When looking to purchase tickets for a show or event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether it is cheaper to buy tickets directly from the venue or from a third-party seller. There are pros and cons to both options that are important to consider when deciding where to get Radio City Music Hall tickets.
Buying Directly from Radio City Music Hall
There are a few potential advantages to buying tickets directly from the Radio City Music Hall box office or website:
- Guaranteed authentic tickets – There is no risk of getting scammed with fake or invalid tickets when purchasing directly from the venue.
- Access to preferred seating – Radio City may hold back some prime seats to sell through their own channels rather than release them all to third-party sellers.
- Ability to select exact seats – You can often pick your precise seat location when buying direct, rather than just getting a general admission ticket.
- No extra fees – Radio City does not charge the service fees, shipping fees, or other add-on costs that many ticket resellers include.
However, direct ticket prices may be listed at face value, which is often higher than the price you can find through resellers. There are fewer opportunities to buy at a discount unless Radio City is offering a special deal. You also miss out on the convenience of shopping among multiple sellers to find the best value.
Buying from a Ticket Reseller
Here are some potential benefits of using a ticket resale marketplace instead of buying direct:
- Better ticket prices – Resellers often sell tickets below face value so they can move inventory. You can find significant savings compared to box office prices.
- Wider selection – Aggregator sites like StubHub combine listings from many sellers, giving you more tickets to choose from.
- Shopping options – You can compare prices across multiple resellers to find the best deal on the tickets you want.
- Convenience – Resale platforms make it easy to shop for tickets any time from the comfort of your home.
The trade-off is that you lose the guarantees and perks that come with buying directly through Radio City itself. You have to be cautious about fake tickets and hidden fees from disreputable resellers.
Comparing Radio City Music Hall Ticket Prices
To get a better idea of the potential savings, here is a comparison of current ticket prices for an upcoming Radio City Music Hall event:
Section | Direct from Box Office | From Reseller |
---|---|---|
Orchestra | $300 | $275 |
Front Mezzanine | $200 | $150 |
Rear Mezzanine | $125 | $95 |
In this scenario, buying through a reseller offered savings of 8-25% off box office prices. The deeper the discount, the more compelling the case for using a ticket resale platform. But the savings aren’t guaranteed – prices can fluctuate over time on both sides.
Tips for Getting the Best Radio City Ticket Prices
Here are some tips to help get the best value whether you buy directly or through a reseller:
- Check Radio City’s website first – Look for discount codes or special offers before checking resellers.
- Buy early – Prices usually go up over time as event dates approach.
- Be flexible on dates – Less in-demand performances typically have lower prices.
- Compare multiple sellers – Don’t assume the first price you see is the best deal.
- Beware of hidden fees – Read the fine print so you understand the final cost.
- Only use trusted platforms – Stick with major, reputable resale marketplaces.
- Move fast on deals – The best ticket discounts get bought up quickly.
Is it Cheaper to Buy Radio City Tickets from the Box Office or Resellers?
In general, ticket resellers tend to offer cheaper Radio City Music Hall tickets than buying directly through the box office. However, prices can vary widely depending on factors like:
- The popularity of the event
- The day of the week
- The specific section and seat location
- Timing relative to the event date
There is no absolute guarantee that third-party sellers will always have the lowest prices. But they are able to undercut box office prices frequently enough that most savvy buyers at least compare resale sites before purchasing. It only takes a few minutes to check leading platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, etc. and see if significant savings are available compared to direct prices.
Buying directly does eliminate the risks that come with resellers, such as counterfeit tickets and hidden fees. There are also some advantages around things like seat selection that are only available when purchasing from Radio City. So buyers need to weigh those benefits against the potential cost savings from the secondary market.
With a high-demand venue like Radio City Music Hall, sold out events are common. That limits the available direct ticket inventory and makes resellers an even more attractive option. Being flexible on dates and shopping early also improves the chances of securing cheap tickets on the secondary market.
Conclusion
While buying tickets directly from the Radio City Music Hall box office provides guarantees and perks you won’t get elsewhere, the reality is that prices are often cheaper when purchasing through a ticket reseller. There is no across-the-board rule, so savvy buyers compare both options. If you can find good deals on a trusted resale platform, you can potentially save a lot on Radio City tickets versus paying face value. Just be sure to factor in all fees and read the fine print to avoid any surprises.