Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket retailers in the world and serves millions of customers each year. With a massive inventory spanning live sports, concerts, theater and more, Ticketmaster provides a one-stop shop for tickets to highly sought after events. This leads many customers to ask: does Ticketmaster sell tickets to Broadway shows?
The Short Answer
Yes, Ticketmaster does sell tickets to many popular Broadway shows. However, they do not sell tickets to every Broadway show. Some shows sell tickets directly through their own box office or websites.
How Broadway Ticketing Works
Ticketing for Broadway shows can be complex and varies by show. There is no single ticket seller that offers tickets to every Broadway musical or play. Here is a quick overview of how Broadway ticketing typically works:
- Most shows use a hybrid model, selling some tickets through Ticketmaster and other tickets through their own system.
- Newer shows may rely more heavily on Ticketmaster to handle ticketing when they first open.
- Long-running Broadway blockbusters may sell more tickets directly as they build up their own audience over time.
- Tickets sold through a show’s direct channel may include premium seats not available anywhere else.
In most cases, Broadway shows sell the majority of their tickets through their own website or box office. However, Ticketmaster remains a major Broadway ticketing source and offers convenience for fans looking to buy tickets to multiple shows in one place.
How to Buy Broadway Tickets on Ticketmaster
Purchasing Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster is a straightforward process:
- Visit the Ticketmaster website or mobile app.
- Select “Theater” from the navigation menu and then select “Broadway”.
- Browse upcoming Broadway shows alphabetically or by date.
- Select a show date for the production you want to see.
- Choose your seats from the interactive seat map.
- Proceed through checkout by entering your payment info and contact details.
Ticketmaster offers both standard and premium Broadway tickets for shows that use their platform. You can filter by price range to find seats that fit your budget.
Popular Broadway Shows on Ticketmaster
While Ticketmaster doesn’t sell tickets to every Broadway musical and play, they do offer tickets to many of the most popular shows. Some current and upcoming Broadway hits with tickets available on Ticketmaster include:
- Hamilton
- The Lion King
- Wicked
- Aladdin
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- The Book of Mormon
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Hadestown
- Moulin Rouge! The Musical
- Mean Girls
The inventory is always changing as shows open and close. Ticketmaster is a go-to option for hot new shows in their early Broadway runs. Once you find a show, you can click through to check specific date availability.
Broadway Lotteries and Rush Tickets
In addition to regular tickets, many Broadway shows offer discounted lottery seats or rush tickets. These programs help fill seats on the day of each performance. Unfortunately, Ticketmaster does not sell lottery or rush tickets. These programs are run directly by each Broadway show.
Here is a quick overview of each program:
Broadway Lotteries
- Enter a drawing for chance to buy heavily discounted tickets.
- Typically $10-$40 per ticket.
- Enter in-person at the box office day-of or via online app.
- Winners are notified hours before the show.
Broadway Rush Tickets
- In-person only, sold day-of at the box office.
- First come, first served.
- Often around $30-40 per ticket.
- Limited quantity available.
Playing the Broadway ticket lotteries or lining up for rush seats is a popular way for budget travelers and locals to see sold-out shows at a big discount. Just don’t count on winning – arrive early and have a back-up choice ready.
Other Broadway Ticket Retailers
In addition to Ticketmaster, there are several other major Broadway ticket sellers to be aware of.
Telecharge
Owned by the Shubert Organization, Telecharge sells tickets to Broadway shows in Shubert theaters and more. Like Ticketmaster, they offer individual sales and season packages.
Broadway.com
The website Broadway.com is an official site for Broadway tickets and info. They function as a ticket consolidator, partnering with various shows to sell seats.
TodayTix
TodayTix offers last-minute Broadway tickets through both mobile app and website sales. They compete with Ticketmaster but concentrate more on same-day sales.
Direct from the Theater
As mentioned earlier, many established Broadway shows sell the majority of tickets through their own site or box office. Check show websites for details.
You can save money buying direct when theaters offer special deals and promotions only available on their own channels.
Box Office Pickup vs. Ticket Delivery
When ordering Broadway tickets online, you’ll be given options for ticket fulfillment. You can have them:
- Delivered to you before the show.
- Held at the box office for pick-up.
- Printed or displayed on your phone.
Having tickets delivered gives you peace of mind that you have them in-hand before arriving. But box office pickup reduces delivery fees. Digital tickets provide maximum convenience for tech-savvy theatergoers.
Are Ticketmaster Fees Unavoidable?
Like most major ticket companies, Ticketmaster tacks on fees during checkout. These fees cover their operating costs and services. For Broadway shows, you’ll typically see:
- Processing fee – around $5-$25 per ticket
- Handling fee – typically $2-5 per order
- Delivery fee (if not picking up) – up to $10 per ticket
For very expensive front row tickets, the fees can add up quickly. There are a few ways to avoid the fees when buying Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Skip delivery and pick up tickets at the venue box office.
