Hamilton is one of the most popular and sought-after Broadway musicals of the past decade. With its catchy hip-hop songs, diverse casting, and retelling of American history through the lens of Alexander Hamilton’s life, Hamilton has been a smash hit since its Broadway debut in 2015. However, with massive demand has come challenges for fans trying to get tickets, especially at affordable prices. This article will explore the best ways to buy tickets for Hamilton in order to maximize your chances of getting seats while minimizing costs.
Why Are Hamilton Tickets So Popular and Hard to Get?
There are several key factors that contribute to the incredibly high demand for Hamilton tickets:
- Critical acclaim – Hamilton has won 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. The show’s creators, Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Thomas Kail, have been widely praised for the show’s innovative blend of musical styles and retelling of history.
- Unique story and casting – Hamilton features minorities in most principal roles, including African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans playing the Founding Fathers. This distinctive casting brings fresh perspectives to these historic characters and resonates with modern audiences.
- Catchy music – Hamilton’s soundtrack blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and traditional Broadway, resulting in tuneful songs that linger long after leaving the theater. The music reached #1 on Billboard rap charts and fueled enthusiasm for the show.
- Limited seating – Only around 2,000 seats are available across the three Hamilton venues in New York, Chicago, and on tour. Supply is very limited compared to demand.
- Sold-out shows – Performances routinely sell out months in advance. It is difficult for fans to jump in at the last minute and buy tickets.
Due to these factors, getting Hamilton tickets requires planning ahead as early as possible.
When Should You Buy Hamilton Tickets?
As Early as You Can!
The #1 rule for scoring Hamilton tickets is: buy early! This advice applies whether you seek single tickets through the box office or resellers, group tickets, or multi-show ticket packages.
Buying tickets 6-12 months in advance is ideal. At that timeframe, single tickets directly through official channels are more available. By 4-6 months out, prices tend to rise and sell-outs happen more frequently. Inside of 2-3 months to show dates, your options are very limited.
So if you are flexible on dates and willing to plan ahead 6-12 months, you will have the most success getting affordable tickets. Of course, work and personal obligations can make long-range planning difficult. But the earlier you start looking, the better.
Exceptions – Last Minute Lotteries and Cancellations
The one exception where you may luck into more last minute Hamilton tickets are in-person lotteries. Most productions hold in person lotteries daily where a limited number of front row tickets are raffled off for $10 cash only. You can only enter in person outside the theater on the day of the performance. So if you are willing to devote a day trying your luck, you may score bargain tickets. However, odds of winning are very low.
Periodically, you may also find a handful of tickets released last minute if cancellations occur. But this is extremely hit or miss. Checking theater box office websites routinely for last minute seat releases is advised.
Where Should You Buy Hamilton Tickets?
You have several options for where to actually purchase your Hamilton tickets. Here is an overview of the best places to check and pros/cons of each approach.
Directly from the Theater Box Office
Purchasing tickets directly through the official theater box office, either online or by phone, should always be your first option. This is the only way to guarantee you are getting legitimate tickets sold at face value price. Supplies will be tight, but check back frequently and jump on tickets as soon as your target dates have availability.
Third party resellers may offer similar seats for 2-4x the price. Buying direct saves the most money. Be sure to create an account and save your payment info to expedite checkout, as tickets go quickly!
Official Hamilton Resale Market
If the primary box office is sold out, they may direct you to their official resale marketplace. This functions like StubHub where season ticket holders can resell tickets, often at marked up prices. However, all tickets on the official resale site are verified legitimate. Find it at https://hamiltonmusical.com/lottery-and-other-ticket-options/ for New York and tour cities.
Authorized Resellers Like Ticketmaster
Major ticketing companies like Ticketmaster sell primary market tickets and also facilitate resale marketplaces. You can search both their primary and resale inventory at once. Just be aware their resale tickets tend to be higher priced from resellers passing on fees. Verify the tickets are guaranteed authentic before purchasing.
StubHub, Vivid Seats, Seat Geek
Other large secondary resellers provide a resale marketplace for events like Hamilton. Their supply relies on users reselling their tickets. You’ll pay above face value but they guarantee all tickets. Sort by ‘Best Value’ to find the lowest prices and shop multiple sites.
Unauthorized Resale Sites
There are numerous smaller ticket resale sites beyond the major players. But with them comes greater risk of fraud. Fake tickets abound online. Only use lesser known sites if they offer ticket guarantees. Avoid non-refundable purchases and confirm legitimacy before buying.
Ticket Brokers
A ticket broker is a large reseller that acquires tickets in bulk to resell at a premium. They may be able to offer hard to find tickets but rarely at face value. Use brokers with caution and thoroughly check reviews before providing payment.
