Getting discounted tickets to see a show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City can help you save money on what is one of the most iconic entertainment venues in the world. Radio City Music Hall offers a variety of performances throughout the year, including the world-famous Rockettes and the annual Christmas Spectacular show. While Radio City tickets can be pricey, there are ways to get access to discounted tickets if you know where to look.
Purchase Tickets Directly from Radio City
One of the best ways to find discounted Radio City Music Hall tickets is to go right to the source. On the official Radio City website, you can purchase tickets directly for all shows and performances. Radio City offers discounts and specials throughout the year that can help you save money compared to buying from a third-party ticket retailer. Some of the discounts available include:
- Special family packs – These ticket packages allow families to see a show at a reduced group rate.
- Senior citizen discounts – Guests ages 65 and up can get access to discounted ticket prices.
- Student and military discounts – Any student or military member can get special rates by showing valid ID when purchasing tickets.
- Same-day discount tickets – You can get same-day discount tickets for any unsold seats right at the Radio City box office on the day of a show.
Checking the Radio City website regularly can help you find the best deals. Tickets go on sale for shows months in advance, so plan ahead and purchase early to have the most discount options.
Look for Radio City Ticket Packages
Many hotels, tour companies, and other travel-related brands in New York City offer bundled ticket packages that include discounted Radio City tickets. Here are some options to find ticket packages:
- NYC hotel packages – Many hotels in New York offer vacation packages that bundle rooms with show tickets at locations like Radio City. These packages can offer 20% or more off tickets.
- CityPass – New York CityPass includes admission to major attractions like the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, plus a voucher for discounted tickets to a Radio City show.
- Group tours – Booking a group bus tour of NYC often allows you to add on discounted Radio City tickets for an extra fee.
- Travel sites – Websites like Expedia and Priceline offer Radio City ticket add-ons with the purchase of any NYC hotel, flight, or activity.
Looking at all the vacation and travel bundles that include NYC show tickets can produce big savings on Radio City seats. The more attractions you want to see, the better value a ticket package becomes.
Utilize Memberships and Loyalty Programs
If you plan on visiting Radio City Music Hall more than once, join their fan club or rewards program. Here are two options:
- Radio City Music Hall Fan Club – Members get access to pre-sales for shows, special members-only Ticketmaster discounts, and other benefits. Annual fee is $29.95.
- Chase cardholder benefits – If you have a Chase credit card, you can get special offers like buy-one-get-one free tickets and early booking access to Radio City shows.
Developing a long-term relationship with Radio City by joining their club or using a promotions credit card can unlock consistent discounts over time.
Go Through an Authorized Ticket Reseller
Radio City works with certain authorized ticket resale marketplaces that can offer heavily discounted tickets, especially closer to show dates. Here are some reliable resellers:
- Ticketmaster Resale – Radio City’s official ticket partner allows season ticket holders and other fans to resell unused tickets.
- Vivid Seats – This reseller offers reliable last-minute tickets with competitive pricing and fees.
- SeatGeek – You can find some of the cheapest resale tickets here using their interactive seat maps to find deals.
- StubHub – Large inventory makes StubHub a go-to for affordable resale tickets.
Make sure to compare prices across all the resellers. StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats run special promotions around the winter holidays when demand for Radio City tickets is highest.
Look for Radio City Discounts on Daily Deal Sites
Daily deal and markdown websites like Groupon and LivingSocial will occasionally offer discounted vouchers for Radio City shows. You can find savings like:
- Up to 50% off Christmas Spectacular tickets
- $10-20 off standard Rockettes ticket prices
- BOGO deals for touring Radio City shows
The available deals vary a lot by show and date, but routinely checking sites like Groupon and Travelzoo can uncover some amazing Radio City bargains at up to half off face value prices.
