Rush seating refers to a seating option offered by theaters and concert venues that allows audience members to purchase discounted tickets to performances on the day of the show. Rush seats are typically sold on a first-come, first-served basis right before the performance starts.
How Rush Seating Works
With rush seating, a certain number of tickets are held back from initial sales and made available at a discounted price to patrons who are willing to wait in line on the day of the performance. The number of rush seats available can vary from just a handful to several dozen seats per performance.
Venues typically announce when rush tickets will go on sale, often 1-2 hours prior to the start of the event. Patrons interested in rush seats will line up outside the box office at the designated time. Once tickets go on sale, they are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis until all rush seats are sold.
The prices for rush tickets are usually significantly discounted from the regular ticket prices. For popular Broadway musicals or plays, rush seats may be $20-40, while regular prices are $100 or more. At concerts, rush tickets could be $10-20 versus $50-100+ for non-rush seats.
Benefits of Rush Seating
There are several benefits to rush seating for both patrons and venues:
- Discounted prices – Rush seats offer substantial savings over regular-priced tickets.
- Spontaneity – Patrons can experience shows without needing to plan far in advance.
- Better availability – Rush seats increase access to sold-out or high-demand events.
- Fill empty seats – Venues can fill last-minute vacancies and improve attendance.
- Generate buzz – The rush line experience helps promote excitement about a show.
For budget-conscious theater and music fans, rush seating provides an affordable way to experience events they may not otherwise be able to attend due to high ticket prices. The rush line also creates a sense of community and shared purpose among patrons willing to wait for the chance at a discount.
Where Rush Seats are Located
The specific locations of rush seats vary between venues:
- Broadway theaters – Rush seats are typically partial view meaning they are at the far sides of the theater or have an obstructed sightline.
- Concert halls – Rush seats may be in the rear sections of the orchestra or mezzanine levels.
- Sporting events – Rushed seats are often in the upper decks or end zones.
- Movies – Rush ticket holders may sit in the front rows.
Venues limit rush seating to less desirable locations so they don’t undercut regular ticket sales. Partial view or nosebleed seats are less problematic for rush patrons since they are paying discounted prices.
Who Should Consider Rush Seats
Here are some of the people who can benefit most from rush seating:
- Budget travelers – Tourists and students seeking cheap entertainment.
- Thrifty locals – Residents who want to frequently attend events at low prices.
- Spontaneous planners – Those who decide last-minute to see a show.
- Single attendees – One person can more easily get a single rush ticket.
- General theater fans – For access to hard-to-get or sold out shows.
- Music lovers – To see big-name concerts and bands.
As long as you are flexible about seating locations and don’t mind waiting in line, rush seats can make Broadway musicals, hit plays, popular concerts, and big sporting events affordable and accessible.
Timing Strategies for Rush Seats
Timing is everything when it comes to successfully getting rush tickets. Here are some helpful timing strategies:
- Arrive early – Get in line at least 1-2 hours before rush tickets go on sale.
- Aim for weekdays – Less demand so you’re more likely to get seats.
- Avoid the first week – Rush lines will be longest right after opening.
- Check the weather – Bad weather often lowers the rush line turnout.
- Try matinees – Rush demand tends to be lower for weekday and weekend matinee shows.
While nothing is guaranteed, using timing to your advantage by avoiding peak periods and being early enough in line can greatly improve your chances of scoring rush seats.
Downsides of Rush Tickets
Despite the many benefits, there are also some disadvantages to keep in mind with rush seating:
- No guarantees – You may wait in line and still not get a ticket.
- Time commitment – The wait can be long, sometimes hours.
- Bad locations – Rush seats are usually in less desirable sections.
- Cash only – Most rush tickets are cash purchases only.
- Non-transferable – You generally can’t exchange rush tickets later if plans change.
The uncertainty, time invested, and lack of flexibility require patience and planning. Rush seating is best suited for those who are spontaneous and don’t mind the tradeoffs for deep discounts.
Popular Rush Seating Venues
Rush seating policies are common at these major entertainment venues:
City | Venues with Rush Seats |
---|---|
New York City | Broadway theaters, Metropolitan Opera, NYC ballet |
Chicago | Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera, Grant Park Music Festival |
San Francisco | SF Opera, SF Symphony, Curran Theatre |
Boston | Emerson Colonial Theatre, Handel & Haydn Society, Boston Pops |
Washington DC | Kennedy Center, National Theatre, Warner Theatre |
Many local performing arts centers, concert halls, theaters, cinemas, and sports teams also offer rush style discounted same-day seating as well.
Getting the Most Out of Rush Seating
Here are some tips for making the most of rush tickets:
- Check theater websites for rush ticket policies and procedures.
- Bring cash and a valid ID to the box office.
- Arrive early enough to be near the front of the line.
- Chat with others in line – it’s part of the experience!
- Be prepared to hurry to your seats to avoid missing the start.
- Consider eating later – you don’t want to lose your place in line.
- Accept that you won’t necessarily sit with your whole group.
While rush seating requires effort and compromise, the opportunity to see great live entertainment at bargain prices makes it worthwhile for many theater and music aficionados.
Conclusion
Rush tickets allow performing arts venues to fill seats and give patrons affordable access to sought-after events. By arriving early, timing it right, and setting expectations, the rush line can be an exciting part of the show experience. While not for everyone, rush seating satisfies those looking for spontaneous entertainment, last-minute deals, and a community of fellow bargain-seekers all sharing in the anticipation.