.
- Look for Student Discounts and Broadway Week
There are some other ways to get discounts, depending on people. There are also discounts during the special events and festivals.
- Student discounts: Some plays provide special rush tickets for students, making the tickets cost from $35 onwards.
- Discounts for age groups: Some Broadway events also provide lower prices for people under age 40.
- Broadway Week: There are two Broadway Week events every year in September and in January or February when one can buy the tickets for half of the price for the show.
Plan for Cost-effective Broadway Visits
Obtaining inexpensive Broadway tickets means being flexible and doing a bit of homework. The TKTS booth is a great choice for same-day purchases, the digital lotteries can yield exceptional deals and the rush tickets are available for anyone willing to show up early at the box office.
When comparing all these possibilities and taking advantage of seasonal promotions, travelers can enjoy Broadway without overspending on the entire stay in New York City.
