Continuing a trend that has now prevailed for 20 out of the past 25 years, the average price of a Las Vegas production-show ticket costs more this year than last, and is now at an all-time high. After tallying ticket prices from 94 shows, this year’s average comes in at $90.18, or $4.98 more than last year’s.
The most expensive is $1,040.91 for the top (VIP) ticket to “Britney — A Piece of Me at Planet Hollywood.” Amazingly, more than half the shows (53) have at least one ticket option above $100, and 17 have a highest price of $200 or more.
Bargain tickets: This year’s least expensive ticket for the second year in a row is “Mike Hammer Comedy Magic” at Four Queens at $27.80. Also low are “Spirit of the King” at Four Queens ($29.98), “Laughternoon” at the D ($30.20) and “Gordie Brown” at the Golden Nugget ($32.20). The following shows also have a ticket priced under $40: “Frank Marino’s Divas” (Planet Hollywood), “LA Comedy Club” (Stratosphere) and “Twisted Vegas” (Westgate).
Reducing costs: It’s important to keep in mind that most shows are priced high to discount. If you look around, you should almost never have to pay the rack price for show tickets. Good hunting grounds are the half-price ticket booths on the Strip, coupons in freebie magazines and discount codes available from Las Vegas websites, including LasVegasAdvisor.com, which also conducted the survey.
‘Mindfreak’ coming: Criss Angel’s “Believe” at Luxor will close next week. However, Angel returns to Luxor on May 11 in previews for a new show called “Mindfreak Live!” which officially premieres June 23.
Question: When does the paid-parking policy go into effect on the Strip?
Answer: It’s not every casino on the Strip; only MGM Resorts properties, which include MGM Grand, Mirage and New York-New York. It was originally scheduled to begin this month, but there are reports that it will be delayed until the end of May, due to organizational issues.
For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to LasVegasAdvisor.com.