Hamilton is one of the most popular and sought-after Broadway musicals of the past decade. With its catchy hip-hop songs, diverse casting, and retelling of American history through the lens of Alexander Hamilton’s life, Hamilton has taken the theater world by storm since its 2015 debut. However, Hamilton’s immense popularity means getting tickets can be very difficult and expensive. So how much should you expect to spend to see Hamilton on Broadway? Here are some quick answers:
– The average ticket price for Hamilton is $250. However, prices can range from $99 for rear mezzanine seats to over $1,000 for prime front row orchestra seats.
– Lottery and rush tickets are available for every performance for $10 each, but odds of winning are very low due to high demand.
– Third party resellers like StubHub may charge over $1,000 per ticket due to very limited supply and great demand.
– Special benefits like backstage tours can push some premium ticket packages over $2,000 per seat.
So in summary, be prepared to spend at minimum around $200-$300 per ticket if you want guaranteed seats, but up to $1,000+ per ticket if you want prime locations and dates. Let’s dive into more details.
Current Face Value Ticket Prices
Hamilton tickets can be purchased directly from the official Broadway website or box office with the following face value prices:
| Seating Section | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Front Mezzanine | $99 – $169 |
| Rear Mezzanine | $99 – $199 |
| Rear Orchestra | $149 – $199 |
| Mid Orchestra | $199 – $349 |
| Front Orchestra | $249 – $399 |
| Premium Orchestra | $399 – $529 |
As you can see, the closer and more centered you are to the stage, the more you will pay at face value box office pricing. Front row orchestra can cost up to $529. Rear mezzanine seats are most affordable at $99.
The very best seats for Hamilton tend to be the front center orchestra section. However, you’ll pay a hefty premium for this prime location.
Average Prices on Secondary Market
Since Hamilton tickets are scarce and sell out quickly, most people turn to secondary markets like StubHub to find available seats. Here are the average prices seen on secondary markets:
| Seating Section | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Rear Mezzanine | $200 |
| Rear Orchestra | $250 |
| Mid Orchestra | $350 |
| Front Orchestra | $500 |
| Premium Orchestra | $800 |
As you can see, secondary market prices are significantly inflated due to supply and demand economics. On average, expect to pay at minimum $200 for the worst seats and at least $500 for premium locations on StubHub or similar sites. Front row seats fetch for around $800 typically.
You’ll almost always pay more buying tickets secondhand versus directly from the box office. But oftentimes the box office is sold out for months or years in advance, forcing consumers to pay secondary market prices.
Lottery and Rush Tickets
Hamilton offers a limited number of $10 lottery tickets for every show by entering an online drawing. You can also line up same-day in person and hope to buy $10 rush tickets if available. Here are the key things to know about Hamilton’s lottery and rush options:
– Odds of winning the online lottery are very low, often less than 1% due to extreme demand. You can enter every day to increase chances.
– Around 20-40 rush tickets are sold in person on a first come, first serve basis. Some fans line up at 5am to get a spot.
– You can only buy 1 or 2 lottery/rush tickets at a time if you win.
– Seating locations are not guaranteed and are usually rear mezzanine or obstructed views.
– Lottery and rush policies are subject to change and can vary by performance. Always check official website for latest details.
While scoring $10 tickets seems very tempting, between the tiny odds of winning and the poor seating locations, it rarely works out in your favor. Unless you have lots of time and flexibility, opt for regular tickets.
Premium Ticket Packages
For the ultimate Hamilton experience, specialty premium ticket packages are sold that bundle prime seating with exclusive perks like:
– Backstage tours meeting cast members
-autographed memorabilia
– Merchandise gifts
– Post-show cocktail receptions
These premium packages can cost $1,500 or more per ticket due to their uniqueness and exclusivity. Here are sample current premium ticket deals:
| Package | Includes | Price Per Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| VIP Backstage Experience | -Meet and greet with cast member -Signed playbill -Front orchestra seating -Behind the scenes tour |
$1,755 |
| Hamilton Up Close | -Front row seating -Exclusive merchandise -Post-show cocktail party |
$1,529 |
While the sticker price is high, some devoted Hamilton fans find the special access and extras worthwhile as the ultimate Broadway fan experience.
