Hamilton is one of the hottest and most popular Broadway musicals of all time. With music, lyrics, and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton tells the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his journey from orphan immigrant to George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War to America’s first Secretary of the Treasury. Since opening on Broadway in 2015, Hamilton has received immense critical acclaim, winning Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, a Pulitzer Prize, and more. The show has also been credited with bringing younger and more diverse audiences to Broadway. As a result of its popularity and acclaim, getting tickets to see Hamilton, especially in its home city of New York, can be very difficult and expensive. This article will examine the different factors that impact Hamilton ticket prices in New York City.
Hamilton Ticket Availability in New York City
Hamilton is performed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on West 46th Street in New York City. The theatre has a capacity of 1,319 seats. There are typically 8 performances per week, with shows on Tuesdays through Sundays. This amounts to approximately 10,500 tickets available for sale each week to see Hamilton in New York. However, because of very high demand, tickets often sell out months in advance. Producers hold back some tickets for same-day sales and lotteries, but the total number of tickets available directly from the box office is still very limited. The scarcity of available tickets is one factor driving up prices on the secondary market.
Factors Impacting Ticket Prices
Several key factors impact the supply, demand, and resulting prices for Hamilton tickets in New York:
- Limited engagement – Unlike some open-ended Broadway shows, Hamilton producers have announced the show will close in New York on January 15, 2023. This finite engagement increases demand as people want to see the show before it ends.
- Popularity and acclaim – As one of the most honored and talked about Broadway shows ever, demand for Hamilton is sky-high.
- Touring productions – Hamilton tours around the U.S. and world, but Broadway is still seen as the premier way to experience the show.
- Seasonality – Demand and prices are higher during peak tourism seasons in New York like summer and holidays.
- Day of week – Weekend shows are in higher demand than weeknights.
- Holidays and school breaks – Prices increase around holidays and school breaks when more people travel to New York.
How to Get Hamilton Tickets from the Box Office
Getting tickets directly from the Hamilton box office in New York is very competitive. Here are some options:
- Advance ticket sales – Tickets go on sale for dates 6-8 months in advance. Sign up for notifications on the Hamilton website for on-sale announcements.
- Ticket lotteries – 21 front row tickets are sold for every performance via an online lottery. Lottery entries accepted daily.
- Same-day ticket sales – A limited number of tickets are sold same-day at the box office, often at a premium price point.
- Standing room – Standing room tickets are sold each day for $69 cash only. Limited number available.
Be prepared for very high demand if you try to purchase tickets directly. Having flexibility with dates can help improve your chances if you enter lotteries daily or line up for SRO tickets.
Buying Hamilton Tickets from a Reseller
The secondary market is likely the easiest way to buy Hamilton tickets in New York, but comes at a premium price. Here are some tips:
- Buy early – Prices increase as show dates approach due to increasing demand and dwindling supply.
- Comparison shop – Check pricing across major resellers like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, etc.
- Beware fees – Look out for per ticket “service fees” which can add $15-$30 to your purchase.
- Read the fine print – Understand refund policies in case the show is canceled or you can’t attend.
- Check delivery policy – Some resellers send tickets immediately, others weeks before.
While expensive compared to face value, resellers make getting Hamilton tickets easy with no lotteries or lines to contend with. Expect to pay $300 or more per ticket.
Average Ticket Prices
Face value ticket prices to see Hamilton on Broadway range from:
- Rear Mezzanine – $199
- Mid Mezzanine – $299
- Premium Orchestra – $549
But due to huge demand, most tickets sell on the secondary market for much higher:
Section | Average Price |
---|---|
Rear Orchestra | $500 |
Mid Orchestra | $800 |
Front Orchestra | $1,500 |
Premium Orchestra | $2,000+ |
Prices vary each day and can be higher around holidays and summers. Friday/Saturday shows and tickets closer to the stage usually go for higher prices.
How to Save on Hamilton Tickets
While Hamilton tickets are expensive, you may be able to save utilizing the following strategies:
- Enter the online lottery for a chance at $10 front row tickets
- Line up hours before showtime for SRO tickets at $69
- Attend a weekday performance instead of peak weekends
- Sit in the rear mezzanine instead of orchestra
- Buy partial view seats which are discounted due to obstructed view
- See a matinee show instead of evening performances
- Book months in advance to get early bird pricing
Using creative strategies can help trim costs, but expect to pay $200+ per ticket regardless.
Should You Buy Hamilton Tickets from Scalpers?
You may be approached by someone selling Hamilton tickets while walking near the theatre. This is known as a ticket “scalper.” While sometimes offering deep discounts, there are risks when buying scalped tickets:
- Tickets may be counterfeit
- Scalpers may not actually have the tickets in hand
- No refunds or support if issue with tickets
- Tickets could be marked as already redeemed
- You could be denied entry with scalped tickets
For peace of mind, it is safest to buy from an authorized ticket retailer instead of scalpers. You pay more but have guarantees on legitimacy. If opting for scalped tickets, examine them closely first.
Conclusion
Demand for Hamilton tickets in NYC far exceeds the limited supply. While face value tickets start around $200, most tickets end up selling on secondary markets for $500-2000 per seat. Strategies like lotteries and standing in line allow some fans to snag tickets at lower prices. But be prepared to spend a premium if you want guaranteed tickets to one of Broadway’s biggest hits. No matter what you pay, seeing Hamilton live on stage in New York City is an unforgettable experience for theatre fans.