Hamilton, the hit Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has been playing in Chicago since September 2016. The show is a cultural phenomenon and tickets are in high demand, but it is possible to get seats if you plan ahead and know where to look. Here are some tips for scoring Hamilton tickets in Chicago.
Buy Early Directly from the Theater
The best way to secure Hamilton Chicago tickets is to buy early directly from the official theater box office. Hamilton is playing an open-ended run at the CIBC Theatre (formerly the PrivateBank Theatre) in downtown Chicago. You can purchase tickets directly through the theater’s website or box office. It’s best to buy as far in advance as you can, as most performances sell out quickly.
On the CIBC Theatre website, you can view the performance calendar to see which dates have ticket availability. Typically new blocks of tickets are released several months in advance. Check the site frequently to try to get newly released seats. You may have the best luck finding weekday performances or matinees, which are less in demand than weekend evenings.
Buying directly from the theater’s box office, either online or by phone, ensures you will get legitimate tickets. Be aware that reseller sites like StubHub may charge much higher prices and fees.
Try Ticket Lotteries and Rush Tickets
Many Broadway shows, including Hamilton Chicago, offer lottery and rush ticket programs to make a limited number of affordable last-minute seats available. This gives fans the chance to score tickets for much below face value.
The Hamilton Chicago lottery happens daily by mobile ticket lottery. You can enter by using the official Hamilton app or visiting the website. Winners get the opportunity to purchase 2 tickets for $10 each. There are 21 tickets sold per lottery performance.
In-person rush tickets are also available when the box office opens each day for that evening’s performance. A limited number of rush tickets start at $40, cash only. You can also inquire about standing room only tickets depending on availability. Arrive very early for the best chance at rush seats.
Look for Discounts and Deals
While Hamilton tickets are in high demand, discounts and deals can sometimes be found:
- Check out Broadway in Chicago’s email ClubLucky for special offers and discounted seats.
- Follow Hamilton on social media for announcements about ticket promotions.
- Sign up for Daily Deal websites like Groupon that may offer discounted blocks of Hamilton tickets in Chicago from time to time.
- Look for Hamilton tickets packaged with Chicago hotel or restaurant deals.
- Chicago has a vibrant theater scene, so check sites like Goldstar for discounts on other popular Chicago shows to free up budget for Hamilton.
You may be able to find cheaper tickets by being flexible about dates or accepting partial view obstructed seats. Matinee shows often have better availability of discounted tickets as well.
Use a Reseller – But Be Careful
Third party ticket resellers like StubHub and VividSeats can provide another option for finding tickets, but use caution as pricing is higher and there is risk of fraud.
On sites like StubHub, verified resellers can list Hamilton Chicago tickets for sale. There is often a large markup over face value. Be sure to factor in all additional fees.
Buying from a trusted broker like StubHub does offer buyer guarantees to protect from fraud. However, last minute cancellations and issues with tickets being misrepresented can still occur. Thoroughly research the seller and purchase guarantees.
If going the reseller route, buying well in advance gives more options to shop around and compare prices between sites. Last minute secondary market tickets will be very expensive for a show as popular as Hamilton.
Join the Hamilton Fan Club
Sign up for the official Hamilton Fan Club waitlist, called Ham4Ham. It’s free to join. As a member you’ll get access to special ticket lotteries and early opportunities to purchase tickets.
The producers of Hamilton run this ticket waitlist and fan club. By joining, you may get a shot at house seats before they go on sale to the general public. This insider access gives fans a better chance at prime tickets.
Make sure to have notifications turned on for the Fan Club so you don’t miss any ticket updates. The early bird gets the Hamilton Chicago tickets!
Consider Traveling to Another City
If you strike out getting Chicago tickets, traveling to see Hamilton in another city is an option. The touring productions travel all over the country.
Nearby cities where you can catch Hamilton include:
- Toronto
- Des Moines
- Indianapolis
- Buffalo
- Louisville
- Detroit
- Columbus
- Milwaukee
Many die-hard fans plan a weekend away to see Hamilton in another town if needed. Comparing ticket availability and prices in nearby cities can reveal more options.
Be Persistent and Be Flexible
Like all popular shows, Hamilton Chicago tickets are elusive but not necessarily impossible to find. Being persistent about checking all possible avenues repeatedly, and remaining flexible about dates, seat locations, and travel can help in your search.
Set up alerts and keep checking the theater box office website as new blocks of tickets are constantly being released. Follow all the official Hamilton social media and mailing lists for special offers. Enter every lottery and promotion you can find.
With some dedication to the process, it’s likely that Hamilton fans can find a way to score tickets at one price point or another. The room where it happens may end up being Chicago after all!
Typical Hamilton Chicago Ticket Prices
To understand the range of prices for Hamilton Chicago, here are some typical costs for different types of tickets:
Ticket Type | Average Price |
---|---|
Direct from box office – Premium seats | $300+ |
Direct from box office – Mid-tier seats | $150 – $200 |
Direct from box office – Rear mezzanine/balcony | $75 – $100 |
Daily Digital Lottery | $10 – $20 |
In-person Rush Tickets | $40 – $60 |
Discounts/Deals | $50 – $125 |
Reseller sites – Premium seats | $400+ |
Reseller sites – Lower level seats | $200 – $350 |
Reseller sites – Balcony seats | $100 – $200 |
As you can see, buying directly from the theater, well in advance, provides the best prices. But last minute rush, lottery and resale seats make the show accessible to more budget ranges.
Plan Your Chicago Hamilton Experience
Beyond just getting tickets, make a full experience of your Chicago Hamilton trip with these tips:
- Book a hotel near the theater – Loop, River North or Gold Coast neighborhoods are closest.
- Arrive early to take photos with statues of Hamilton characters in front of the theater.
- Check out Hamilton exhibit artifacts at the Field Museum.
- Eat at restaurants referenced in Hamilton songs like The Gage or the former site of the Union Stockyards.
- Take an architecture river cruise for scenic city views.
- Visit the Art Institute of Chicago which is referenced in Hamilton.
- Top off the night with drinks at a rooftop bar like Cindy’s.
Immerse yourself in Chicago’s amazing dining, arts, culture, history and attractions for a complete Hamilton experience.
Conclusion
Hamilton Chicago remains one of the hottest theater tickets in town. While not easy to get, tickets are attainable with preparation and persistence. Following tips like buying early, entering lotteries, looking for deals, and being open to alternate dates or locations can all improve your chances. The show is a once-in-a-generation cultural phenomenon, so the effort to see it is well rewarded.