What Are the Best Strategies for Buying Hamilton Tickets?
Assuming you start looking for tickets far in advance, what are the smartest approaches for securing seats? Here are tips and strategies for getting Hamilton tickets at the best prices and locations.
Check Primary Market Regularly
Set calendar reminders to check the official Broadway box office website and sign up for alerts on your target dates. New blocks of tickets may be released without notice so checking frequently improves your odds of scoring seats as soon as they are available. Have your account set up and payment info saved to expedite checkout.
Be Flexible on Dates and Cities
If your schedule permits, keep your options open in terms of dates and locations. Mid-week and matinee shows are generally easier to get and less expensive. You may also gain access by looking at tour productions in cities like Chicago and Houston. Widening your search increases possibilities.
splurge on VIP Packages When Available
For special occasions like a birthday or anniversary, premium VIP ticket packages can become available 10-12 months out for about $500-1,000 per seat. This guarantees premium seating and exclusive perks. While expensive, it is an option for die-hard fans flexible on pricing.
Join Fan Presales
Follow Hamilton on social media and sign up for fan clubs and theater e-newsletters. Doing so grants you access to special presales where a block of tickets is released to fan club members first before the public on-sale. This improves access before the masses swarm the site.
Try the Lottery
As mentioned before, entering the Hamilton lottery in person each day is free minus a time commitment. You likely won’t win, but dozens try each day. Getting selected means front row seats for just $10!
Consider Ticket Packages
If you also want to see other popular Broadway shows, buying a multi-show package can improve Hamilton access. Packages bundle hard to get shows together, though still at premium pricing. This works best if you were already interested in multiple shows.
What Hamilton Seats are Best?
Hamilton is staged as a theater in the round with the stage in the center surrounded by seating on all sides. There are excellent views from every seat, though some sections are considered preferable.
Orchestra Center
The orchestra section closest to center stage tends to offer the most ideal viewing experience. You’ll be close to the action while still able to appreciate the full spectacle. This is the hardest area to access tickets for.
Front Mezzanine
If orchestra level seats are unavailable, the front mezzanine levels are also excellent. You’ll have an elevated vantage point but still feel engaged with the show. The rake or slope of the mezzanine ensures good sightlines.
Avoid Obstructed View
With Hamilton staged in the round, make sure to avoid any obstructed view seats which will block parts of the stage. Check seat views if available before purchasing.
Accessible Seating
For wheelchair users and patrons needing accessible seating, be sure to inquire about availability and purchase these specific seats through the box office. Front orchestra and mezzanine rows near elevators have wheelchair spots.
How Much Do Hamilton Tickets Cost?
Here is an overview of the average price ranges for Hamilton tickets, keeping in mind prices vary widely depending on demand.
Face Value Broadway Prices
If you can score tickets directly through the box office, face value pricing averages:
- Rear Mezzanine – $149
- Mid Orchestra and Mezzanine – $199
- Front Orchestra and Mezzanine – $249
- Premium Orchestra – $399
Again, finding tickets at face value takes diligence and luck unless booking far in advance.
Average Resale Market Prices
On secondary market resale sites, the average prices paid are:
- Rear Mezzanine – $200-300
- Mid Orchestra – $350-450
- Front Orchestra – $500-750
- Premium Orchestra – $900-$1,200+
So expect to pay 2-4x face value if buying resale. Tour city prices are generally $100-200 less per ticket on average.
Lottery and Rush Tickets
If you win the $10 ticket lottery, front row seats can be scored for just $10 cash. Rush tickets sometimes released day of show are typically $40.
Are Hamilton Tickets Worth the Price?
Due to the exceedingly high demand, paying 2-3x face value per ticket is not uncommon for a popular show like Hamilton. While expensive, many find the show one of the most groundbreaking and entertaining on Broadway. The premium pricing reflects huge demand among audiences to experience its inspiring story, brilliant cast, and genre-redefining music.
For true fans of Broadway musicals, the expense can certainly be justified, especially for milestone events. The joy, inspiration, and historical education Hamilton provides often makes the splurge worthwhile for devoted theatergoers. At the same time, the difficult ticket access and prices put the show out of reach for many. For those looking to save, being persistent and flexible provides the best chance at deals.
Conclusion
While challenging to get and expensive to buy, Hamilton remains one of the most culturally impactful and transformative musicals ever performed on Broadway. Seeing Hamilton live on stage offers a memory and experience that few other shows can match. By buying your tickets as far in advance as possible through official channels, utilizing ticket packages, entering lotteries, and comparing prices across channels, you can maximize chances for deals and access. While it requires effort, persistence, and some luck, discovering Hamilton for yourself is well worth the journey.