- Look for periodic promotions waiving fees or offering discounted tickets.
- Buy tickets directly from the theater if they don’t charge fees.
Unfortunately, the fees seem here to stay for the convenience that Ticketmaster provides. But you can mitigate them with smart choices. Don’t let them scare you away from seeing an amazing Broadway show!
Buying Broadway Tickets as Gifts
Broadway tickets make fantastic gifts for lovers of musical theater. Here are some top tips for buying Broadway tickets as gifts through Ticketmaster or other vendors:
- Buy well in advance for the most options. Shows sell out quickly.
- Consider matinee vs. evening shows based on the recipient’s preferences.
- Select a higher-priced section if it fits your budget to really wow them.
- Opt for physical tickets the recipient can unwrap or digital for last minute gifts.
- Add Broadway merchandise like posters and t-shirts for an extra thoughtful gift.
- Buy tickets to an additional show if your budget allows so they can see multiple productions.
With the right planning, Broadway tickets wrapped up and presented will delight any theater fan or New York City visitor. It’s an amazing experience to share.
Are Ticketmaster Broadway Tickets Refundable?
Ticketmaster provides refunds and exchanges for Broadway tickets, but only under certain circumstances. Like most Broadway tickets, Ticketmaster tickets are generally non-refundable.
However, if a show is cancelled and not rescheduled, they will refund the ticket amount. You can also get a refund if key cast members like the director or star actor leave a Broadway production.
Exchanges to a different date are sometimes allowed within a certain window if you contact Ticketmaster. There is usually an exchange fee around $10-20 per ticket.
If plans change shortly before the show date, unfortunately you will likely be stuck with the tickets. For this reason, only buy Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster once you’re absolutely sure of your plans. Double check dates and times before finalizing checkout.
Common Questions About Broadway Tickets on Ticketmaster
Here are answers to some other frequent questions about purchasing Broadway show tickets through Ticketmaster:
When do Broadway tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster?
Broadway tickets are loaded into Ticketmaster’s system as soon as shows announce their performance schedules, which can be many months in advance. However, shows often hold back many seats, only releasing certain allocations at different times leading up to performances. New batches of tickets will suddenly pop up in Ticketmaster, so keep checking back if initial dates are sold out.
How much are Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster?
Pricing varies wildly by factors like seat location, show popularity, and demand. In general, expect to spend $100-200 on average for standard Broadway musical tickets. Front orchestra seats can be $300+ for hot shows. Use Ticketmaster filters to find deals.
Why are Ticketmaster fees so high for Broadway tickets?
The various fees Ticketmaster adds on top of ticket face value help cover their operating costs, technology investments, customer service, security, marketing and profits. The fees also allow them to offer broadway tickets with no price mark-ups – you pay the base price set by theaters. But those fees add up quick.
When is the best time to buy Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster?
There is no one-size-fits-all “best” time. But these tips can help score great seats:
- Buy early when selection is wide.
- Avoid peak tourism times like holidays.
- Sales and promos provide deals for savvy buyers.
- Check back often for newly released seats.
- Aim for less popular nights like weekdays.
Why are there no tickets available on Ticketmaster for the show I want?
If you search for a Broadway show on Ticketmaster and see no ticket options or dates available, it likely means the production does not use Ticketmaster for ticket sales. The show may sell exclusively through their own system or other Broadway ticketing platforms. Check the official show website for details.
Using Broadway Ticketmaster Gift Cards
Themed gift cards are a popular present for Broadway fans. Here are some tips on giving and using Ticketmaster Broadway gift cards:
- Buy physical or electronic Ticketmaster gift cards in various amounts.
- Recipient can apply gift card balance towards Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster.
- Works like a regular Ticketmaster voucher – card balance shows when they log-in to redeem.
- Unused balance remains on card and can be applied towards future Ticketmaster purchases.
- Allows the gift recipient maximum flexibility to choose shows and dates.
Before purchasing a Ticketmaster gift card, just double check that the intended recipient can actually use it based on shows of interest. As a third-party seller, Ticketmaster may not have tickets available for their absolute favorite production. But for general Broadway fans, a Ticketmaster gift card makes a fantastic present they’re sure to enjoy.
Conclusion
While not the exclusive seller for all Broadway shows, Ticketmaster provides convenient one-stop access to tickets for many top musicals and plays. Their broad inventory spans classic long-running hits, hot new shows, and limited engagements. Ticketmaster offers reliable service and delivery along with occasional special offers.
However, theater fans should remember not to rule out a show’s direct site and box office when looking for tickets. Several leading Broadway productions manage much or all of their own ticketing. Buying direct can sometimes offer greater availability, discounts, and no fees.
Overall, Ticketmaster remains a trusted source for Broadway tickets for shows utilizing their system. Consumers who understand their fees and services can confidently use Ticketmaster to buy premium seats to their favorite musicals and plays in New York City.