The Price is Right Live is a traveling stage show based on the popular CBS daytime television game show The Price is Right. The live show tours throughout the United States and Canada, allowing fans of the TV show to see it live and in-person. The show features some of the popular pricing games from the TV show played on stage with contestants from the audience.
When did the Price is Right tour start?
The Price is Right Live touring show first started in 1988 and has been running continuously since then. It was initially created as a way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Price is Right TV show. The first live tour was hosted by longtime The Price is Right host Bob Barker. Since then, there have been over 9,000 live shows performed.
How are cities and venues selected for the tour?
The Price is Right Live tour visits cities of varying sizes across the United States and Canada. Some of the factors that determine what cities and venues are selected include:
- TV ratings – Cities that have higher ratings for the TV show are more likely tour stops.
- Venue availability – Venues must have availability on scheduled tour dates and the proper stage/seating capacity.
- Geographic location – The tour aims to hit a wide range of geographic regions in North America.
- Market size – Bigger cities with large populations are preferred tour stops.
- Demand – Cities that show strong local enthusiasm and demand for the show via social media or ticket sales are likely locations.
The tour production company works with local promoters, venues, and networks to determine the best cities and venues to visit on each tour. Typically 40-60 cities will be scheduled for a full tour season.
How does someone get selected to play pricing games on stage?
All contestants on stage for The Price is Right Live show are randomly selected from the audience. Here is the typical process:
- Ticketholders line up outside the venue before doors open and are assigned numbers.
- Approximately 75 minutes before showtime, numbered ticketholders are randomly selected to come in and sit in the “Contestants Row” seats on stage.
- 30 minutes before showtime, more numbered ticketholders are randomly selected to fill any remaining Contestants Row seats.
- Right before the show, the host calls numbers at random to select contestants to “Come On Down” and play the on-stage pricing games.
This random selection process aims to give all audience members an equal chance at being picked as a contestant. Producers want fans who are enthusiastic and excited to play the popular pricing games from the TV show.
How are the pricing games decided?
For each live show, producers choose 4-5 pricing games to be played on stage. The games chosen are typically ones that are easy to recreate on a live stage with props and sets. Games are also picked to provide variety across different types of games over the course of a full tour. Some of the pricing games most commonly used in the live show include:
- Plinko
- Cliff Hangers
- Any Number
- Race Game
- Clock Game
- Hole in One
In any given show, the host may ask the audience to vote and decide between two games for one of the segments. Other games are played in every live show, like the Showcase Showdown Big Wheel spin. This provides audiences with both consistency and surprise in the games they get to see live.
What are the cash prizes for winners on tour?
Unlike the TV show which features prizes worth up to tens of thousands of dollars, the prizes on The Price is Right Live show are much smaller in value. Here is an overview of the typical prize amounts:
Pricing Game | Prize Amount Value |
---|---|
Games 1-3 | $100-$500 |
Showcase Showdown | $500-$1,000 |
Showcase | $1,000-$5,000 |
The smaller prizes allow the live show to give more contestants a chance to win, although the prizes are not life-changing like they can be on the TV show. Contestants also get to keep any prizes they win playing pricing games on stage.
How long is the Price is Right Live show?
Each live show typically runs around 90 minutes total. The show is formatted similarly to the TV show, with various segments:
- Opening: The host comes out and interacts with the audience, gets everyone excited for the show.
- Contestants Row: 4 contestants are called down to play an on-stage pricing game.
- Pricing Game #1: The first on-stage pricing game is played.
- Showcase Showdown: 3 contestants spin the big wheel, top spinner goes to the showcase.
- Pricing Game #2 and #3: Two more on-stage pricing games.
- Showcase Showdown: 3 more contestants spin the wheel for a showcase shot.
- The Showcase: The two contestants bid on their showcase prizes.
Keeping the show at around 90 minutes allows most venues to turn over the audience and perform multiple live shows per day as needed.
How do you buy tickets for the live show?
Tickets for The Price is Right Live show in each city go on sale 2-3 months prior to the performance. There are a few ways to purchase tickets:
- Venue box office – Tickets can be purchased in-person at the box office of the venue hosting the show.
- Official tour website – Tickets are sold online at pricerightlive.com for all venues.
- Ticket reseller websites – Tickets are resold on sites like VividSeats.com and StubHub.com.
