Events at Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center, New York

About Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center

The Hammerstein Ballroom is a historic concert hall and event venue in Midtown Manhattan, housed in the former Manhattan Opera House. Built by Oscar Hammerstein I and opened in 1906, it was originally a grand opera house offering affordable seats to the public. Over the decades it changed hands – becoming a vaudeville house, a Masonic temple which added the Grand Ballroom above it in the 1920s, and later a multimedia studio. Since a major renovation in 1997 it has operated as a premier music and event hall under the name Hammerstein Ballroom (operationsholdings.com). It remains one of New York City’s most renowned performance venues (operationsholdings.com). Signature features include its elegant neoclassical façade, soaring 85-foot ceiling, ornate balconies and side “opera box” seating, and famously excellent acoustics (daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com) (www.prosoundweb.com). Today it’s known for its rich history as well as a stylish yet spacious atmosphere that draws touring artists and corporate events alike.

Events and Programming

The Hammerstein hosts a wide range of events. It is primarily known for concerts – rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic dance, indie, and alternative acts are frequent performers. Music acts like Kesha, RL Grime, Oliver Tree, Christine and the Queens, and 6LACK have all played Hammerstein in recent years (www.concertarchives.org). It also accommodates theater events, comedy shows, dance competitions, fashion shows, product launches, award ceremonies, and even sporting events like boxing or wrestling. (In fact, Hammerstein was featured in the first season of WWF’s “Monday Night Raw” in 1993 (daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com), and has since hosted ECW wrestling events and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” tapings (daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com).) Corporate galas and non-profit fundraisers book the space too. Manhattan Center notes that organizations like Fox, Samsung, Google, the CFDA, and other major brands have used Hammerstein for trade shows, speaker series, galas and live broadcasts (www.themanhattancenter.com). Recurring happenings include annual radio station concerts (such as the Z100 “Jingle Ball” after-party) and the Battle of the Year breakdance finals. Typical ticket prices vary widely by event – mainstream concerts might run anywhere from $30–$150+, while special VIP or production shows can go higher. Fans report that “artsy” or indie shows sometimes have higher ticket prices, reflecting the upscale venue reputation (qromag.com).

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Hammerstein Ballroom shows are sold through each event’s promoter or box office. There is not an independent daily box office open to the public, so tickets are usually available through official ticket outlets or the promoter’s channels. On-sale dates vary by event; big concerts often announce ticket sales months in advance on their social media or websites. Fans should join mailing lists or follow the Manhattan Center’s event page for pre-sale codes or early-bird notices. For popular shows, it’s wise to book as soon as they go on sale (or even sign up for venue fan clubs or mailing lists) to avoid scalpers. Door tickets or day-of-show sales are rare for sold-out concerts. Pricing tiers usually include general admission (GA) floor, reserved floor or seated levels, balcony seating, and VIP/packages – with front-row or meet-and-greet packages as the most expensive options.

Seating and Layout

The Hammerstein Ballroom features a large open floor and two sloping balconies accommodated by an 85-foot vaulted ceiling (www.prosoundweb.com). In GA concerts the main floor is standing room (capacity up to ~3,500 total) with bars along the sides and back of that level (www.prosoundweb.com) (www.themanhattancenter.com). In seated configurations (e.g. dinner or theater style) the floor can hold around 2,000 chairs (www.themanhattancenter.com). Two mezzanine balconies (first and second) seat about 535 and 525 respectively (www.themanhattancenter.com), and behind the floor are six side “opera box” loges (roughly 120 total seats) for a close yet private view. Acoustics here are excellent – a New York Times critic noted that despite its size the house makes “the audience as a whole brought nearer the stage” and praised its “remarkably good” sound (daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com). For sightlines, the sloped balconies and boxes offer a good overhead view, and many fans consider front-floor standing or front-balcony rows to be best. (Note that areas under the balconies have lower head clearance (qromag.com), so very tall fans should mind the balconies’ overhang.) VIP or reserved seating is typically in the front floor rows and shallow balcony areas, while GA ticket holders on the floor can mingle near the stage or throughout the open main area.)

