Lottery Ticket Prices These Days

[shrekster224]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 1:26am

Whatever happened to standing room, rush, and lottery tickets hovering around $20?? Raising the prices to $30, $40, and even $49 plus a service fee that can be up to $5 doesn't even make the whole thing worth it. Obviously I understand that producers do this because they can and people and crazy fans and tourists will pay...but, what happened to making there be an affordable way for New Yorkers or those with less funds able to see the shows without breaking the bank. Mostly venting and hoping someone out there will see this and put a stop to these crazy lotto prices, but would love to hear some thoughts.

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 2:29am

What happened? 1992 became 2019. You really want sympathy for having to pay $30 or $40 for a rush or lottery ticket likely next to someone paying $169? I'm extremely sensitive to people just getting by who struggle to feed their family and keep a roof over their head but attending a Broadway show is a luxury (I'm not referring to theater in general but specifically Broadway shows) and if the extra $10 or $20 is truly breaking the bank for you, maybe take a Broadway show timeout and save up until it's not such a dealbreaker. Also keep in mind these tickets at these prices are a courtesy that they have no obligation to provide at all. Also, I wonder if you are confusing not being able to pay another $10 or $20 with simply not feeling that you should have to. You wanted to hear thoughts? Those are mine.

[LightsOut90]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 2:54am

UncleCharlie said: "What happened? 1992became 2019. You really want sympathy for havingto pay $30 or $40 for a rush or lottery ticket likely next to someone paying $169? I'm extremely sensitive to people just getting by who struggle to feed their family and keep a roof over their head but attending a Broadway show is a luxury (I'm not referring to theater in general but specifically Broadway shows) and if the extra $10 or $20 is truly breaking the bank for you, maybe take a Broadway show timeout and save up until it's not such a dealbreaker. Also keep in mind these tickets at these prices are a courtesy that they have no obligation to provide atall. Also, I wonder if you are confusing not being able to pay another $10 or $20 with simply not feeling that you should have to.You wanted to hear thoughts? Those are mine."

oh get off your high horse. 

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 5:03am

LightsOut90 said: "oh get off your high horse."

Sorry if thinking it's tiresome that people are whining about how terrible it is that they have to pay $30 or $40 to see a broadway show instead of $20 means I'm on a high horse. I'm grateful for these cheap ways to see shows but I guess I should still feel like I'm getting ripped off. Maybe you think the producers should charge $10 or even pay you for the pleasure of your company. Entitled much?

[Wick3]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 6:37am

shrekster224 said: "Whatever happened to standing room, rush, and lottery tickets hovering around $20?? Raising the prices to $30, $40, and even $49 plus a service fee that can be up to $5 doesn't even make the whole thing worth it. Obviously I understand that producers do this because they can and people and crazy fans and tourists will pay...but, what happened to making there be an affordable way for New Yorkers or those with less funds able to see the shows without breaking the bank. Mostly venting and hoping someone out there will see this and put a stop to these crazy lotto prices, but would love to hear some thoughts."

When I was a college student back in the 2000s the rush/lottery prices were around $20-$25. Back then my college job only paid $7/hour and to me that was a good salary since I could afford to see Broadway once a month or so and I was fine with that. 

With inflation, I understand how rush tickets have now hovered over $30. With minimum wage in NYC being $15/hour, I think having rush prices between $30-$40 is quite fair. Think of it as working a minimum wage job for 2-3 hours. 

Thankfully Hamilton is still $10 (then again they do gross $3 million a week....)

Updated On: 5/14/19 at 06:37 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 7:53am

UncleCharlie said: "LightsOut90 said: "oh get off your high horse."

Sorry if thinkingit's tiresome that people are whining about how terrible it is that they have to pay $30 or $40 to see a broadway show instead of $20 means I'm on a high horse. I'm grateful for these cheap ways to see shows but Iguess I should still feel like I'm getting ripped off.Maybe you think the producers should charge $10 or even pay you for the pleasure of your company. Entitled much?"

 

I'm with you, Uncle Charlie (and others).  Broadway....or more specifically CHEAP Broadway isn't a right.  

[Marianne2]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 8:41am

I also agree with UncleCharlie. Prices on all sorts of things have gone up. I see it in the store I work in and we sell closeout items.

It isn't just the lottery seats that have gotten more expensive either. The cheapest seats and discount codes are generally not as much of a bargain as they once were. Like I saw In the Heights from the rear mezzanine for less than $40 without a discount or lottery. And then I got a discount code & got 2nd row orchestra for $89. Now I have seen discount codes for shows offer the rear mezzanine for $89. And I feel lucky if a show even has their less expensive tickets starting at $49-$59. Yes, I realize you can do better for some shows, but usually it's the ones not selling well.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 10:06am

I have to give props to Mormon for never raising their in-person standing room seats from when it first opened. Their lotto also stuck to $32, though I think at times it was $50 online. (And it's entirely online now.)