When are Hamilton tickets most expensive?
Like most Broadway shows, Hamilton ticket prices fluctuate based on performance dates, times, and demand:
– Weekend shows, especially Saturday evenings, are most in demand and expensive.
– Holiday weeks like Christmas and Thanksgiving also spike in price.
– Any summer dates when kids are out of school see higher prices.
– January to April after the holidays is generally the least expensive time to see Hamilton.
– Matinee shows on weekdays typically have the most availability and lowest ticket cost.
– Tickets prices are elevated for the first 3-6 months after a new Hamilton cast takes over.
So in summary, aim for a matinee on a weekday in the springtime if possible to get the most affordable Hamilton tickets. Prime weekend dates around holidays will be the most difficult to get and highest priced.
Should you buy tickets well in advance?
Hamilton is known for selling out months and even years in advance. If you want guaranteed seats for a specific date, it is wise to buy early:
– 6-12 months ahead for peak dates around holidays and summer.
– 3-6 months ahead for weekends and spring dates.
– At minimum 1-2 months for last minute weekdays shows.
– Hamilton has suspended ticket sales over 1 year in advance due to COVID, so you cannot currently buy for 2024 dates yet.
Buying ahead ensures you get tickets before they sell out and gives you access to all seating zones you prefer. However, last minute tickets can sometime be found at a discount.
Should you wait until the last minute?
While buying Hamilton tickets as far ahead as possible is best for popular dates and premium seats, you can sometimes score deals last minute if you are flexible:
– Weekdays and non-peak dates often have stray tickets left unsold close to showtime.
– You may find discounted tickets being resold if people can’t attend last minute.
– Ticket lotteries and rush policies allow cheap tickets day of show.
– Hours before curtain, the box office releases discount tickets for obstructed view seats.
So if you’re willing to take some risks, have schedule flexibility, and don’t mind poor seat locations, waiting until a few days before the performance can pay off. But you could also come out empty handed.
Should you buy from a ticket broker or reseller?
Third party ticket brokers and resellers like StubHub are more expensive but convenient sources for Hamilton tickets:
**Pros**
– Guaranteed to get tickets even when box office is sold out
– Often easier to find multiple seats together
– Can choose your exact seating zone and position
– Refunds available if you can no longer attend
**Cons**
– Pricing is inflated, usually double box office rates
– High buyer fees on every transaction
– Risk of fraud from dishonest sellers
– No special privileges like early venue access
If money is no object or seats are completely sold out, using a reliable broker like StubHub is beneficial for obtaining tickets. But buying direct from the box office is much cheaper if possible.
Joining fan clubs for early access
Some Broadway musicals like Hamilton offer special fan club early access to tickets and other perks. Here are the key things to know:
– You typically pay a yearly or monthly fee to join (Hamilton’s is $39/year).
– Fan clubs give you first dibs on new ticket releases and access to presales.
– Special fan club merch, content, and event invites are also included.
– Fan club fees may cost more than you’ll end up saving on tickets in the end.
– Most fan clubs are unofficial or independently run vs directly from show producers.
Before joining a fan club, check that enough new ticket inventory will be available for fans vs sold out to general public. If the show is sold out for a long time already, fan club perks will be limited.
Conclusion
While the costs may be high, seeing Hamilton live on stage in New York City is a memory you’ll cherish. With record popularity continuing eight years after opening night, Hamilton remains one of the toughest Broadway tickets in town. Budget $200-$500 per seat for a standard Hamilton experience. Pay even more if you want premium seats and exclusive perks. Use this guide to get the best possible price for your desired date and seating section. Keep checking for new ticket block releases and jump on them fast before they sell out again!
