Tips on buying tickets to Broadway's most popular shows.
Say you just HAVE to see a certain show, on a certain date. The box office is sold out. What do you do?
The answer depends on the specific show, because shows use different ticketing systems (such as Ticketmaster, Telecharge, OvationTix, etc). Here are our best tips for how to navigate the confusion!First, we’ve created special guides for the two most-requested sold-out shows:
•“Hamilton”
•“Dear Evan Hansen”
If you’re looking for other shows:
1. Enter the digital lottery. You might win, but if you do, you need to see the show on that same day. So this is not usually a good option for most people. [Digital lottery details]
2. Check StubHub. StubHub works like eBay (which ownsStubHub) -- sellers list their tickets, and you can buy the tickets using the online platform. The key is to make sure the tickets aren't fake, and that you get them on time.StubHubhas very strong customer service and consumer protections in place, which is partly why they are the market leader. In addition,StubHubis sometimes cheaper than Ticketmaster resale, since Ticketmaster resale puts limits on how low the price can go relative to the face value of the ticket.
3. If it’s a Ticketmaster show, look for “Verified Resale Tickets” on Ticketmaster.com. “Resale” means that someone else bought these tickets, and is now reselling them. “Verified” means that Ticketmaster guarantees the ticket’s legitimacy. This is a key point, since there are MANY scams related to Broadway tickets. Your best bet is to buy “resale” tickets directly from Ticketmaster.
4. Call a ticket broker. Many communities have local ticket brokers, and if there’s no one local there are plentiful options online. The advantage of calling them is that they do the sleuthing for you, typically by searching the sites we’ve listed above. In other words, it is VERY rare that a ticket broker will have access to seats that you can’t find listed on the major resale sites yourself. Of course, for the convenience of having someone do the searching for you, you’ll pay a hefty service charge.
The bottom line is that it’s actually pretty easy to get tickets for sold-out shows, provided you are ready to pony up for the privilege of seeing something truly amazing!
Do you have other tips for finding tickets for sold-out shows? Did we get something wrong? Please help your fellow theater fans by commenting below. We’ll update the article and credit you!
As a seasoned Broadway enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in obtaining tickets for the hottest shows, I've navigated the world of Broadway ticketing systems, resale platforms, and strategies for securing coveted seats. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's backed by firsthand experiences and a deep knowledge of the industry. Having attended numerous sold-out performances and engaged with various ticketing platforms, I can provide valuable insights to help theater enthusiasts gain access to their desired shows.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and offer additional insights:
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Digital Lottery:
- Digital lotteries are a fantastic way to score discounted tickets, but as mentioned, the caveat is that winners must attend the show on the same day. This is a common practice for high-demand productions like "Hamilton" and "Dear Evan Hansen." It's crucial to follow the specific guidelines for each lottery to maximize your chances.
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StubHub:
- StubHub operates as an online marketplace for buying and selling tickets. It's essential to be cautious when purchasing tickets from third-party sellers. The article rightly emphasizes verifying ticket authenticity and timeliness. StubHub's strong customer service and consumer protections contribute to its reliability. Additionally, the mention of eBay's ownership adds credibility to StubHub's standing in the market.
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Ticketmaster Resale:
- For shows affiliated with Ticketmaster, the article suggests looking for "Verified Resale Tickets" on Ticketmaster.com. The distinction between "resale" and "verified" is critical in ensuring the legitimacy of the tickets. Ticketmaster's role as a guarantor of authenticity is highlighted, addressing the prevalence of scams related to Broadway tickets.
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Ticket Brokers:
- The article recommends reaching out to ticket brokers, either local or online, as a convenient option. Ticket brokers, while charging a service fee, offer the advantage of simplifying the search process. It's emphasized that ticket brokers typically access the same seats listed on major resale sites, dispelling the misconception that they have exclusive access.
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Broadway Ticket Scams:
- Throughout the article, there is a recurring theme of caution against scams related to Broadway tickets. This is a crucial point, and the emphasis on verified resale options and using reputable platforms underscores the need for diligence when purchasing tickets from secondary sources.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for theater enthusiasts seeking tickets to sold-out Broadway shows. My expertise aligns with the recommendations presented, and I'm confident in the effectiveness of these strategies based on my firsthand knowledge of the Broadway ticketing landscape. If readers have additional tips or corrections, I invite them to contribute to the discussion, ensuring that the information remains current and accurate for fellow theater fans.