[PK2]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 11:23am

I also remember when, not so long ago especially after 9/11, the theatre community asked New York community and theatre fans to come out and support Broadway because Broadway was in TROUBLE.   Many of us did and now many of us are left behind when Broadway became a popular attraction.  Personally, I don't feel so bad since the quality of many tourist shows were just not to my taste.   In my opinion, if we call it as a Theatre Community, all should be inclusive in a way.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 11:37am

shrekster224 said: "Whatever happened to standing room, rush, and lottery tickets hovering around $20?? Raising the prices to $30, $40, and even $49 plus a service fee that can be up to $5 doesn't even make the whole thing worth it. Obviously I understand that producers do this because they can and people and crazy fans and tourists will pay...but, what happened to making there be an affordable way for New Yorkers or those with less funds able to see the shows without breaking the bank. Mostly venting and hoping someone out there will see this and put a stop to these crazy lotto prices, but would love to hear some thoughts."

 

HUH!? Dude, you stuck in the past...2019. Tickets to see a movie are $26.49 in NYC now.

These BWAY prices are a steal for lottery/rush! Everything goes up in life. Face the reality!

[jmfinny]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 11:37am

Is it frustrating?  Yes.  However, it's the way of the world.  An IMAX 3D movie viewing in NYC can cost you close to $30 now.  Inflation will always be a thing and so now the "cheap tickets" for a Broadway show have to follow suit.  It's all part of an equation and don't forget the running costs of these shows continue to go up as union's minimums go up.  I'll reiterate what others continuously say... "it's a business."  They do not have to offer rush/lottery at all.  

 

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 11:40am

jmfinny said: "Is it frustrating? Yes. However, it's the way of the world. An IMAX 3D movie viewing in NYC can cost you close to $30 now. Inflation will always be a thing and so now the "cheap tickets" for a Broadway show have to follow suit. It's all part of an equation and don't forget the running costs of these shows continue to go up as union's minimums go up. I'll reiterate what others continuously say... "it's a business." They do not have to offer rush/lottery at all.



"Exactly!

 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 12:16pm

UncleCharlie said: "What happened? 1992 became 2019. You really want sympathy for havingto pay $30 or $40 for a rush or lottery ticket likely next to someone paying $169? "

Either you don't understand the origin of the Broadway lottery or you are intentionally being obtuse. The whole point of the lottery (originally) was to provide the best seats at affordable prices. It was a form of altruism since it started with RENT, which could have easily sold those same seats at top price. It was always a marketing ploy, but as time has gone on and the seat locations get worse, one wonders "what's the point?" Wicked went from selling the front row to selling the rear orchestra (row X). They aren't good seats. Are they cheaper than what other people may have paid for in and around those seats? Yes. But that's meaningless. They might as well get rid of the lottery if it serves no useful purpose. 

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 12:55pm

Everyone understands the origin of lottery and rush.

So you want cheap tickets AND great seats?   I just can't do the math on that.  Should someone that chooses to (whether by being wealthy or by penny pinching) spend full price be relegated to the worst seats?  Methinks not.

 

"What's the point?"  Then go ahead and only pay full price so you can get the pick of the litter.   They don't owe you anything.  $40 vs $169 IS making tickets affordable -or at least more affordable. 

 

In '96, the average ticket price for Rent was 52 bucks.  Rush/Lottery was 20 bucks - so approx 38% of the face value (with the highest tix price of 70 dollars).  Let's do the math for today's prices:   Average ticket price for Hadestown is $147.64....making a comparable discount for the same type of ticket ring in at $56.  At the lottery/rush ticket of 42.50, one is actually only paying 28% of the original price - SO.....it's not really, in ANY way out of line with B'way inflation -  it's actually a bigger bargain.  

 

(I may have worded this poorly, and so my apologies, but I'm fairly certain my math is on point.)

 

[LuPita2]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 2:22pm

HUH!? Dude, you stuck in the past...2019. Tickets to see a movie are $26.49 in NYC now.

These BWAY prices are a steal for lottery/rush! Everything goes up in life. Face the reality!

Slow clap for you sir.  This thread is so gross and rich with entitlement.  Don't have the money? You don't get to do the thing. I just described movies, fancy dinners, Broadway tickets, etc, etc, etc..........

It's life, get over it or stop going to shows.  

[raddersons]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 2:28pm

While I do think it's pretty crazy compared to the "good 'ol days" of rushes and lotteries, I think this is less a discussion about lottery prices specifically, and more of ticket prices as a whole. Lottery/TDF/rush tickets have risen pretty closely to the rising cost of a regular ticket, percentage-wise. 

