A Broadway ticket lottery is a way for theatergoers to potentially purchase discounted Broadway tickets for popular shows. Many Broadway productions offer ticket lotteries as a way to make a limited number of seats available at low prices.
How do Broadway ticket lotteries work?
Broadway ticket lotteries typically work by having interested attendees sign up or register to enter the lottery. This is often done by physically showing up to the theater box office and submitting an entry card or signing up on the show’s website. Some lotteries require entrants to be present and in-person to win while others can notify winners remotely.
On the day of the performance, a random drawing is held and the winners are selected. The number of winners varies by show but is usually limited. For extremely popular shows, there may only be 20-30 lottery winners per performance. The winners are able to purchase tickets, usually one or two per winner, for a discounted lottery price. This price is often in the $30-50 range whereas regular ticket prices may be $100 or more.
Lotteries are typically held every day that the show performs. Interested attendees will need to re-enter for each lottery drawing. Some shows will accept lottery entries up to 2-3 hours before the performance while others have strict deadlines for submitting entries.
What are the benefits of Broadway ticket lotteries?
There are several benefits to entering Broadway ticket lotteries:
- Discount prices – Lottery tickets can cost up to 70% less than regular tickets.
- Access to popular shows – Lotteries make tickets available for high-demand shows that may otherwise be sold out.
- Spontaneity – Entering the lottery is free so it can be a spontaneous entertainment option.
- Support Broadway – Purchasing lottery tickets helps support Broadway productions.
The significant ticket discounts are the biggest advantage, making shows more affordable. Lotteries also create an exciting opportunity to get tickets to very popular shows like Hamilton that sell out months in advance.
What are the disadvantages or challenges?
There are also some potential disadvantages to consider with Broadway ticket lotteries:
- No guarantees – Entering does not guarantee winning tickets.
- Timing – Attendees may need to arrange their schedule around lottery entry requirements and performance times.
- Limit of 1-2 tickets – Winning tickets may be limited to 1 or 2 per person so it can be hard to get enough tickets for a large group.
- Obstructed views – Lottery seats may have partial or obstructed views of the stage.
There is no guarantee of winning the lottery. Interested attendees will likely need to enter multiple times before winning. There is also no way to ensure getting enough tickets for a large group or family.
What are some example Broadway shows that offer lotteries?
Some popular current and recent Broadway shows that have offered ticket lotteries include:
- Hamilton
- Wicked
- The Book of Mormon
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Aladdin
- Frozen
- Hadestown
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- The Lion King
- Mean Girls
These major hits tend to have the highest ticket demand on Broadway. Lotteries provide an affordable way to gain access. Historical Broadway hits like Rent and The Producers have also offered lotteries during their original runs.
How many tickets are typically available through the lottery?
The number of lottery tickets available for each Broadway performance varies but is typically quite limited. Some examples include:
- Hamilton – 21 front row tickets available per lottery
- Dear Evan Hansen – 26 tickets available per lottery
- Book of Mormon – 21 tickets available per lottery
- Aladdin – 21 tickets available per lottery
- Mean Girls – 21 tickets available per lottery
In most cases, around 20-30 lottery tickets are made available per show. Very few compared to the hundreds of seats in most Broadway theaters. The scarce number of tickets keeps demand and excitement high.
How much do lottery tickets usually cost?
Lottery tickets typically cost between $30-$50. Sometimes lower end tickets are under $30 while higher demand shows may exceed $50. Some sample lottery ticket prices include:
Show | Lottery Ticket Price |
---|---|
Hamilton | $10 |
Wicked | $30 |
Dear Evan Hansen | $42 |
Book of Mormon | $50 |
Aladdin | $30 |
These prices represent large discounts off regular premium ticket prices which can run from $200 to over $500 in some cases for the hottest shows.
Can you enter the lottery online or do you have to be there in person?
Lottery entry procedures vary by show. Some require attendees to physically sign up at the theater box office each day they want to enter. This is more common for shows with a high number of entries.
Other shows allow online lottery registration through the show’s website, email, or smartphone app. This allows participants to enter remotely without having to go to the theater every day.
A few shows also utilize a combination of online and in-person registration options. Typically the more convenient online options are for lotteries with fewer daily entrants.
What are the typical requirements to enter the lottery?
To enter most Broadway ticket lotteries, there are a few common requirements:
- Submit entry within specified timeframe – Usually 2-3 hours before the show start time.
- Limit of 1-2 entries per person – Only one lottery registration allowed per individual.
- Photo ID required if winner – Winners must provide valid ID to purchase tickets.
