The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most famous and iconic outdoor amphitheaters in the world. Located in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, California, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra since its opening in 1922. The amphitheater is known for its natural acoustics and distinctive shell structure. Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl attract audiences of up to 17,000 people.
As one of the premier outdoor concert venues in the United States, tickets to events at the Hollywood Bowl are highly desirable. Given its reputation, location, history and ambiance, it is not surprising that tickets to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl can be quite expensive. However, prices can vary widely depending on the performer, seat location and other factors.
Average Ticket Prices at the Hollywood Bowl
According to the official website for the Hollywood Bowl, ticket prices range from $12 – $176 for most shows. However, that is just the cost for single tickets purchased directly from the Hollywood Bowl. The average cost for tickets resold through secondary marketplaces is generally much higher.
Some key facts about Hollywood Bowl ticket prices:
– The official price range for single tickets is $12 – $176. This can vary slightly depending on the performer.
– The least expensive seats are generally in the ‘bench seats’ or ‘high benches’ sections, which are uncovered concrete benches at the very back of the venue.
– More expensive seating options include covered box seats and garden boxes closer to the stage.
– Many tickets are sold as season ticket packages instead of individual shows. Season packages can lower the per-show cost.
– The average price of tickets resold on secondary markets is $150 – $200 per seat according to multiple sources.
So in summary, while official single ticket prices start as low as $12, the average price paid for a concert ticket at the Hollywood Bowl is around $150 – $200.
Factors Affecting Hollywood Bowl Ticket Prices
Several different factors account for the wide range in Hollywood Bowl ticket prices and the difference between face value and secondary market prices:
– Performing Artist – The biggest factor is the performer. More popular acts like Bruno Mars or Lady Gaga command much higher ticket prices than lesser known artists.
– Seat Location – Front row center seats will be vastly more expensive than rear bench seats, sometimes 5-10x higher for premium locations.
– Supply and Demand – Popular shows will have far higher demand, leading to rapid sellouts. limited supply drives secondary market prices higher.
– Day of Week – Weekend shows are generally more expensive than weeknights. Friday/Saturday shows sell out quickest.
– Season – Prices in summer are higher than at beginning/end of season. Mid-summer shows draw the biggest crowds.
– Ticket Seller – Buying directly from the venue is cheapest. Secondary sellers charge large premiums.
– Package Deals – Season tickets and other multi-show packages have big discounts vs single shows.
As you can see, the price for an average single ticket to a Hollywood Bowl concert depends greatly on all of these mitigating factors. While a low-demand weekday show can potentially be only $20-30, a premium seat for a Saturday night performance by a major artist will sell on secondary markets for $500 or more.
Comparing Hollywood Bowl Ticket Prices to Other Venues
How do Hollywood Bowl ticket prices compare to other major outdoor concert venues across the United States? Here is a look at average ticket costs at a few comparable amphitheaters:
| Venue | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Hollywood Bowl | $150-$200 |
| Red Rocks (Denver) | $100-$150 |
| Shoreline (Mountain View) | $80-$120 |
| Gorge Amphitheatre (Washington) | $125-$200 |
| Ascend Amphitheater (Nashville) | $100-$150 |
This shows that the Hollywood Bowl is on the expensive end for outdoor concert venues. Red Rocks and The Gorge are the only comparably priced locations. This reflects the prestige of the Hollywood Bowl as one of America’s premier outdoor concert halls. The supply/demand dynamics in the major Los Angeles market also drive up prices there. Smaller cities like Nashville and Mountain View, California have lower average ticket costs.
How to Get the Best Hollywood Bowl Ticket Prices
Given the frequently high price tag for Hollywood Bowl tickets, how can consumers get the best deal? Here are some tips for finding affordable tickets:
– Buy early – Tickets are cheapest when they first go on sale to the public. Prices rise over time.
– Weekday shows – Tuesday through Thursday events are generally the lowest demand and cheapest pricing
– Rear sections – The highest rows and bench seating have big discounts vs closer seats.
– Single tickets – Season ticket packages offer big bulk savings per show.
– Enter lotteries – Some concerts have ticket lotteries for a chance at unsold seats.
– Avoid resellers – Ticketing secondary markets have extreme markups.
– Child discounts – Children age 12 and under get 50% off some sections.
– resident discounts – LA County residents can get 20% off seats for some performances.
With smart shopping techniques, it’s possible to find Hollywood Bowl tickets for below average prices even for very popular shows. The key is to act fast when tickets initially go on sale, and target weeknight dates in the rear sections. For the average music fan on a budget, decent deals can be found with a little effort.
Conclusion
The Hollywood Bowl is recognized as one of the premier concert venues in the United States, if not the world. As a result, tickets are highly coveted and pricing reflects the strong demand. While face value ticket prices officially start at just $12, the average paid price is around $150 – $200 per seat according to multiple sources.
Ticket prices vary greatly depending on the performing artist, seat location, day of week, and time of year among other factors. Top acts on weekend nights in the summer will be the most expensive. Rear seats for weeknight shows off-peak have the lowest pricing. Comparable outdoor amphitheaters mostly have lower average ticket costs than the Hollywood Bowl, reflecting its prestige and desirability.
Budget-minded shoppers can still find good deals on Hollywood Bowl tickets with smart shopping techniques. Buying early, picking weekdays and rear seats, entering lotteries and joining season ticket groups can all help find deals. With the right strategies, the majesty of the Hollywood Bowl can be experienced for well under average prices. Just be prepared to act quickly when tickets go on sale to lock in the best deals!
