How much would you pay to see “Hamilton,” Broadway’s hottest show? Or for tickets to see Springsteen or Adele?
I admit that as I was searching for tickets to see “Hamilton” I was wondering just how far I would go. Would I – would you – be willing to meet a stranger from Craigslist on the street in NYC who was selling two last-minute tickets for $600? This recently happened to a nice couple hoping to celebrate their anniversary. Big surprise: fake tickets.
Why are tickets so scarce?
Even if you get on legitimate sites when tickets first go on sale, it’s already too late, According to an investigation by the NY Attorney General’s Office, “ticketing is a fixed game” More than half the tickets for the most in-demand shows in NY (and some of this is happening nationally, too) are already reserved in favor of promoters, special friends, high-end credit card holders, and some lucky fans.
In full disclosure here, as a journalist I had that favored status – free tickets to Springsteen and Madonna when I covered those concerts. For Broadway shows I also had access to coveted house seats (front orchestra tickets) which I always paid for.
Unless I was reporting, I always paid my way and over the years I’ve decided when I’ve wanted to pay full-price, stand in line for half- price tickets in NYC, or when I’ve been willing to wait for touring companies of “Wicked” and “Book of Mormon” to come to town.
For concerts, there’s been a bit more nostalgia and there were times I couldn’t wait.
Everyone thought I was crazy 15 years ago when I bought a solo ticket through a DC agency to see U2 at the Verizon Center in DC. It was one of my favorite concerts even though the 20somethings near me smoking all night drove me crazy. Last year I bought last minute tickets on StubHub to see Fleetwood Mac on their reunion tour. It was an amazing concert that I saw with an old friend to celebrate her birthday. We had pretty good seats, and it wasn’t too expensive. Prices at big stadiums often drop closer to concert time.
And now, of course, you might be wondering about “Hamilton.”
After searching the official site, I noticed that the first available tickets were for my birthday weekend in May.
But they were resale tickets on Ticketmaster and cost twice their face value. Sitting at the computer, I hesitated, and my fingers hovered over the purchase.
Not great seats. Orchestra, rear, far left.
But I rationalized: It’s for a big birthday.
I’ll skip the blowout dinner and the four-star hotel.
Click. Purchase.
That was three months ago.
Last night, just for fun, I went online to check for tickets.
Guess what? Seats near mine are selling for almost double what I paid.
I now think I got a bargain.
Let’s face it. I can justify anything except standing on street corners waiting for strangers.
twice30 