TKTS Times Square Ticket Booth to Reopen "Under the Red Steps" after 18 Months

During the pandemic, the ruby-red glass steps hovering over the TKTS booth in Times Square has been a barometer of New York’s return. In two weeks time, as Broadway reopens, the 12 windows will open too for fans in search of discounted tickets for their favorite shows.

The TKTS Booth closed on March 12, 2020. Photo: Phil O’Brien

The ticket booth closed on March 12 last year as COVID shuttered Broadway’s theaters — it will open again at 3pm on Tuesday, September 14. The reopening coincides with the curtains rising on Broadway favorites like Wicked, Chicago, The Lion King and Hamilton, which all resume that night.

“We’re excited to once again serve New Yorkers and visitors on a budget who have missed the experience of live performance,” said Victoria Bailey, Executive Director of the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the not-for-profit organization that operates TKTS. “Our re-opening will mirror Broadway’s — a few shows at first, with more to follow as the fall progresses.”

There will be COVID safety protocols in place for customers and staff. The booth will offer the option of printed or contactless tickets, all TKTS employees will be vaccinated and they will wear clear masks designed to provide accessibility for clients with hearing loss.

TKTS will continue to offer same-day theatre tickets at up to 50% off — and has added the opportunity to purchase seats for next-day matinees. Office hours will be 3-8pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, midday-8pm on Wednesday, 11am-8pm on Saturday and 11am-7pm on Sunday. There will be no Monday opening until October.

Blizzard conditions in Times Square as workers clear the TKTS red steps in December 2020. Photo: Phil O’Brien

TKTS Times Square opened for business in 1973, as a small booth in Duffy Square at W47th Street and Broadway. The current red-steps roofed building opened in the original location in 2008 after an eight-year delay and costing nine times more than originally estimated, according to a New York Times report at the time.

The 27 ruby-red structural glass steps that make a brightly lit sloped roof for the booth are a popular public gathering place. At times during the pandemic the area was totally empty, at other times it was venue for the first Black Lives Matter protests, Broadway relaunches, restaurant worker rallies and election night. Check out our photo and video gallery below.