Beat the Box Office: How to See Broadway’s Best for Less
The glittering lights of Broadway and the magic of a live performance are an essential part of the New York City experience. But the perception of sky-high ticket prices can be daunting. This guide is your key to the kingdom, an insider’s playbook for “beating the box office.” Forget paying full price. With the right strategies—from a same-day dash to the TKTS booth to the thrill of a digital lottery—you can unlock significant savings and experience the magic of the Theater District like a savvy, in-the-know New Yorker.
The Three Pillars of Discount Tickets
- The TKTS Booth (For the Planner-Gambler): Operated by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the TKTS booths in Times Square and Lincoln Center sell same-day tickets for a wide variety of shows at discounts of 20% to 50% off. The advantage is certainty: you know your exact seat location when you buy. The trade-off is you have to buy in person on the day of the show.
- Rush Tickets (For the Early Riser): Many shows offer a limited number of day-of “rush” tickets at a steep discount. General Rush tickets are sold in person at the theater’s box office when it opens. Digital Rush tickets are offered through apps, most notably TodayTix, at a set time (usually 9 AM).
- Digital Lotteries (For the Lucky Clicker): This is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward strategy. Most major shows run a digital lottery where you can enter online for a chance to win the ability to purchase one or two tickets at an incredibly low price. The odds are long, but the payoff can be huge—like the Hamilton lottery for $10 front-row seats.
Match the Strategy to Your Personality
| Strategy | Typical Price | How It Works | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| TKTS Booth | $40 – $90 | Buy same-day tickets in-person from a live inventory board. | The Flexible Planner: Wants a good deal today but isn’t set on one specific show. |
| General Rush | $40 – $50 | Line up at the theater box office when it opens. | The Early Bird: Willing to invest time for a guaranteed ticket to a specific show. |
| Digital Rush | $40 – $50 | Use an app like TodayTix to buy tickets at a set time. | The Quick-Fingered Techie: Wants a deal without waiting in line. |
| Digital Lottery | $10 – $65 | Enter online drawings for a chance to buy cheap tickets. | The Gambler: Wants the absolute lowest price and is okay with not winning. |
| Standing Room Only (SRO) | $30 – $50 | Buy a ticket to stand at the back. Only available for sold-out shows. | The Hardy Budgeteer: Doesn’t mind standing to see a smash hit for a rock-bottom price. |
Beyond the Discount: Pre-Show Prep and Theater Etiquette
- Managing Expectations for Seats: When you purchase Rush or Lottery tickets, the seat locations are assigned by the box office. The tickets may have a partial or obstructed view, and if you purchase a pair, your seats may be split up. This is the trade-off for the deep discount.
- Pre-Show Dining: The Theater District can be crowded and expensive. Consider eating a little earlier or exploring the options on Ninth Avenue, which is known for a wide variety of more affordable restaurants just a short walk away.
- Theater Etiquette: Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before curtain. Silence and put away your phone—the light from a screen is distracting. Try to open any candy wrappers before the show starts, and save conversations for intermission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the single best way to get cheap Broadway tickets? A: There is no single “best” way; it depends on your priorities. For the absolute cheapest price, digital lotteries are unbeatable (if you win). For a guaranteed discount on a good selection of shows, the TKTS booth is the most reliable option.
Q: Can I get discount tickets for the most popular, hit shows? A: It’s very difficult, but not impossible. The biggest hits like Wicked or The Lion King rarely appear at TKTS. Your best bet for these shows is to enter their digital lottery every day. Occasionally, a show will offer Standing Room Only tickets if a performance is completely sold out.
Q: Are the discount tickets always for bad seats? A: Not necessarily. While some rush or lottery tickets can have obstructed views, many are simply unsold inventory that the theater wants to fill. It’s possible to get excellent orchestra or mezzanine seats through these methods. TKTS is great because you can see the exact seat location before you buy.
