Rush Tickets vs. Lottery Tickets

I used to think that lottery tickets were always better seats than rush tickets, but after a few experiences where I've either rushed and noticed that lottery winners were next to me or where I've won a lottery and people who rushed were next to me, I wonder if for most shows if they use the same seats for lottery and rush. Does anyone know for which shows lottery seats are better than rush and for which shows seating doesn't change if you rush or win the lottery?

I do know at Matilda that the lottery seats in general are better. The rush tickets can be anywhere they happen to have extra tickets left over - while the lottery seats are mostly mid - orchestra (to the side but a really good view of most of the show).

Of course this may change if the theater is especially crowded - or really empty for any particular performance. But as a rule...you pay slightly more for lottery seats for a reason.

Actually lately I've noticed that Matilda rush tickets are "Better" than the lottery seats. The rush tickets seem to be closer to the stage than the lottery ones, bur depends on if you classify those tickets as good vs farther back.

I can share my Matilda experience. Last week I was first in line for rush and got rear orchestra right, along with the rest of the line. However, when I've won the online lotto, i'm usually full view orchestra somewhere in the middle of the sides.

The best deal I've gotten is when they offered me a $42 seat after the lotto and rush ended, and that was in the 2nd row, partial view. (My favorite seat!)

JBroadway said: "willep said: "Generally shows don't offer both rush and lottery, it is usually either/or."



That was my first thought as well, but I think the OP must be referring to the shows with both rush and digital lottery, which has actually become quite common.



I'm not an expert, but from what reports I've seen, I do think digital lotto seats are usually pretty similar to rush seats when a show has both. Some shows like Hamilton and Fun Home offer front row seats through the lotto (at least Fun Home did - not sure if they still do), but those shows don't have a rush in addition to their lotto.





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I agree, I think they are pretty similar.

Also, a few months ago I won the TodayTix fun home lottery and I believe I was in row F, must've just been earlier in their run.

Malatenj said: "We did rush for Something Rotten last August and got front side box. While waiting in line, I also tried the lottery. I won the lottery (and then sold a couple of our rush tickets). The lottery tickets were front row just off the center.



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Nice! I did SR rush last month and got front row center, but I think it's because this show has been out for a while now.