When it comes to attending popular Broadway shows like The Lion King, having a printed paper ticket versus an electronic ticket on your phone has been a common question in recent years. With advancements in technology allowing for electronic ticketing, do you still need to print out tickets for shows at major theaters like The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre?
Quick Answer
For The Lion King on Broadway, printed paper tickets are not required. You can either print tickets at home or access them on your phone when you arrive at the theater. The theater has scanners to scan either printed tickets or electronic tickets displayed on your phone.
Printed vs. Electronic Tickets
In the past, having printed paper tickets was always required for Broadway shows and other events. But these days, electronic ticketing makes it easier than ever to access your tickets anytime on your smartphone.
Here are some of the key differences between printed and electronic tickets:
Printed Paper Tickets
– Have to be printed at home ahead of time
– Risk losing tickets or leaving them at home
– Can be more difficult to distribute tickets to group
– Tickets can get wet, faded, damaged, etc.
Electronic Tickets
– Convenient access anytime on your phone
– Don’t have to print anything – just show phone
– Easy to transfer tickets electronically
– Avoid issues with losing printed tickets
– More secure with electronic barcodes
While printed tickets used to be a requirement, these days the convenience of electronic ticketing makes it very popular, especially for busy tourists seeing a Broadway show. The Lion King theater is fully equipped to scan either type of tickets.
How Electronic Tickets Work at The Lion King
If you decide to use electronic tickets for The Lion King on Broadway, here is how it works at the theater:
- Purchase tickets online and elect for electronic ticket delivery to your smartphone.
- Download the free Ticketmaster or Telecharge apps which store your Lion King tickets.
- Arrive at the Minskoff Theatre box office with your ID ready.
- Show the barcode on your smartphone to the theater employee who will scan it.
- Once scanned, proceed to the usher and show your phone again to be led to your seat.
As long as your phone battery doesn’t die, you’ll have easy access to your tickets right on your smartphone. If you run into any problems accessing them, just stop by the box office for help. The theater employees are used to scanning either electronic or printed tickets.
Tips for Electronic Tickets
To make sure your electronic ticketing goes smoothly when seeing The Lion King on Broadway, keep these tips in mind:
- Charge your phone: Make sure your phone is fully charged so the screen stays on to display your barcode.
- Bring a back-up: Consider printing a back-up paper ticket or storing them on a second device just in case.
- Arrive early: Get to the theater with extra time in case you need assistance with your electronic ticket.
- Know your apps: Be sure you have the Ticketmaster or Telecharge apps and understand how to access the tickets.
- Enable offline mode: For the ticket apps, enable offline mode so you can view tickets without WiFi.
- Avoid screen damage: Make sure your phone screen doesn’t have any cracks or damage that could hinder scanning.
When to Print Tickets
While electronic tickets are popular and convenient, there are still some cases where you may want to print paper tickets instead:
- You don’t own a smartphone or don’t want to risk any issues with electronic tickets.
- You prefer having a tangible ticket as a souvenir or for collecting autographs at stage door.
- You are giving tickets as a gift and want something tangible to wrap up.
- You have a large group that makes managing numerous phones complicated.
- You don’t trust yourself to not lose your phone before the show.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Many people still enjoy having physical tickets to Broadway shows. But electronic tickets offer more convenience. The Lion King makes it easy to use either option.
Purchasing Tickets
Whether you choose electronic or printed tickets, purchasing tickets in advance online is highly recommended for The Lion King. Here are some tips for buying tickets:
- Purchase early for best availability of seating options and dates.
- Buy directly through the theater’s website or Ticketmaster versus third-party resellers.
- Compare prices across multiple performances for deals.
- Join fan clubs and mailing lists for access to presales.
- Consider matinee shows during the week for cheaper tickets.
- Check for lotteries, rush tickets, and standing room only policies.
Make sure to choose your ticket delivery method during checkout – electronic or printed. Both are completely valid options supported at the Minskoff Theatre box office. Printed tickets will be either standard mail or for an added fee you can choose FedEx delivery.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for The Lion King on Broadway can vary greatly depending on factors like:
- Seat location – front orchestra versus rear mezzanine.
- Performance schedule – peak nights versus slower weeknights.
- Time of year – holidays and summers are popular.
- Special events – added cost for holidays, anniversaries.
Generally you can expect to pay:
| Seat Type | Approx. Price Range |
| Front Orchestra | $149 – $179 |
| Mid Orchestra | $99 – $139 |
| Rear Orchestra | $79 – $99 |
| Front Mezzanine | $89 – $129 |
| Rear Mezzanine | $49 – $99 |
| Standing Room | $39 |
This gives you an idea but prices can go higher or lower. Check the theater’s website when purchasing for current price ranges.
Day of Show Tickets
While buying Lion King tickets in advance is recommended, you can sometimes get tickets day of show at the Minskoff Theatre box office. Here are some tips for scoring tickets:
- Arrive very early – even before the box office opens to get in line.
- Ask box office if they held any tickets or had last minute returns.
- Be flexible on seating – take whatever seats are available.
- Check for standing room only and lottery options.
- Consider a weekend matinee versus peak evening shows.
- Have backup Broadway shows in case Lion King is sold out.
Scoring last minute Broadway tickets takes effort and luck. Weekday shows and matinees give you better chances than weekends. Standing in line at the box office is key along with being flexible.
Conclusion
Attending the Broadway musical The Lion King is an amazing experience for theater fans of all ages. While printed paper tickets used to be the only option, electronic tickets now offer a convenient alternative. The Minskoff Theatre easily accommodates both ticket formats.
Purchasing tickets in advance online is always recommended for the best availability. Use electronic delivery or printed mail based on your preference. Day of show tickets can be possible but are not guaranteed. Arrive early at the box office and be flexible for best luck. With both printed and electronic tickets accepted, you’ll have a smooth experience getting into The Lion King on Broadway.