Getting There and Parking

Hammerstein Ballroom is located at 311 West 34th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) in Midtown West (qromag.com). The building is part of the Manhattan Center complex. It is well-served by public transit: the 34th Street–Penn Station stop (A, C, E and 1, 2, 3 subway lines) is just one or two blocks east, and the Herald Square stations (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R) are about three blocks east (qromag.com). Multiple bus lines (for example the M34 crosstown on 34th Street or north/south routes) also serve the area. For drivers, Manhattan Center has a small lot adjacent to the building, but note that event rates are very high (halfaccess.org). Metered street parking near the venue is very limited (most free street spots start about ½ mile away and usually fill quickly) (halfaccess.org). There are private parking garages a few blocks away (for example on West 34th St. or along 9th Ave) which can be reserved online, but expect to pay $30+/night on busy nights. Ride-share drop-offs and taxis typically pull up on West 34th near 8th Ave (following traffic rules); many people simply exit at Penn Station or Herald Square and walk. Because New York traffic can be slow, many guests prefer mass transit or carpooling when coming to a show.

Inside the Venue

Visitors enter through the Manhattan Center lobby and proceed to the Hammerstein floor. Upon entry expect standard concert security: backpacks and bags are checked, metal-detector wands may be used, and attendees are reminded to “travel light.” The venue explicitly prohibits oversize bags and all bags may be searched (halfaccess.org). Staff operate a coat check (fee-based) if you need to stow jackets or larger items. Once inside, you’ll find concession stands on the main floor and balcony levels selling snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages; there is at least one full bar on-site (www.newyorkcitytheatre.com). Restrooms are located on the lower level beneath the balconies (and each has at least one handicap-accessible stall) (halfaccess.org). The space is fully indoors and climate-controlled, so weather is not a factor. Dress is casual – the theater is historic but unpretentious, so jeans or concert t-shirts are common; many patrons wear layers in case it gets cool upstairs. Small personal items like cameras and phones are generally allowed (phone flash photography is usually discouraged by concerts). Guests should know that typically all exits are considered final – you generally cannot leave and re-enter the same show (even to smoke) (halfaccess.org). Ushers will scan tickets and direct you to your section. Between sets or at intermission, the balcony and bar areas are good spots to grab refreshments without losing sight of the stage. There is no public Wi-Fi in the hall, so cell service is your main connectivity (which is usually reliable here). Overall, the atmosphere is that of a classic yet lively midtown concert hall with modern sound and lighting rigs – expect good sightlines, professional production, and attentive staff.

