The Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia, commonly known as The Met Philadelphia, is one of the premier performing arts venues in Philadelphia. Located at Broad and Poplar Streets, The Met Philadelphia opened in 1908 and has been hosting world-class opera, dance and music performances for over a century.
Buying tickets to a performance at The Met Philadelphia can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never been there before. But it doesn’t have to be! Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about buying tickets to events at The Met Philadelphia.
Types of Tickets Available
The Met Philadelphia offers a variety of ticket options for its performances:
Subscription Series
Subscribing to a series – such as the Opera, Orchestra or Dance series – ensures you tickets to all the shows in that series. Subscription packages can save you up to 25% off single ticket prices. Some benefits of subscribing include:
- Guaranteed seats for the entire season.
- Priority seating before single tickets go on sale.
- Ticket exchange privileges in case you can’t attend a performance.
- Exclusive subscriber-only events.
Single Tickets
You can purchase single tickets to individual performances if you don’t want to commit to an entire subscription series. Single tickets go on sale to the general public 3-4 months before each performance.
Student, Senior and Military Discounts
Students, seniors (65+) and military members are eligible for discounted ticket prices. Make sure to inquire about discounts when purchasing single tickets, or look for special subscription packages for your demographic. Valid ID showing proof of age, enrollment or military service will be required when picking up tickets.
Limited View Seating
If you are on a budget, limited view seating provides significant savings over prime seating. While you may be situated under an overhang or have a partial view, you can still enjoy world-class performances for an affordable price.
Rush Tickets
For sold-out performances, you may be able to get deeply discounted rush tickets on the day of the show. Rush tickets are first-come, first-served and quantities are very limited. Check The Met Philadelphia website for more details on rush ticket availability.
Where to Buy Tickets
There are several options for purchasing tickets to events at The Met Philadelphia:
Online
The most convenient way to purchase tickets is through The Met Philadelphia’s official website: www.metphiladelphia.org. You can browse the event calendar, select seats using the interactive seating chart, and complete your purchase securely online.
Phone
Call The Met Philadelphia box office at (215) 893-1999 to order tickets over the phone. Box office associates can look up availability, make recommendations and process orders. The box office is open Monday – Saturday 10am-6pm.
In Person
Visit the Kimmel Center box office at 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 to purchase tickets face-to-face. Box office hours are Monday – Saturday 10am-6pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the Met Philadelphia box office beginning 2 hours prior to each performance.
Authorized Retailers
Tickets may also be purchased through authorized ticket retailer sites such as Ticketmaster or StubHub. However, service fees are usually higher when going through a third-party vendor. For best prices and customer service, purchase directly through The Met Philadelphia’s official channels.
Purchasing Tickets
Here are step-by-step instructions for purchasing Met Philadelphia tickets:
- Browse upcoming events online and select your desired performance.
- Click the “Buy Tickets” button on the event page. This will take you to the seating chart.
- Select your seat(s) in your desired section and price range. You can see section details by clicking on each section.
- Click the shopping cart icon at the top right to begin checkout. Your selected tickets will be listed.
- Log in to your existing account or provide your email and billing details as a first-time customer.
- Select your ticket delivery method – print at home, mobile delivery or will call.
- Enter payment information. The Met Philadelphia accepts all major credit cards.
- Review your order for accuracy, then click “Purchase” to finalize the transaction.
- You will receive an immediate email confirmation of your ticket purchase.
If you have any problems with online ordering, don’t hesitate to call the Met Philadelphia box office for personal assistance.
Choosing Seats
With over 2,500 seats, The Met Philadelphia has plenty of options across 4 levels of seating. Use the interactive seat map when purchasing tickets online to see views from different sections. Here are some tips on getting the best seats for your budget:
Orchestra
The orchestra section surrounds the stage in a horseshoe shape on the main level. This puts you front-and-center for the performance. Depending on proximity to the stage, orchestra seating offers premium views for a premium price. Rows A-E are most desirable.
Grand Tier
The grand tier balcony overhangs the back of the orchestra for elevated views. Center grand tier seats in rows D-H provide a great perspective of the entire stage at a moderate price point.
Loge
The loge section is the balcony above the grand tier. Rows A-D are staggered for unobstructed sight lines. Loge seating is considered a good value for the price.
Balcony
The upper balcony provides the most budget-friendly seats in the house. While you’ll be farther from the stage, the historic theater’s excellent acoustics ensure you won’t miss a note. Chandlier seating at the very top offers a unique vantage point.
