Getting tickets to see a live taping of The Price Is Right is a dream for many game show fans. While securing seats may seem daunting, there are ways to greatly improve your chances of seeing a live show. With some preparation and persistence, you can land yourself in Contestants’ Row. Here’s everything you need to know about scoring The Price Is Right tickets.
When are The Price Is Right tapings?
The Price Is Right films episodes throughout the year at the Bob Barker Studio at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California. There are generally two taping sessions per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays when the show is in production. The morning tapings take place around 9:00-11:30am and the afternoon tapings run approximately 1:30-4:00pm.
Each taping session consists of an hour-long practice run-through followed by a one-hour episode taping. So when you get tickets, plan to be in the audience for around 2-3 hours depending on whether you attend a morning or afternoon taping.
How to get tickets
There are two main ways to get tickets to see The Price Is Right filming live:
- Request tickets through the show’s online reservation system.
- Stand in the ticket line at CBS Television City.
Online ticket reservations
The most convenient way to get Price Is Right tickets is through the show’s online reservation system. You can request up to four tickets per reservation by visiting priceisright.com and completing the request form. Reservations can be made up to 18 months in advance, so request early for the best chance at tickets.
Demand is high, so there is no guarantee you will get tickets through the online system. But it offers the best odds without having to wait in line at the studio. You will be notified 2-4 weeks before your requested date if tickets are available.
Standing in line
The other way to get into a The Price Is Right taping is to stand in the ticket line outside CBS Television City on the morning of a show. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:00am. Arrive early, as the line gets long quickly and standby tickets are limited.
Only a certain number of line tickets are distributed, so a standby ticket does not guarantee admission. You may have to wait and find out if you make it in on the day of the show. But for die-hard fans determined to see a live show, it’s worth trying the ticket line at least once.
Who can be in the audience
The Price Is Right audience includes groups of friends, families, tourists visiting LA, and die-hard fans. To be part of the studio audience, there are a few requirements:
- You must be 18 years or older, unless accompanied by an adult.
- Audience members must show a valid photo ID.
- You need to be physically able to sit in the studio bleachers for over 2 hours.
- Anyone who has been on stage as a contestant on The Price Is Right in the past is ineligible.
Tickets are non-transferrable and cannot be sold. Audience members are also advised not to wear any licensed sports team apparel or clothing with visible logos or messages. The show wants contestants to stand out on camera against a neutral audience backdrop.
Best times to attend
Certain times of year make for better odds at getting into a The Price Is Right taping and having a more memorable experience:
Special event shows
During sweeps months (November, February, May), the show often films special event episodes with an exciting theme or celebrity guests. These tapings have a fun atmosphere and make great memories for the audience.
Daytime Emmy weeks
In May when the Daytime Emmys are held, The Price Is Right stages elaborate, decorative sets all week. So spring dates give you a chance to see the studio dressed up and the cast in a lively mood.
Summer months
Tickets are easiest to come by in summer when tourist crowds thin out after the school year ends. Locals make up more of the audience then, boosting your chances of being chosen as a contestant.
Improve your odds as a contestant
To boost your chances of making it on stage as a contestant, here are some tips:
- Attend a taping with a small group (less than 4 people). Single audience members and pairs get called down most.
- Wear bright, colorful clothing that stands out on camera.
- Arrive early and sit in the first 2-3 rows of the center section.
- Enthusiastically clap and cheer when warmed up by the producer before taping.
- Become familiar with the types of games and prizes, so you’ll be ready to play.
Following the above tips, being energetic and having a positive attitude will go a long way towards you hearing your name called down as the next contestant!
What to expect at a taping
Once you have your coveted tickets in hand, here is a rundown of what you can expect on the day of the show:
Checking in
Be sure to arrive at CBS Television City 30 minutes before the scheduled taping time printed on your ticket. Check-in lines get long quickly. Have your photo ID ready, as it will be checked before you can enter the building.
Finding your seat
After checking in, you will be brought into the studio to find a seat. Ushers will seat the audience section by section. If you want to sit near the front, politely let an usher know – they try to accommodate seating requests when possible.
The pre-show
Before the cameras start rolling, a producer will come out to warm up the audience. Clap enthusiastically and you may get the producer’s attention and an increased chance of being a contestant. A few contestants may even be chosen during the pre-show.
Taping the show
Once the show starts taping, be ready to cheer for contestants you know and boo opponents competing against them. Show your excitement when contestants win big prizes! The hour goes by quickly thanks to the lively energy in the studio.
If you are chosen as a contestant, be prepared to immediately sign legal agreements and waivers before going on stage. Have fun playing the games – win or lose, you get to keep any prizes you earn!
After the show
When taping wraps, you will exit the studio right away. Don’t leave too fast though, as sometimes hosts or producers linger to say hi and take pictures with fans.
All audience members must leave the CBS lot promptly after. Taping another episode will begin soon, and a new audience will be entering while you exit.
Conclusion
Scoring seats to a taping of The Price Is Right takes effort and patience, but the payoff of seeing a legendary game show in action is well worth it. With smart planning using the online reservation system and standby line during optimal times of year, you can fulfill your dream of spinning the Big Wheel or giving the wheel on the Showcase Showdown a final spin in front of millions of home viewers.