Buying theatre tickets ahead of time is a tried-and-true way to get a great seat, but it's not the only way. Many Broadway shows offer rush and lottery tickets, made available day-of or a day in advance for a lower price.
A limited number are offered each day, either at the box office or online, and are subject to availability. They are usually available within a specific time frame, so keep your eye on the clock! But if you are lucky in the lottery or are able to secure a rush ticket, you'll get a great seat at an even greater discount.
Read below for answers to common questions about theatre rush and lottery tickets, and learn which Broadway and Off-Broadway shows in New York offer rush and lottery tickets and how to get them.
Want to guarantee a seat at a show tonight rather than take your chances? Get last-minute Broadway tickets on New York Theatre Guide.
What are Broadway rush tickets?
Rush tickets are same-day tickets for a matinee or evening show. Rush tickets usually become available in the morning, either in person at the box office or digitally, for the performance or performances later that day. Shows that offer rush tickets have a limited number per day, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are Broadway lottery tickets?
Lottery tickets are discounted tickets to a show allotted to entrants by chance. Unlike rush tickets, which are first-come, first-served, Broadway lotteries remain open for a select time period for each performance, and you can enter any time within that window and have an equal chance of winning.
Most lotteries take place digitally, and once the entry window closes for your chosen performance, you'll have a limited time window to claim and purchase your tickets if you win.
How do I get Broadway rush and lottery tickets?
Each show's method of offering rush and lottery tickets varies; scroll to your desired show below to see its rush and lottery policies. Some offer rush tickets in person at the box office when it opens each day, while others do so digitally through a website or app like TodayTix. Either way, you'll want to arrive at the box office early — people often line up before it opens — or be on your phone to buy tickets right when they become available.
Most lotteries take place online, but a select few take place in person at the theatre within a select time window each day.
Not all shows offer rush and lottery tickets, and some only offer one or the other. Rush and lottery tickets may not be available for every performance of a show if it has sold out in advance.
Where are Broadway rush and lottery seats located?
Rush and lottery seats can be located anywhere in the theatre, depending on the seating arrangement and availability for a given performance. Select shows designate certain seats for rush and/or lottery winners; for example, Hamilton is known for placing many of its lottery winners in the first or second row.
While no specific seat placement is ever guaranteed, lottery seats, and sometimes rush seats, often allow you to sit in a prime seat for a great discount if you're lucky enough to get one!
How many Broadway rush and lottery tickets can I buy?
Most Broadway rush and lottery programs allow you to purchase up to two tickets per performance. Depending on availability for a given performance, pairs are not guaranteed to be seated together.
The number of rush and lottery tickets offered each day varies depending on availability; some performances may have sold more tickets in advance than others. The daily allotment of tickets is not generally publicly disclosed. If you miss out, though, there's always the next day — or even the same day! Some lotteries and rush programs release additional tickets on a rolling basis if cancellations occur or winners don't claim their tickets in time.
Which Broadway shows have rush and lottery tickets?
Discover all the current shows in New York City with rush and/or lottery ticket offerings. Broadway shows are listed in alphabetical order, followed by Off-Broadway shows.