Nearby Amenities

The Midblock location near Penn Station and Herald Square means many nearby spots for food and lodging. Within a few blocks are popular restaurants and bars. For pre-show dining: iL Punto (507 9th Ave) is a cozy Italian restaurant “just a short walk” away (www.concerthotels.com), and Stella 34 (in Macy’s Herald Square) also serves Italian classics. Chef Yu on 8th Ave offers upscale Chinese fare, and Blue Ribbon Sushi & Steak (at Penn Station) is a well-known Japanese restaurant popular with concert-goers (www.concerthotels.com). Greek seafood can be found at Kyma Hudson Yards (4.1 stars on Yelp) (www.yelp.com). There are casual burgers, pizza, and pub-style joints on nearby streets as well. For drinks after a show, you’ll find pubs and cocktail lounges along 9th Ave – for example the 1930s-themed Butcher & Banker cocktail bar, and neighborhood favorites like 9th Avenue Saloon. Hotels within walking distance include Midtown budget options and several boutique inns. Penn Station area hotels (e.g. The Manhattan at Times Square, the New Yorker) and the Hotel Pennsylvania are under a block or two away, as are many boutique hotels in Chelsea and Herald Square. Since many guests see Hammerstein as part of a larger New York trip, visitors often stay a few blocks north or east of the venue for convenience. Late-night rideshares or subways run 24/7 in Manhattan, so leaving at any hour is safe and easy.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Hammerstein Ballroom’s uniqueness comes from its century-long history and grandeur in a compact footprint. Architecturally it retains elaborate details from its 1906 origins (Mowbray’s neoclassical facade with stone balconies and a glass-iron marquee) (daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com) and the 1922 Masonic renovation (new façade and rooftop ballroom). Its high ceiling and acoustically-oriented design continue to earn praise – critics noted even at its 1906 opening that “its acoustics are remarkably good” and that audiences enjoy a more “intimate” connection to performers than in older opera houses (daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com). Over time, Hammerstein has hosted many famous moments: for instance David Bowie’s final NYC concert in 2006 took place here (www.thebigtimesproject.com), and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead recorded portions of the band’s gold-certified 1971 album at this hall (www.thebigtimesproject.com). Pop star Patti LaBelle’s live album from Hammerstein won a Grammy (www.thebigtimesproject.com), and Britney Spears performed her first-ever solo NYC show here. Wrestling events added to its lore – aside from historic WWE Raw tapings (whatculture.com), the venue later became home to major indie wrestling and TV tapings, giving it a devoted fanbase. Modern artists love the venue for its combination of vintage character plus top-notch production capabilities (rigging points along the 85-foot ceiling and a state-of-the-art sound system with flown L-Acoustics K2 speakers and SB28 subwoofers) (www.prosoundweb.com). Locally, it’s become a cultural landmark in Hell’s Kitchen, bridging New York’s operatic past with its indie and tech-driven present. In short, both performers and audiences praise Hammerstein for its warm wood interior, clear sightlines from any level, rich musical history, and an energy that feels both historic and up-to-the-minute.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The Hammerstein is wheelchair-accessible at street level (one entry ramp) but inside the audience tiers it relies on stairs. There is an accessible seating section on the first balcony, but it can only be reached by stairs (halfaccess.org). Service animals are permitted, and assistance is available if arranged in advance. There are accessible restroom stalls on-site (halfaccess.org), but note that bathrooms are above stairs behind each level. If you need special accommodation, call the venue before your visit.

What to Bring/Not Bring: Carry only essentials. All bags are screened and the venue strongly advises no large bags or backpacks (halfaccess.org). Umbrellas (compact ok), small purses and camera phones are fine, but bulky items will be checked. Snacks and outside drinks are not allowed, though you can usually bring an empty water bottle to refill after security. Dress in layers: it’s air-conditioned, but the crowd can get warm during a show. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’ll be standing on the flat floor for a long concert.

Arrival & Entry: Plan to arrive early. Doors typically open 30–60 minutes before showtime, but big events can have longer lines. Early arrival secures good spots in GA or gives time to find seats. Present your printed or digital ticket at the door; mobile tickets are generally accepted. U.S. (or international) photo ID is advised for any VIP areas. Note that all admissions are paid up-front – there are rarely any “pay at door” options for sold-out events.

During the Show: Ushers will be friendly if you need help. The sound and lighting are high-tech, so expect clear professionally mixed audio and dynamic stage effects. Some bands sell merchandise at stalls on the main floor or lobby—bring cash or card if you want a T-shirt or poster. Smoking is not permitted inside; if you must smoke, you’ll need to exit (and re-entry is normally not allowed). House staff request polite behavior: no disruptive crowd surfing and keep aisles clear.

Common Mistakes: A typical mistake is underestimating travel time; Manhattan traffic can delay latecomers. Also, some first-timers are surprised by the high ceilings and wide floor: you do not need to push to the front if you prefer a bit of space to dance. Conversely, last-minute lateness can mean poor standing spots. Don’t leave valuables on the ground or in a coat check without tagging. Finally, double-check your ticket’s age requirement – some shows may be 18+ or have no minors. But by Tennessee law, most concerts at Hammerstein admit all ages unless explicitly restricted.

Frequently Asked Questions