When to Buy
Timing your ticket purchase carefully can help you score the best deal:
- Season subscriptions: Subscribe as early as possible, since inventory for premium seats gets snapped up quickly by renewing patrons.
- Single tickets: Buy as soon as single tickets go on sale, typically 3-4 months before each show. Prices are lowest initially and tend to increase as the performance date nears and availability decreases.
- Discounted tickets: Check for special promotions on select performances. Senior, student and military discounts are available on most shows.
- Rush tickets: Purchase on the day of the performance for steep last-minute discounts on remaining seats.
Subscribing early and buying single tickets as soon as they are released ensures you’ll have the pick of the best seats for must-see performances.
Picking Up Tickets
How you pick up your tickets will depend on the delivery method selected during purchase:
Print at Home
If you chose print at home delivery, simply print out the PDF attachment in your confirmation email. Bring the printed tickets to the venue. An usher can scan the barcode to grant you entry.
Mobile Delivery
For mobile tickets, open your confirmation email on your smartphone. Click the link to access your tickets and add them to your digital wallet. Display your phone screen to the usher for scanning upon arrival.
Will Call
Will call tickets must be picked up in-person at the Met Philadelphia box office. Bring your confirmation email and photo ID. The box office will print your tickets for you. Allow extra time before showtime for will call pickup.
Hard Stock Tickets
If you had physical hard stock tickets mailed to you, simply present them to the usher. Hard stock tickets purchased via third-parties must be verified for authenticity prior to entry.
Be sure to bring your confirmation number, ID and payment card used for purchase in case any issues arise during ticket pickup. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to give yourself ample time.
Day of the Show
Here are some tips for making the most of your Met Philadelphia experience once you arrive onsite with tickets in hand:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to showtime to find your seats without rushing.
- Bring a copy of your tickets on your phone in case any issues come up with printouts.
- Have your ID and confirmation number handy for will call pickup or verification.
- Check the event listing for runtime so you know when to expect the performance to end.
- Visit the concession stands for snacks, drinks and souvenirs before the show starts.
- Silence electronic devices and unwrap any candies before the performance begins.
- Use the restroom beforehand so you don’t disrupt the show and other patrons.
- Dress comfortably but appropriately – bring a light sweater in case the theater is chilly.
- Keep your ticket stub – some venues allow re-entry if you need to step out.
Following proper etiquette allows everyone to fully immerse themselves in the onstage experience. Applaud when appropriate to show your enthusiasm and appreciation.
Enjoy the incredible acoustics and historic beauty of The Met Philadelphia! Arriving prepared ensures you can sit back, relax and relish every minute of your world-class entertainment.
Troubleshooting Issues
Hopefully everything goes smoothly when purchasing and attending your event. But things happen! Here are tips for troubleshooting common ticketing issues:
Event is Sold Out
If an event you want to attend is sold out, don’t despair! Try these options:
- Join the waitlist on The Met’s website – you’ll be notified if more tickets are released.
- Check resale sites leading up to the event for ticket transfers.
- Inquire about rush tickets on the day of the performance.
- Consider a different performance date if available.
Need to Exchange Tickets
Subscribers can exchange tickets to another performance through their online account. There is typically a deadline by which exchanges must be made.
Single ticket holders will need to contact the box office to determine exchange eligibility based on the reason and timing. Exchanges are limited.
Lost or Missing Tickets
If your tickets are lost, stolen or accidentally thrown away, immediately call the Met Philadelphia box office with your order info. They can reprint tickets if time allows.
You may also be able to access mobile entry if you still have the email confirmation. Box office staff can also verify your purchase at will call if needed.
Purchased Fake Tickets
Never buy from unverified sellers! Fake tickets may scan incorrectly or already be used. If you purchased tickets from a suspicious third party that end up being fraudulent, unfortunately you are likely out of luck. Always buy directly from official sources.
Show is Canceled or Postponed
For show cancellations due to weather, artist illness or other unforeseen circumstances, tickets can typically be exchanged for a future performance. Refunds may also be issued if no alternative show works for your schedule.
Conclusion
Visiting The Met Philadelphia to experience a live performance is a magical and memorable event. By following this guide, you can streamline your ticket purchasing journey and avoid any pitfalls along the way. Careful planning and preparation sets you up for a fantastic evening of music, theater, dance or opera in one of Philadelphia’s most stunning venues. Let these tips take the hassle out of buying tickets so you can sit back and savor the show!