- Third-party ticketing sites – You can buy from ticket vendors like Ticketmaster or AXS.
Pricing varies by city and venue but expect to pay around $50-$100 per ticket on average. Show times also vary but are typically at night or on weekends. It’s a good idea to buy early once tickets go on sale for the best availability.
Are there handicap and accessible seating options?
Yes, The Price is Right Live show offers handicap seating options and accessible accommodations at all venues. You can request handicap accessible seating when purchasing tickets online or through the box office. Most venues also offer wheelchair escorts, ASL interpreters, listening devices, and braille or large print programs upon request.
Accessible seating areas are integrated throughout the seating plan, including options for floor seats or elevated seats with unobstructed views. Venues and staff are also trained to assist disabled guests. Contact the venue or tour producer directly before the show to arrange specific accessible accommodations as needed.
Can you buy VIP tickets or meet the host?
Most productions of The Price is Right Live do not offer formal VIP tickets or opportunities to meet the host. As a game show experience focused on selecting random audience members, there is an emphasis on fairness and inclusion for all guests.
However, at some shows it is possible to pay for a VIP experience add-on that gets you early access, a VIP lanyard, and a quick photo-op with the host. This varies by venue and city. You’ll have to check with the individual venue or tour promoter to see if VIP upgrades are available when purchasing your tickets.
Without formal VIP access, your best chance of interacting with the host is to arrive early and sit in the front rows where you are most visible and likely to be selected to “Come On Down!”
What are the rules for audience members at a taping?
Ticketholders must follow all venue and show rules during The Price is Right Live taping, similar to a TV show taping. Rules are in place to ensure fair game play and an optimal experience for all guests.
Key rules to know as an audience member:
- Arrive at least 1 hour before showtime if you want a chance to be a selected as a contestant.
- No photography or video recording is allowed during the show.
- No shouting out answers or prices to the games on stage.
- Stay seated in your assigned seat – no moving to empty seats.
- Cheer and clap for contestants but excessive noise will not be allowed.
- Listen to and follow all staff member instructions.
Abide by all venue rules and posted show rules as well. Failure to follow the rules may get you ejected from the taping. Rules are in place to make sure the show is fair and enjoyable for everyone.
What are some tips for audience members hoping to get picked?
If your goal is to get selected from the audience as a contestant, here are some helpful tips:
- Arrive early – Get to the venue 1-2 hours before showtime to line up and get an early seat selection.
- Sit near the front – Contestants are selected from the front section so closer is better.
- Show enthusiasm – Cheer, clap and stand up when the host gets the audience hyped up.
- Avoid distractions – Stay off your phone and pay full attention.
- Make eye contact – Keep your eyes on the host as they select contestants.
- Have your ID ready – You need a photo ID to verify age if selected.
- Know the games – Watch the TV show so you know how to play if picked.
While contestant selection is random, following these tips will maximize your chances of hearing your name called to “Come On Down!”
Can someone attend a taping more than once?
There are no official rules restricting how many times someone can attend and participate in a Price is Right Live show. However, producers prefer to have a mix of new and returning audience members at each show. Repeat attendees are less likely to get selected as contestants compared to first-timers.
Super fans of the show who have attended dozens of live tapings report rarely getting picked more than once as a contestant. The random selection process favors new audience members. But as long as tickets are available for purchase, you can keep attending new shows in different cities and trying your luck!
How has COVID impacted the live show?
Like most live productions, The Price is Right Live tour was halted in 2020 and early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once events resumed, additional safety measures were put in place:
- Capacity limits – Most shows operated at 50-75% capacity in 2021.
- Masks required – All audience members aged 2+ required to wear masks.
- Proof of vaccination – Adults needed to show proof of vaccination at some venues.
- Enhanced cleaning – Increased sanitization of high-touch areas.
- Distanced seating – Distance between groups in the audience.
COVID precautions varied across different venues in 2021 and 2022. By late 2022, most locations had lifted restrictions but some safety measures may still be in place depending on local guidance.
Conclusion
The Price is Right Live show provides an exciting, authentic way for fans of the iconic game show to see it live on stage in cities across North America. With its random contestant selection, touring productions bring the fun and energy of trying to “Come On Down” to audiences far and wide. The show has provided an engaging extension of the beloved TV show for over 30 years since first taking it on the road back in 1988.