Getting tickets to see the smash Broadway hit Hamilton is no easy feat these days. Ever since opening in 2015, the musical about Founding Father Alexander Hamilton has taken the theater world by storm. With its innovative hip-hop score and diversity inherent in the non-traditional casting, Hamilton has introduced musical theater to a whole new audience. The demand to see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece has reached a fever pitch, making tickets scarce and prices astronomical.
So how does one go about scoring the coveted standing room only tickets to Hamilton? Here are some tips and tricks for improving your chances of getting into the room where it happens without taking out a second mortgage.
Understand How Hamilton Tickets Are Sold
Before strategizing how to find Hamilton tickets, it’s important to understand how they are sold. There are a few main avenues to obtain tickets:
- Broadway Direct – This is the official source for tickets to Hamilton and other Broadway shows. A limited number of tickets are released for future dates through the Broadway Direct website or mobile app. These tickets are in high demand and sell out extremely quickly.
- Box Office – A small portion of tickets are held back from Broadway Direct sales to be sold in-person at the box office. These tickets go on sale at 10am each morning for that day’s performance. Lines start forming well before the box office opens.
- Ticket Lotteries – Many Broadway shows, including Hamilton, offer a daily digital lottery for a small number of $10 front row tickets. Details on entering the Hamilton lottery are below.
- Resellers – Third party ticket sellers and resellers like StubHub get their inventory from season ticket holders who post dates they can’t use. Beware of sky-high markups.
Join the Hamilton Ticket Lottery
One of the most affordable ways to get Hamilton tickets is through the daily digital lottery. Here’s how it works:
- Download the official Hamilton app or visit http://hamiltonmusical.com/lottery to register for the lottery.
- You can enter the lottery every day from 11am-4pm Eastern for evening shows that day, and from 11am-6pm Eastern for matinee shows the following day.
- Winners are notified around 5pm Eastern and have one hour to pay online with a credit card. Tickets must be picked up at will call by 30 minutes before show time.
- Lottery tickets are $10 each, cash only, limit 2 per winner.
Your chances of winning the lottery are around 1 in 200, so you’ll likely have to play daily for a while before getting lucky. But landing front row seats at face value makes it so worth trying!
Use Broadway Direct Strategically
While rushing to buy Hamilton tickets the moment they go on sale on Broadway Direct is tempting, it’s not necessarily the best strategy. Here are some tips for using Broadway Direct successfully:
- Set up an account ahead of time including payment info to streamline checkout.
- Wait a week or more after new blocks of tickets are released to avoid the initial frenzy. Let the dust settle before purchasing.
- Check back often for new seats released from holds as show dates approach.
- Be flexible on dates if possible to increase options.
- If you see reasonably priced tickets, grab them as they go quickly. But don’t panic buy platinum level pricing.
Persistence and patience pays off when using Broadway Direct. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t score tickets the first time you try.
Follow Hamilton Social Media
For the inside scoop on ticket releases and other news, follow the official Hamilton social media accounts:
- Twitter – @HamiltonMusical
- Facebook – @HamiltonMusical
- Instagram – @HamiltonMusical
Turn on notifications so you never miss an announcement about new blocks of tickets or lottery changes. Social media is the quickest way to find out about ticket opportunities before the general public.
Check the Box Office
Scoring tickets at the in-person box office takes dedication but can pay off. Here are some box office tips:
- Arrive at least 2 hours before the 10am opening to get in line.
- Earlier is better, some hard-core fans start lining up at 6am.
- Inclement weather is your friend as fewer people will line up.
- Singles and odd numbers of tickets are more likely than pairs.
- Standing room only tickets are easier to get than seated tickets.
- Matinees are slightly less competitive than evening shows.
Come prepared with snacks, entertainment, and weather gear for the box office line. Friendly chats with fellow theater fans make the time go faster. Your commitment may very well pay off with tickets in hand.
Explore Reseller Options
If your schedule isn’t flexible or you’re striking out securing tickets directly, third party resellers remain an option. Here are some things to consider when buying resale:
- Prices will likely be over face value, sometimes exponentially higher.
- Reviews and protections vary greatly between resellers. Do your homework.
- Sort by criteria like price and seating section to filter best options.
- Compare prices across different sites for the same seats.
- Read the fine print on delivery policies and fees.
While often pricey, resellers make Hamilton tickets accessible to those unable to secure elsewhere. Weigh the convenience over cost to determine if this route makes sense.
