Purchasing Broadway tickets can be a tricky endeavor. With high demand and fluctuating prices, it’s not always clear when the best time is to buy. Some advise booking months in advance to get the best seats at locked-in prices. Others suggest waiting until the last minute to score deals on leftover tickets. So what’s the best strategy? Here’s a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of buying Broadway tickets the day of the show versus further in advance.
The potential benefits of buying tickets day of
Buying Broadway tickets on the day of the show or in the final few days leading up to it can sometimes yield advantages, such as:
- Access to last-minute ticket releases
- Discounted same-day rush tickets
- Lower prices due to unsold inventory
- Better seat selection in less crowded theaters
- Ability to check weather/schedule before committing
Here’s a breakdown of each potential benefit:
Last-minute ticket releases
In the hours or days before a performance, more tickets may be released for sale as productions finalize setup and staging. These last-minute tickets can provide more options for buyers willing to purchase at the last second.
Day-of rush tickets
Many Broadway shows offer discounted same-day rush tickets to fill up unsold seats. Policies vary by show, but often involve lining up at the box office that morning and receiving limited quantity tickets for around $40 or less. It takes more effort but can mean huge savings.
Lower prices due to unsold inventory
As showtime approaches, box offices are motivated to sell off any remaining tickets to recoup some revenue from what would otherwise be an empty seat. Using a site like BroadwayBox.com that aggregates remaining tickets makes it easy to find these deals.
Better seat selection
Booking at the last minute allows you to see the latest theater seating chart and select from available seats rather than accept whatever limited options remain weeks in advance. For less popular shows, you may get prime seating by waiting until a few days before.
Weather or schedule check
Since plans can change quickly, buying at the last minute allows you to wait until you’re sure of the performance date. You can hold off through uncertain weather or confirm schedules before purchasing.
The potential risks of buying tickets day of
Despite possible deals, buying Broadway tickets at the last minute also comes with risks to weigh:
- Limited ticket availability
- No guarantees on pricing or seats
- Rush lines require early arrival
- Less popular shows may still be full price
Here’s more detail on each potential risk factor:
Limited ticket availability
There’s no guarantee tickets will even be available day of, especially for hit or classic shows. The most desirable performances can sell out months in advance. Last-minute buyers may be stuck with limited options or shut out completely.
No pricing or seat guarantees
Unlike locking in tickets in advance, last-minute buyers are at the mercy of whatever seats are left. There’s no certainty on securing affordable tickets or ideal seat locations. Be prepared to pay more for better seats if available.
Early arrival for rush tickets
Scoring cheap rush tickets involves getting up early to stand in line before the box office opens. Popular shows can have lengthy queues. You’ll need to make an effort and sacrifice sleep for day-of deals.
Full prices at less popular shows
For Broadway shows that are struggling to attract audiences, last-minute tickets may still be full price. Do research ahead of time so you don’t mistakenly assume discounts will be available.
Weighing the options
There are persuasive arguments on both sides of whether to purchase Broadway tickets far in advance or at the last moment. To help visualize the key considerations, here is a comparison table:
| Buying Tickets in Advance | Buying Tickets Day of |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed entry to popular shows | Risk of no availability for hit shows |
| Ability to select exact seats | Must accept any open seats |
| Paying full or premium prices | Potential for discounted deals |
| Locks in show date months in advance | Can wait for ideal weather/schedule |
There are good arguments on both sides. Purchasing tickets well in advance provides certainty you’ll get in to see the show and allows you to select preferred seating. But waiting until the last moment opens up the possibility of getting seats at a steep discount, and gives maximum flexibility on scheduling.
Tips for buying Broadway tickets at the last minute
If you decide to embrace the risks and rewards of getting Broadway tickets at the last minute, here are some tips to improve your chances for success:
Check theater seating charts frequently
Keep an eye on the online theater maps to watch for newly opened seats as shows finalize staging. Newly released seats will show up close to showtime.
Be ready at 10am for rush tickets
Most Broadway rush ticket lines start forming 90-120 minutes before the box office opens. Get in line by 10am at the latest for the best shot at discounted seats.
Have flexible dates
If possible, keep your schedule open for multiple performance dates. This allows you to choose based on that day’s ticket availability and pricing rather than being locked into one specific showtime.
Check less popular shows
Buying last minute won’t work for perennial hits like Hamilton or The Lion King, but may succeed for shows struggling to fill seats each night. Target those to increase odds of deals.
Use ticket aggregators
Sites like BroadwayBox.com compile remaining tickets from various vendors all in one place. This saves you from having to check multiple sites for availability.
Be open to obstructed view seats
If aiming for bargains, be flexible on seat location. Obstructed view seats in the rear corners can provide big discounts while still allowing you to get in the door.
Compare multiple sellers
Prices can vary between official theater sites, ticket brokers, TKTS booths, and resellers. Check multiple options for the best deals on any remaining seats.
Act fast once tickets are found
Snap up any discounted tickets you find right away before another buyer scoops them up. Last minute seats often sell out fast.
Is buying the day of worth it?
At the end of the day, deciding whether or not to buy Broadway tickets at the last moment comes down to your personal preferences and situation. Here are some final points to help make the call:
- Day-of only works for flexible theatergoers. You’ll need to work around whatever limited tickets remain at the end rather than pre-selecting preferred seats.
- Last minute only succeeds if you’re open to any hot show. Smash hits like Hamilton see their full-price tickets get snapped up months in advance.
- Buying the day of has the highest chance of big discounts but lowest guarantee you’ll even get a seat.
- Advance buying locks in tickets for popular shows but at higher preset prices.
- Rush tickets provide huge savings but require early morning waits in lengthy lines.
There’s certainly an art to timing your Broadway ticket purchase just right if you want to score seats at the best possible price. Many theater fans enjoy the thrill of waiting until the last moment to get a great deal. Others prefer simply locking in seats with the peace of mind that comes from buying in advance. There’s no definitively right or wrong approach – pick the one that best aligns with your personal preferences and schedule flexibility.
The bottom line
Broadway tickets often come down to the classic trade-off between certainty and potential value. There are reasonable cases to be made for buying tickets far in advance or waiting until the last moment. As long as you carefully weigh the benefits against the risks and align with your own scheduling flexibility, you can craft an approach that fits your Broadway-going preferences. The only definitively wrong choice is buying seats blindly without considering all these factors. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to tackle Broadway ticket buying like a pro.