- Purchase tickets if selected – Lottery winners must be prepared to purchase tickets if selected.
The specific lottery rules are established separately by each show but these requirements tend to be standard across most Broadway lotteries.
Can you improve your chances to win the lottery?
It is not really possible to significantly improve your odds of winning a Broadway ticket lottery since it is random. However, a few tips that may help your chances include:
- Enter every day – The more days you enter, the more chances to have your name drawn.
- Avoid popular days – Odds may be lower on weekend shows or holidays when demand surges.
- See less popular shows – Try lotteries for shows that are not absolute hottest hits.
- Go with a single entry – Entering in a group slightly reduces everyone’s odds of winning.
Persistence is key as it often takes repeated tries across multiple lotteries before being selected as a winner. But ultimately the random selection means no strategy guarantees success.
Is entering the lottery free or is there a cost to register?
In nearly all cases, entering the Broadway ticket lottery is free. You simply need to sign up or submit an entry request either online or in-person at the box office. There is no cost charged to enter or participate.
Only if you are selected as a lottery winner do you need to pay to actually purchase discounted lottery tickets. And you are under no obligation to buy if selected.
Can you win the lottery multiple times or just once?
For most Broadway lotteries, there are no limits on how many times someone can be selected as a winner. You are able to win the lottery drawing multiple times over a period of entering on different days.
However, some newer or extremely popular shows may implement a one-time win limit rule. This restricts anyone from winning tickets more than once to allow more people a chance to access the limited lottery seats.
How far in advance do you need to arrive to enter the in-person lottery?
To ensure you are able to submit a lottery entry, it is recommended you plan to arrive 1-2 hours prior to the lottery submission deadline. Some general guidelines include:
- Matinee performances – Arrive at box office 3-4 hours before showtime.
- Evening performances – Arrive at box office 4-5 hours before curtain.
- Weekends/holidays – May need extra time due to crowds.
- Less popular shows – Can sometimes arrive closer to entry deadline.
Give yourself plenty of buffer time in case of long box office lines or other delays. You don’t want to risk missing the lottery deadline.
What happens if you win the lottery but can’t make the performance?
If you win the Broadway ticket lottery but are unable to attend or purchase the tickets, there is no rollover or raincheck. You simply forfeit the opportunity.
Some lotteries may have a standby list to sell tickets if the winner does not claim and pay for the tickets within a short timeframe. But otherwise the seats typically are just not used.
That’s why it is risky to enter lotteries for performances you may have to miss. Often just a short window of 1-2 hours to complete the ticket purchase once selected.
Do lottery tickets have any other restrictions?
Along with the requirement to pay for tickets if selected, Broadway ticket lottery winners may be subject to some other restrictions such as:
- No exchanges or refunds – Lottery tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded later.
- Photo ID required – Winners must show valid photo ID when purchasing tickets.
- Cash only – Some lotteries require payment be made in cash.
- Limit 2 tickets – Maximum number of tickets a single winner can purchase.
- Must enter together – All attendees must be present together to enter.
These rules vary between shows but serve to prevent lottery ticket scalping or resale. Review policies carefully before entering each lottery.
Are lottery seats good seats?
The specific location of seats for Broadway ticket lottery winners can vary greatly. Some general observations on lottery seat quality:
- Front row – Some lotteries are exclusively for front row seats.
- Partial view – Many are partial view or far side seats with obstructed views.
- Balcony – It is common to be seated in the rear mezzanine or balcony.
- Separated seats – Parties may be split across non-contiguous seats.
- Pre-selected – Seats are pre-determined, not chosen.
In most cases, lottery seats tend to be those left unsold after better seats are taken. While views may be imperfect, lottery winners still get to be in the room for a hot show.
What is the usual lottery drawing time?
Broadway ticket lotteries typically conduct the randomized drawings between 1-3 hours prior to the show’s start time. Some common drawing times are:
- Matinee lotteries – 12:00-1:00PM for a 2PM show.
- Evening lotteries – 3:00-5:00PM for a 7PM curtain.
- Weekend/holiday shows – May be earlier due to volume.
- Check individual rules – Drawing times can vary by production.
Winners are either notified on-site or via phone/email. Ticket purchase must usually be completed within 30-60 minutes of the drawing.
Conclusion
While not guaranteed, Broadway ticket lotteries provide an economical way to gain access to sold old shows. By entering often and persisting through multiple lotteries, dedicated theatergoers can often eventually land heavily discounted tickets. Just expect obstructed views in exchange for the savings.