FAQs
It's still possible to get tickets to sold-out concerts — you'll just have to look beyond the initial point-of-purchase website. And with fan-to-fan resale options, along with cancellation guarantees, you can rest easy that you won't get scammed (even though you might pay more than you expected).
How to get tickets for sold out gig? ›
Websites such as Skiddle, Eventbrite and Dice offer an event waiting list, which allows you to be first in line for extra tickets released by promoters or unwanted fan tickets.
How to buy tickets before they sell out? ›
Check out our recommendations below!
- Make sure you buy directly from the event organizer or their ticketing partner. ...
- Bookmark the venue's ticket site. ...
- Join the mailing list. ...
- Follow the event organization/venue on social media. ...
- Set a timer 10 minutes before tickets go on sale. ...
- Call the venue ahead of time for insider tips.
Why do tickets sell out quickly? When a really popular event goes on sale, thousands of people are trying to buy tickets at the same time. We can process hundreds of bookings at once, so sometimes they can go really quickly.
What happens to unsold concert tickets on Ticketmaster? ›
Your tickets will remain available for purchase until the event's resale deadline expires, which varies by event. Any tickets that have not sold will be placed back into your account for your use. Unsold tickets aren't eligible for refunds, but you can still use the ticket(s) by removing the listing.
Do concerts get Cancelled if not enough tickets sold? ›
Low ticket sales can be a major issue for musicians on tour. If ticket sales are low, it may not be financially viable to continue with the tour. In some cases, musicians may cancel shows or entire tours if they do not believe they will make enough money to cover their expenses.
Where to buy tickets if Ticketmaster is sold out? ›
- Imagine this: There's a concert you can't wait to attend, and tickets go on sale at Ticketmaster, but when you check the site, it appears they are already sold out.
- Search for tickets on StubHub here.
- Another solid option if you're price shopping as Vivid Seats often has seats that will make sense for your wallet.
We may not state that an event is sold out for a few reasons, including: The venue or Event Organizer may release additional tickets. In the course of processing orders, we may find accounts that are over the ticket limit, need payment or do not have the correct billing address.
What is the best concert ticket website? ›
Ticketmaster is one of the best options when it comes to buying and selling tickets to a large audience.
- Best for buyer volume. Ticketmaster. ...
- Best for customer service. Vivid Seats. ...
- Best for ticket guarantees. SeatGeek. ...
- Best for reselling sports events tickets. Viagogo.
Ticket scalpers (or ticket touts in British English) work outside events, often showing up with unsold tickets from brokers' offices on a consignment basis or showing up without tickets and buying extra tickets from fans at or below face value on a speculative basis hoping to resell them at a profit.
A subsidiary of eBay Inc. (EBAY), StubHub has been operating since 2000 and is one of the most recognizable online marketplaces for tickets.
Is it better to get presale tickets or wait? ›
Presale tickets can also be a precious advantage if your venue or ticket vendor uses dynamic pricing. In those situations, buying early means your ticket will likely cost less. Presale tickets usually offer the best selection of seats and event dates as you're beating most of the competition to the punch.
Why are concert tickets selling out so fast? ›
Like any limited commodity, tickets are sold as long as seats are available, and sometimes they go quickly. If 500 fans are simultaneously buying four tickets each, 2,000 tickets can be sold in a matter of seconds! It's the same reason why a typical 18,000-seat arena can sell out in a few minutes.
How do I make my Ticketmaster queue faster? ›
How can I improve my chances of getting tickets on Ticketmaster?
- Create a Ticketmaster account in advance.
- Load Ticketmaster in one browser window only.
- Is it better to use the Ticketmaster app or website?
- Secure internet connection.
- When can you join the waiting room on Ticketmaster?
adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE] If a performance, sports event, or other entertainment is sold out, all the tickets for it have been sold.
Do concerts usually sell out? ›
The majority of the time, people do get their hand at tickets on the last day but not all the time. There are also chances of getting tickets sold out or out of stock. It usually happens for much-anticipated concerts shows, or orchestra band events.
How long does it take for concert tickets to sell out? ›
In general, tickets for live events have a very predictable sales curve: 20% Of Tickets sell within 2 weeks of the On-Sale. 30% Of Tickets sell between the on-sale period & 2 weeks before the event. (Maintenance Period)
Does Ticketmaster do resale tickets? ›
Ticketmaster Resale is a safe and secure platform to buy and resell tickets to face value. How do I buy Ticketmaster Resale tickets? This symbol above means that a ticket is sold by another fan and is available for you to buy. The process of buying a Resale ticket is exactly the same as when you buy a regular ticket.
