Price & Availability:  

Broadway.com has very competitive prices for the New York City theater because they are the source. The tickets are sold at retail price or face value. The price of the ticket includes the building facility fee, so it is usually a dollar or two higher than Ticketmaster’s original price, but exactly the same in the end. Where Broadway.com beats TicketMaster on final price is in the service fees. The average convenience charge for Broadway.com is 25%, significantly higher than any other online theater ticket service we reviewed.

Unfortunately, tickets to the most popular shows often sell out quickly on Broadway.com because they are an primary source and are less expensive comparatively. It can be tough to find premium seats on Broadway.com, especially for the most popular performances. Your best bet is to plan far in advance, as the most popular events will be sold out. Getting tickets for tomorrow or even this or next weekend can be difficult, so plan on securing them as far in advance as possible.

Features:  

Broadway.com doesn’t have any speedy shipping options, but offers the low price of $12 for standard FedEx shipping. Or you can have your tickets left at the box office for will call pickup.

If you order your tickets at least three days in advance, you have the option to purchase ticket insurance for an additional $10 per ticket. This allows you to get a full refund on ticket costs if an emergency arises and you need to cancel your attendance to the show. The full refund is only available if the tickets are returned to the box office at least two business days before the event. You won’t find that sort of accommodation with any other online ticketing service.

Gift certificates are also available through Broadway.com. They cost $145 each (average cost of top-priced Orchestra seating), and can be delivered directly to the recipient. Gift certificates can be used for any Broadway or Off-Broadway show in New York City.

Ease of Use:  

Broadway.com is a very professional and easy to use site. Not only is the ordering process straightforward and simple, but Broadway.com also helps make planning your trip to New York easier.

Broadway.com offers an additional accommodation to your theater experience. Broadway.com sells several hotel packages for your trip. You can plan your entire trip and get great seats and nice hotel accommodations in the same package. Broadway.com also offers dinner packages available with each ticket. Each dinner voucher includes a three course meal from a variety of New York restaurants. These food packages range from $40-$70 apiece.

Security:  

Broadway.com is one of the safest places to buy tickets online because you are getting your tickets directly from the box office. You don’t have to deal with third party ticket brokers, and your tickets are left at the box office for will call unless there is enough time for shipment. Broadway.com is also a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers and has a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Help/Support:  

Broadway.com offers great customer service online and over the phone. You can get information on ordering tickets, hotel packages, gift certificates, and even group sales. Additional resources and programs are available for those interested in ordering for a group, including group discount info, theater parties, and even a Broadway classroom experience where you can learn interesting facts and even meet cast members, helping make your group trip even more exciting.

Broadway.com is a great place to look for Broadway tickets. In fact, it’s one of the best place to start if you’re looking for Broadway tickets and other accommodations. Unfortunately, some of the more popular shows are often sold out, so you may have to search elsewhere for tickets, like on the secondary ticket market. And the 25% service fee is hard to swallow. But for planning a trip and for getting tickets far enough in advance, Broadway.com is a good source.

For another site with face value tickets, try Ticketmaster. Or consider checking out the secondary ticket market on StubHub or TicketsNow.