Enter Ticket Lotteries and Rush Programs
If you don’t mind risking not getting a seat, take part in last-minute ticket lotteries and rush programs. Here’s how they work for Radio City Music Hall shows:
- In-Person Lottery – Enter the onsite drawing at Radio City up to two hours before that day’s performance for a chance to buy $29 seats.
- Virtual Lottery – For as little as $20, you can enter the online lottery for matinee Christmas Spectacular tickets.
- Student Rush Tickets – Full-time students can buy limited $30 same-day tickets with valid school ID at the box office.
If you’re lucky, these lottery and rush options can secure you the cheapest Radio City tickets. But there’s no guarantee you’ll get a seat. Arrive early to increase your chances if you go the lottery route.
Find a Discount Promo Code
Discount promo codes offer straightforward savings on Radio City tickets. Here are some ways to find active promos:
- Check Radio City social media for posted codes
- Sign up for Radio City emails which often include ticket codes
- Look for Radio City ads in the NYC subways and buses
- Contact your credit card company – some run Radio City promotions
When entering billing details online, there is usually a spot to input the promo code and see the discount applied to your ticket order. Codes typically save 10-25% off full ticket prices.
See a Show on an Off-Peak Date
Radio City ticket prices are based on demand. To save money, see a show during an off-peak time when tickets are cheaper. Some good options include:
- Matinee performances rather than evenings
- Middle weekdays instead of weekends
- September – November before holiday season price hikes
- Day after Christmas when demand drops
Avoiding the peak Christmas season and weekend shows when everyone wants to go will typically result in the lowest ticket prices and most discounts available.
Buy Upper Level Seats
If you don’t mind sitting farther back, look for tickets in the upper levels of Radio City Music Hall. This includes:
- Front Mezzanine – Elevated view with the least expensive seats.
- Second Mezzanine – Next level up, still with decent views.
- Third Mezzanine – Highest section, very top rows.
Sitting in the Rear Orchestra or Front Mezzanine compared to the Front Orchestra can save $50 or more per standard adult ticket. The historic theater is designed so even the furthest seats have decent views, though you miss out on some grandeur up close.
Attend a General Rehearsal Show
Radio City allows the public to attend dress rehearsals of shows like the Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes at highly discounted ticket prices, usually around $20-30. Here are some tips to get into a dress rehearsal:
- Check the Radio City website for announced dates.
- Follow Radio City social accounts for rehearsal announcements.
- Sign up for Radio City emails and fan clubs to get alerts.
- Arrive very early as standby seats are first come, first served.
Rehearsal shows give you a sneak preview for a fraction of the price. The production may stop and restart, and effects might not all work perfectly, but you still see the full show.
Volunteer as an Usher
One unique way you can get into a Radio City Music Hall show for free is by volunteering as an usher. Here’s how it works:
- Check the Radio City website around show schedules being announced for usher sign-up details.
- Commit to a full day of ushering (typically 8am-11pm) and attend an orientation.
- On the show date, arrive in uniform to help seat audience members.
- After your duties, enjoy the full show for free from open standing room space.
Volunteer ushering requires a significant time commitment. But it allows you to see an expensive show at no cost if you’re willing to work.
Wait for Discounts on Slow Selling Shows
Less popular Radio City performances that don’t sell out quickly will often have last-minute discounts. Some shows to watch for deals include:
- Non-holiday Rockettes shows
- Off-season entertainment acts
- Children’s performances like New York Spectacular
- Touring productions like Cirque du Soleil
Checking hot-selling shows like the Christmas Spectacular right when tickets go on sale ensures the most discount options. But waiting for slower selling shows to announce promotions can also save you money.
Conclusion
While Radio City Music Hall tickets can be expensive due to its world-renowned productions, using these tips can help you find great discounted seats. Flexible dates, off-peak times, upper levels, ticket lotteries, codes and packages are all great options to save money. With strategies like buying direct, bundles, resellers, and memberships, you can unlock the lowest prices. Use these tricks to get discounted Radio City tickets and experience iconic performances on a budget.