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 2:32pm

You're all so harsh here. WANTING cheaper tickets is different than EXPECTING them. I don't think OP felt entitled to cheaper tickets, however the option used to be there and now it isn't as cheap so they figured asking. Whats wrong with the desire for cheaper tickets? As a 21 yo, I obviously cannot afford premium prices. I don't expect shows to cater towards my needs, but of course its wonderful having the option there for me to experience it. If you qualify, TDF is really the best way to get cheap tickets, AND good seats. However, good seats are not a guarantee, although Ive had wonderful luck so far. Cant speak for OP, but I don't think they were entitled just because they were asking why they aren't cheaper now. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 2:52pm

Mike - your optimism is lovely, but I think you are wrong.  NOTHING is as cheap as it was twenty years ago....to expect it to be is sheer foolishness.  

Some choice comments from the OP,  "doesn't even make the whole thing worth it."/ "producers do this because they can" / "crazy fans and tourists will pay"/ " put a stop to these crazy lotto prices"

Doesn't sound like a "wish" to me.

 

Look at the math I provided (Post #14, I think)  there it is in b & w.....rush/lotteries ARE just as big a discount...but the original price is astronomically higher.

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 5/14/19 at 7:46pm

dramamama611 said: "Mike - your optimism is lovely, but I think you are wrong. NOTHING is as cheap as it was twenty years ago....to expect it to be is sheer foolishness.

Some choice comments from the OP, "doesn't even make the whole thing worth it."/ "producers do this because they can" / "crazy fans and tourists will pay"/ " put a stop to these crazy lotto prices"

Doesn't sound like a "wish" to me.



Look at the math I provided (Post #14, I think) there it is in b & w.....rush/lotteries ARE just as big a discount...but the original price is astronomically higher."

Oh the math isn’t my issue, I understand everything is priced higher now. I guess I didn’t read their comments as clear, did sound more entitled reading back. 

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 5/15/19 at 10:19am

$30 and $40 IS affordable Seats. Compared to the $149 price tag..... when the lotto was $20 bucks, the FULL PRICES were only $100.... why producers should be still charging 20 year old prices is beyond me.

I miss the day where you could go to a THEMEPARK for $80 bucks

I miss the day where you could buy a SANDWICH for under $10.

I miss the day where you could buy a BEER for under $10.

Prices rise

You are entitled to nothing. Stop being so cheap.

Don’t want to spend more the $20?
See off broadway shows during 20@20.
Join a seat filling service.
Voulenteer usher.

There are PLENTY of ways to still enjoy the art. It just won’t be broadway(which has very little art ANYWAY it’s just a business that brings in billions of dollars annually)

[getupngo]

Posted: 5/15/19 at 10:59am

UncleCharlie said: "What happened? 1992became 2019. You really want sympathy for havingto pay $30 or $40 for a rush or lottery ticket likely next to someone paying $169? I'm extremely sensitive to people just getting by who struggle to feed their family and keep a roof over their head but attending a Broadway show is a luxury (I'm not referring to theater in general but specifically Broadway shows) and if the extra $10 or $20 is truly breaking the bank for you, maybe take a Broadway show timeout and save up until it's not such a dealbreaker. Also keep in mind these tickets at these prices are a courtesy that they have no obligation to provide atall. Also, I wonder if you are confusing not being able to pay another $10 or $20 with simply not feeling that you should have to.You wanted to hear thoughts? Those are mine."

say it louder for the ones in the back!

[LuPita2]

Posted: 5/15/19 at 4:22pm

You are entitled to nothing. Stop being so cheap. 
 

The best. 

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 5/15/19 at 4:42pm

'A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.'

 

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 5/16/19 at 12:28am

I don't feel entitled to anything. I see what I want/can afford to see and skip the rest. It happens to be easier in a lackluster season like this. But I wouldn't chalk up the ticket price increase purely to inflation. Shows charge what they think they can get away with charging. That is, some goods don't cost more because it costs more to produce them. They cost more because the people selling them have decided people will pay that amount. Capitalism.

Also, I'm not a fan of online lotteries but that's because I never win. I do think that given how long some people wait in rush lines, continuing to raise the prices is not great. At some point isn't your time more valuable than the money you're saving? 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/16/19 at 12:57am

^for me, my time is everything. But then again, Im an adult with many responsibilities. I certainly take advantage of discounts where I can, and if the price I can get is beyond my budget, oh, well, so I dont get to see it. Disappointing sometimes, but life goes on.

I might not see Moulin Rouge again (saw it 2x in Boston) as their prices seem beyond my willingness.