What’s one of the best ways to score cheap, same-day tickets to a Broadway show? Look no further than the TKTS booth in Times Square. Don’t feel like standing in line or worried that your favorite Broadway show will be sold out? Buy your tickets in advance of the trip. That way, when you touch down in the Big Apple, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to the bright lights of the Broadway stage.
Recently, my family enjoyed front and center seats in the orchestra section for the Broadway smash, Little Mermaid. We purchased tickets online about four months in advance of the trip, and got a great deal on both price and seating. You, too, can plan ahead and make the right deal on Broadway show tickets at a fraction of the price you would pay at the box office. There are lots of ways to go about it, but you need to know how Broadway makes these great deals available.
Broadway’s Open Secret: Promotional Codes
Leading online ticket agencies like Ticketmaster and Telecharge are great sources for Broadway theater tickets but only if you use “promotional codes” which can cut the cost of tickets anywhere from 25-50%. Using these promotional codes can also offset what are, often, high-priced shipping and handling fees. Where do you get these codes? Check out Playbill, TheaterMania and BroadwayBox which post promotional codes on their home pages. Note, some of these sites may require registration.
Ticket Relief from the Box Office
If you’ve already landed in the Big Apple, stop by the theater box office which will also offer discounts to theater patrons with promotional codes. Discounted, same-day tickets may also be available through the box office. Also, special pricing and seating may be available for seniors and persons with disabilities.
There are several reputable online outlets and ticket brokers that do the ticket shopping and price comparisons for you. These sites are far easier to use than, say, Ticketmaster because they offer one-stop shopping. You don’t have to look up promotional codes or haggle over seating and price. Most have lower handling fees. Finally, eDelivery makes it easy to get same-day, Broadway tickets at a fraction of the cost charged by more traditional Broadway theater ticket brokers and agencies.
Hot Discounts for Students, Groups, SRO and Stage Seating
Where else can you get those hot discounts? Check out special deals for students and groups, standing room only (SRO), and stage seating. Seniors, of course, will want to think twice before purchasing SRO tickets or upper balcony seats. Instead, make sure your ticket broker, box office or telephone operator understands if you want to avoid SRO, limited view, and upper balcony, or have special needs.
Broadway Across America: Coming to Your Hometown
Another excellent way to get cheap Broadway tickets is to have Broadway come to you. Check out Broadway Across America for tickets to hot Broadway shows currently touring the United States and Canada. What a great deal: Broadway Across America brings great Broadway classics like Chicago, Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Lion King to your hometown for a fraction of the cost of travelling to New York City. Check out these shows or newbie blockbusters like Avenue Q, Jersey Boys, Wicked and The Color Purple which are coming to 40 cities across North America.
Travel Discounts on Transportation, Accomodations and Broadway Shows
Whether travelling solo or with a group, your onsite or online travel agency can help you book flights, rooms and tickets for Broadway shows. Don’t discount the kind of package you can get through these outlets. Great seats and pricing are available with just a click of your mouse.
Cheap Tickets and Great Seats Online
These days, everyone’s tightening their belts and cutting bugets, especially for entertainment. But, you can still find great deals on Broadway shows in New York City. Check out these secure websites for cheap Broadway tickets. Imagine, a Broadway blockbuster at your fingertips. Price comparisons for Tony award-winning, sold-out Broadway show Billy Elliot, featuring music by Elton John, is also included.
Broadway.com
http://www.broadway.com
Telephone: (800) – BROADWAY or (212) 541- 8457 and **Press 8**
Telephones open 8am-9pm EST (Mon-Fri), 9am-6pm (Saturday), and 10am-6pm (Sunday)
One-stop shopping for discount tickets. Specialize in same-day tickets. Broadway.Com offers exclusive access to select Broadway tickets, often at a reduced rate. No additional service or processing fees. Same-day Billy Elliot tickets for $126.50, 30% off retail price.
Cheap Tickets
http://tickets.cheaptickets.com/broadway.aspx
One-stop shopping for hard-to-find, discount tickets for some of Broadway’s hottest shows, like Billy Elliot, Jersey Boys, Mama Mia, Young Frankenstein, and Spamalot. All major credit cards accepted. Secure website. Email confirmation. All sales final. No refunds, exchanges or cancellations. State and local taxes may apply. Same-day Billy Elliot tickets for $153 for Center Orchestra, Row R.
NYC.com Broadway Show Guide
http://www.NYC.com
NYC.com’s Broadway Show Guide is a great site from which to purchase discount and full price tickets to Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Reviews, maps and directions, nearby restaurants included, which are especially helpful for first-time visitors to New York and Times Square. Safe and secure online ticketing. Check out this great site. Everything you need to see all of what Broadway offers. Same-day Billy Elliot tickets (front orchestra/limited view) $110.00.
StubHub
http://www.stubhub.com
Ticket marketplace with great tickets and prices. Easy online access, and good customer service. Registration required, but well worth your time. One-stop shopping for Broadway and other tickets supplied by the ticket owners themselves who set the price. Easy, affordable, buyer-friendly. 24/7 Customer Service, toll free number. Besides the cost of the tickets (after purchase/auction), StubHub applies a service fee of 10% or $5 minimum per order, and $4.95 for eDelivery (recommended). (Additional fees to ship your tickets and $15.00 fee for last minute processing.)
It may take some time to understand how StubHub works, but once you get it, you’ll have incredible access to great tickets, prices, and even sporting events, where StubHub shines. Billy Elliot tickets (orchestra section) were listed for $89.00 – $550.00 for same day/other dates, before handling/eDelivery fees.
Theatermania Discount Tickets
http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/discount-tickets/
Telephone: New York/local (212) 239-6200, and Toll Free (800) 432-7250
This ticket outlet has it all, from full price Broadway tickets to preferred seating discounts. Safe up to 50% off Broadway’s full price. Exclusive theater discounts and monthly giveaways make this site a must-see. Buy one and get up to 3 tickets for 50% off the ticket price for Shrek the Musical. Billy Elliot tickets for $41.50 to $136.50, and $301.50 Premium.
TicketZoom
http://www.ticketzoom.com
Call Center Hours 7 am-1 am (Eastern Time).
Telephone: 1 (888) 292-8413
Safe, secure online ticketing network. Extensive seating selections available. Broker between buyers and sellers. Great prices, secure online platform for buying Broadway tickets. Same day Billy Elliot tickets for $105 (front orchestra, limited view), $252 (orchestra/mezzanine), and $281 (Row A/front orchestra).
Discount, Promotional Codes
BroadwayBox
http://www.broadwaybox.com
Check out BroadwayBox for discount coupon codes to buy cheap Broadway tickets up to 50% off Broadway ticket prices. These Broadway theater discount codes provide heavily discounted tickets for the shows of your choice, on your preferred date, and in advance of your trip to New York. Community site. No ticket sales or memberships.
RESOURCES
Ticketmaster
www.Ticketmaster.com
Playbill
www.playbill.com/
Discount Broadway Tickets
http://www.playbill.com/club/offers/
Prestige Entertainment
www.PrestigeEntertainment.com
Last Minute Travel
www.lastminutetravel.com
