Hamilton is one of the most popular and sought-after musicals in recent years. With its catchy hip-hop songs, diverse cast, and creative retelling of American history, it’s no surprise that Hamilton tickets are notoriously difficult to purchase. For those looking to see the Tony award-winning show, planning ahead and understanding the different ways to buy tickets are key to securing seats.
How Far in Advance Should You Plan?
Ideally, you should start planning 6-12 months in advance if you want the best shot at purchasing tickets for face value directly from the theater. This musical has been completely sold out for years in advance, so last minute planning typically doesn’t work. Give yourself as much lead time as possible.
You can purchase tickets directly from the theater’s website, which is the only place to buy them for face value. Subscribing to the theater’s email list can help you jump on tickets right when they are released to the public. You may have to wait months from the time you buy tickets to the actual performance date.
If you don’t want to wait that long, third party resellers may be an option, but prices are inflated. Tickets with third party sellers typically go on sale 45-90 days in advance. The closer to show date, the more expensive they get. Plan to spend two to three times face value if going this route.
When to Buy Tickets
Aim to purchase tickets as far in advance as possible, ideally 6-12 months if you want the best prices directly from the source. Earlier is always better to secure a seat.
For very high demand shows in large markets like New York and Chicago, tickets may sell out a year or more in advance. Smaller touring productions in less crowded cities may release tickets 3-6 months early. Check the theater website for on-sale dates.
When planning a trip to New York, buying tickets 6-12 months out is best. For a touring production, 3-6 months may suffice. Either way, earlier is always better than later.
Where to Buy Tickets
There are a few different options when looking at where to purchase Hamilton tickets. Here are the main places to buy from and the pros and cons of each.
Directly from the Theater
This is the best option in terms of price and guaranteeing a legitimate ticket. Purchasing directly from the theater’s website ensures you will pay face value. This is the only way to get tickets at their original price. You also know you are getting a real ticket, not a potentially fraudulent third party reseller.
The main downside is lack of availability. These tickets sell out very quickly in advance. You may have to wait many months from time of purchase until show date. Signing up for pre-sale opportunities improves your chances.
Official Ticket Reseller – Tickets-Center
Many theaters partner with official ticket reselling partners to give fans a legitimate secondary market option. For Hamilton, Tickets-Center is the official broker. Prices are higher than face value, but they are real tickets.
Upsides to resellers:
- More availability for dates compared to the theater
- Still an official source, just pricier
Downsides:
- Tickets cost two to three times more than face value
- Prices increase as show dates approach
Third Party Sites Like StubHub
Stubhub, Vivid Seats, and other secondary marketplaces let sellers list tickets with no price floor. This can lead to very high costs for premium shows like Hamilton. There is also a higher fraud risk.
Benefits include more availability and buyer guarantees on most sites. Still, prices are inflated and you must trust the source. Theater officials do not recommend these options.
How to Get the Best Deals
While Hamilton tickets are expensive no matter what, here are some tips to help improve your chances of finding the best prices:
- Plan as far ahead as possible and sign up for pre-sales – This helps you buy early before tickets sell out
- Consider weekday performances – Tuesday through Thursday shows are generally cheaper than weekends
- Enter lotteries – Many Hamilton productions offer digital lotteries for $10 seats
- Buy partial view obstructed seats – You can sometimes save money for seats with slightly limited views
- Avoid resellers and third parties – Official sources like the theater have the best prices
Planning ahead, entering lotteries, and purchasing directly from the theater give you the best odds of decent prices. But there are never any guarantees for hot shows like Hamilton. These tips can help you save a bit.
Cost Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of the average price ranges you can expect from different ticket sources:
| Ticket Source | Avg. Price Range |
|---|---|
| Theater Box Office | $149 – $199 |
| Official Reseller | $299 – $399 |
| Third Party Sites | $400+ |
As you can see, buying directly from the theater is significantly cheaper. But you’ll have more availability through third parties, at two to three times the cost.
When to Visit New York to See Hamilton
For visitors planning a trip to New York City to see Hamilton on Broadway, timing your visit strategically can help score tickets. Certain times of year make Hamilton tickets easier to come by.
Best Times for Hamilton in NYC
The best times to visit New York for Hamilton tickets include:
- January to early March – After the holidays when tourism declines
- Late August to October – Before holiday tourism spikes
- Tuesdays through Thursdays – Lower attendance weekday shows
Aim for lower attendance months and days. January through early March (except around Valentine’s Day) is easier. Late August through October also sees fewer visitors than summer or the holidays.
Attending Tuesdays to Thursdays generally has more availability too.
Worst Times for Hamilton in NYC
The most difficult periods to find tickets at a reasonable price include:
- Spring/Summer (April through early Sept) – Peak tourism
- Holiday weeks – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years
- Valentines Day week
- Friday and Saturday evenings – Highest demand shows
Avoid booking a trip to NYC during peak spring and summer tourism season, holidays, Valentines Day, and weekends if possible. These are the toughest times to buy tickets.
Planning your Broadway trip strategically around lower attendance weeks and shows makes tickets much more attainable.
What to Do If Hamilton is Sold Out
When Hamilton tickets inevitably sell out months in advance, you still have options to potentially see the show:
Enter Digital Lotteries
Many Hamilton productions offer digital lotteries, typically through the TodayTix app. You enter the lottery 1-2 days in advance for a chance to purchase $10 seats. This offers an affordable way in if you get lucky.
Wait at the Box Office for Cancellations
A few hours before show time, a small number of tickets may be released if people cancel. You can wait at the box office to try and scoop these up last minute, but nothing is guaranteed.
Book a Later Date
If Hamilton is sold out for your original travel dates, look into booking a trip out a few more months when you can secure tickets in advance. See if postponing your schedule could help.
Consider Other Shows
While not Hamilton, NYC has plenty of other incredible musicals. Look into similarly hot shows like The Lion King, Wicked, Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge, and Dear Evan Hansen as back-up options.
Conclusion
While scoring Hamilton tickets is no easy feat, planning strategically can improve your odds. Give yourself 6-12 months notice, pick lower attendance weeks and shows, and purchase directly from the source for the best prices. Lotteries and cancellations provide last minute options too. With smart planning, seeing Hamilton live can become a reality. The musical is worth every bit of effort.