New York City is known as one of the cultural capitals of the world, with Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances happening every night. As a result, getting tickets to shows in NYC can be competitive. However, with some preparation and flexibility, you can score seats to many of the hottest events in the Big Apple.
Plan Ahead
Try to get your NYC show tickets well in advance of the performance date. As soon as tickets go on sale, hop online and secure seats if you can. The most popular Broadway musicals like Hamilton or Wicked often sell out months in advance. Even smaller off-Broadway shows can have limited seating. Give yourself as much lead time as possible.
Sign up for e-mail alerts from your favorite theater companies or venues so you’re notified when new blocks of tickets are released. Productions will frequently add more seats due to popular demand or as staging plans change.
Consider booking a trip to New York when there’s less competition for seats. The busy tourist seasons and holidays sell out quickly. But you may have better luck scoring tickets during traditionally slower times like January to March.
Check Multiple Sources
Don’t rely on a single source when trying to get show tickets. Check the official venue or Broadway show website first to see if seats are even available. But also browse other major ticket retailers like Ticketmaster, Telecharge, SeatGeek, StubHub, Vivid Seats, and more.
Comparison shop to find the best deals. Third party resellers will often have premium seats at marked up prices. But you may luck into orchestra seats or even sold out shows depending on inventory. Some show tickets are only available through specific vendors too.
Keep checking back as the performance nears. Last minute cancellations mean tickets can open up at the last second.
Utilize Memberships and Codes
Joining fan clubs, e-mail lists, or loyalty programs for certain theaters and productions can give you early access to tickets. You may have a chance to purchase seats before the general public. Give your email to get on the list.
Similarly, find out if certain credit cards or organizations offer special promo codes for show tickets. There are lots of entertainment partners tied to major card issuers. Use these presale ticket options when you can.
See What TodayTix Offers
TodayTix is a mobile app specifically focused on NYC show tickets. They partner directly with theaters to feature a rotating selection of seats for Broadway, off-Broadway, and more.
You can sometimes find decent last minute NYC show tickets on TodayTix too. The options are hand curated daily, often at reasonable prices. Easy to browse available productions.
Try the Lottery
Many Broadway shows offer a ticket lottery on the day of the performance. You can enter at the box office hours ahead, then winners are drawn for heavily discounted seats. This is an affordable way to potentially see sold out hit shows.
Common lottery rules include:
- Enter 2-3 hours before curtain at the box office. Limit 1-2 entries per person.
- Drawings happen 1-2 hours before the show. Winners pay $20-40 for seats.
- Some lotteries now take digital entries on Broadway Direct.
- Winning seats are located wherever empty spots are available.
While not guaranteed, the lottery provides a shot at last minute tickets without breaking the bank. Get to the theater early and put your name in the mix.
Be Flexible on Timing
The busiest Broadway show times on weekends and evenings sell out the fastest. But you may have better luck securing tickets for weekday matinees or early shows. Avoid the most competitive timings if possible.
Similarly, look for seats midweek when less tourists are competing. Tuesday to Thursday evenings often aren’t quite as full. Schedule your NYC trip during off-peak dates if you can.
Wait at the TKTS Booth
TKTS provides same day discounted Broadway and off-Broadway show tickets at their Times Square booth. You can save 25-50% on seats that haven’t sold yet for that day.
The catch is you must go in person and wait in line at the TKTS booth. Have backup shows in mind as availability changes hourly. Matinees and weeknights tend to have more options.
TKTS only sells in-person. You can’t reserve tickets online or by phone. Their satellite booths at Lincoln Center or South Street Seaport may have shorter lines too.
Last Minute Deals
Don’t rule out scoring NYC show tickets at the very last second. Professional resellers and brokers try to unload unsold seats right before curtain. Look for ticket hawkers around major theater districts.
Download the TodayTix app and check their Last Minute listings. You can sometimes get instant mobile delivery on premium seats they couldn’t sell otherwise. Great way to fill empty seats.
BroadwayBox offers last minute ticker alerts by text or email. You’ll get notifications if deals open up day of.
Follow NYC show venues on social media too. They will promote last minute specials and rush tickets when available.
Standing Room Only
If you strike out on conventional tickets, don’t overlook standing room only (SRO) policies. Many Broadway theaters sell a limited number of standing room spots on the day of each performance.
You’ll wait in a standby line at the box office to possibly get an SRO ticket. These usually sell for around $40-50. Then you stand at the back of the orchestra section through the show.
Granted, being on your feet for 2-3 hours isn’t ideal. But SRO provides access on the cheap for sellouts like Hamilton, Wicked, Book of Mormon, etc.
Broadway Rush
Rush tickets are heavily discounted seats sold in-person on the day of the show. You wait in line at the box office that morning and find out what’s available.
Rules vary by theater, but rush ticket deals usually follow this process:
- Get in line 1-2 hours before the box office opens.
- Tickets are first come, first served.
- Only pay $20-40 per ticket.
- Limit 2 tickets per person.
- Seats are in the front row or partial view.
So Broadway rush requires dedication – you may be waiting outdoors early. But the incredible discounts are worth it for many theater fans and tourists.
Off-Broadway Rush
Many Off-Broadway shows also offer in-person rush ticket policies. Popular options include:
- TKTS: 25-50% off same day tickets to Off-Broadway shows.
- TodayTix: Last minute lotteries for Off-Broadway productions.
- TheaterMania: Discount codes for partner Off-Broadway theaters.
Check theater company websites as well – they promote rush and lottery seats on social media and email lists.
Avoid Scams and Resale Markups
Unfortunately, NYC show tickets are a prime target for rip-offs. Be diligent to avoid paying more than necessary.
Stick to reputable, authorized sellers like primary venues and major retailers like Ticketmaster. Research unfamiliar resellers for legitimacy before purchasing.
Fake ticket scams surge around hot shows, where scammers leverage desperation for Hamilton, Book of Mormon, etc. Don’t buy just anywhere online or from random scalpers.
Avoid paying ridiculous markups on the secondary market if possible. Reseller sites like StubHub can charge many times more than face value.
Instead, look for discount and rush options directly from the source. The theater itself wants to fill seats, even at the last minute.
See Smaller and Offbeat Productions
Can’t get tickets to your first choice show? Pivot to a different production that flies under the radar.
Off-Broadway shows rarely sell out and are easier to get. Check acclaimed off-Broadway companies like Playwrights Horizons, Second Stage, Vineyard Theatre, and more.
Off-off-Broadway productions at little hole-in-the-wall theaters almost never sell out. These quirky gems let you discover fresh theater talent and scripts.
Student productions from top acting schools at NYU, Juilliard, and Columbia University stage incredible performances on the cheap.
Classical concerts from groups like the New York Philharmonic, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, etc. have more availability.
With a little flexibility, you can still experience amazing NYC theater without the Broadway crowds.
Conclusion
Scoring tickets to top New York City shows takes effort and ingenuity. But with smart planning and resourcefulness, you can secure affordable seats – even to the hottest Broadway blockbusters.
Be prepared when tickets go on sale, check multiple sources, and leverage promotions. Last minute lotteries, rush tickets, and standing room provide backup options too.
Use this guide to unlock great NYC show tickets that fit your budget and schedule. The curtains await – now get out there and start booking!