Consider a Ticket Package
Bundling Hamilton tickets with hotel stays, meals or other theater tickets can be an attractive option. Here are some potential benefits of ticket packages:
- Provides a guaranteed way to get Hamilton tickets.
- Allows financing costs over time rather than upfront payment.
- Additional perks like orchestra seating or backstage tours.
- Ability to purchase a year or more in advance.
- Can be gifted for special occasions like holidays and birthdays.
Of course, these special offers come at a premium price. But for super fans or special occasions, packages provide peace of mind and an upgraded experience.
See Hamilton on Tour
Can’t make it to New York? Hamilton is touring continuously around the US and Canada. Tour benefits include:
- Typically easier to get tickets, even last minute.
- No need to travel to New York City.
- Less expensive tourism costs like hotels and meals.
- Engaging way to experience new cities and venues.
Downsides of the tour include:
- Risk of casts changes due to the grueling tour schedule.
- No guarantee your city will be part of the tour route.
- Less intimate theater settings than the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
But experiencing Hamilton live in your hometown still provides the same exhilarating score and story that has captivated audiences worldwide. Following the tour is a can’t-miss opportunity for many die-hard Hamilton fans.
Wait for the Movie
The definitive Hamilton film recorded live on stage hits movie theaters on October 15, 2021. For those unable to afford Broadway tickets, watching the movie is the perfect chance to experience the original cast. Things to know:
- The movie was shot in June 2016 with the OG stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr.
- It captures two live performances edited together seamlessly.
- The soundtrack will also be released to maximize availability.
- International and extended releases to follow the initial theatrical run.
While nothing matches seeing Hamilton live, the movie immortalizes the iconic original cast’s Tony winning performances. Watching from the comfort of your local movie theater makes Hamilton accessible to the masses.
Enter In-Person Ticket Drawings
In-person lotteries and drawings are sporadically held for Hamilton tickets in partnership with nearby businesses. Here are some details on scoring these coveted tickets:
- Drawings are publicized on Hamilton’s social media accounts.
- Typically take place a few hours before that day’s show.
- Only open to those who can arrive in person to the drawing location.
- ID and proof of legal name required to claim tickets.
- Often limited to one entry per person.
These spur of the moment opportunities reward those able to drop everything and rush to the drawing. Follow Hamilton social accounts and jump on any lottery chances in your neighborhood.
Book Partial View Seats
If your priority is getting in the door, consider partial view seating options:
- Only see one side of the stage.
- Obstructed views of the full stage picture.
- Typically the cheapest ticket prices.
- Allows experiencing the live performance.
- Less than ideal views but cost effective option.
For those just wanting to say “I saw Hamilton”, partial view seats get your foot in the door. You still experience the iconic music and performances live.
Become a Broadway Insider
Broadway Insider members get exclusive benefits and discounts on tickets. Perks include:
- Early access to new productions and blocks of tickets.
- Ticket discounts, seat upgrades, and dining promos.
- Entry into ticket lotteries and contests.
- Ticket exchanges for alternate dates.
Annual memberships start around $60. For frequent Broadway attendees, the savings on tickets alone justify the cost. Insider perks improve access to high demand shows like Hamilton.
Volunteer as an Usher
Volunteering as an usher for Hamilton allows you to watch the show for free. Here are some details on ushering:
- Commit to a certain number of performances per month.
- Arrive early to help with tasks like passing out playbills.
- Scan tickets and escort patrons to seats.
- Watch the show from the back during your shift.
- Sometimes seated viewing depends on attendance.
You sacrifice the ability to select show dates and may not have the best views. But you get to experience Hamilton live while providing an important service to the production.
Buy a Cancelled Ticket
Snagging a last minute cancelled ticket can provide an affordable Hamilton experience. Strategies include:
- Asking box office about returned tickets day of show.
- Checking with ticket sellers for newly available seats.
- Trying the box office standby line.
- Scoping resale sites for discounted last minute tickets.
- Being flexible on seating for the best deals.
Short notice cancellations are unpredictable but offer big savings. Arriving early in hopes of scooping up an empty seat at a discount can pay off handsomely.
Conclusion
Is getting Hamilton tickets easy? Definitely not. But with persistence, flexibility, and a little bit of luck, you can find yourself in the room where it happens. Broadway Direct, lotteries, the box office line, resellers, and tours all provide potential avenues depending on your budget and timing.
Reward yourself for your efforts by indulging in all things Hamilton. Listen to the soundtrack, follow the cast on social media, read Hamilton: The Revolution, and watch Hamilton documentaries to build the excitement. The satisfaction will be that much sweeter when you finally score the coveted tickets.
