Attending a live taping of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a bucket-list experience for many fans. The energy of being in Studio 8H, witnessing the iconic sketches, and seeing the cast and crew in action is unparalleled. If you’re eager to be part of this live audience, here’s how you can get tickets, along with a personal account of what it’s like to be there.
The Saturday Night Live Ticket Lottery
The primary way to secure Saturday Night Live Tickets is through the annual ticket lottery. Here’s how it works:
- When to Enter: The lottery opens once a year, typically in August. It’s only open for a short window, usually the entire month of August, so mark your calendar and keep an eye on SNL’s official site or social media for the exact dates.
- How to Enter: To enter, you need to send an email to SNL’s designated lottery email address ([email protected]). In the email, you’ll need to include your full name, and a brief reason why you want to attend the show. Be creative and personal, but remember that winners are chosen randomly, so luck plays a significant role.
- Notification: If you win, you’ll be notified by email. Notifications are typically sent out in late November or early December. If you’re selected, the email will include the date of the show and instructions on how to claim your tickets.
- Ticket Details: Each lottery winner receives two tickets. The tickets are free, but they are non-transferable and cannot be sold. You must attend the show on the specified date, so be ready to book travel and accommodation on short notice.
Standby Tickets
If you’re not lucky enough to win the lottery, you can try your hand at getting standby tickets:
- How It Works: Standby tickets are distributed on the day of the show, and they’re given out on a first-come, first-served basis. You can choose to line up for either the live show or the dress rehearsal, which happens a few hours earlier.
- When to Arrive: Standby lines form early—sometimes the night before. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of getting a ticket. Bring warm clothing, snacks, and something to keep you entertained, as you may be waiting for several hours.
- Standby Ticket Distribution: Tickets are handed out at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning at the 48th Street entrance of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Receiving a standby ticket doesn’t guarantee entry, but it gives you a chance to fill seats if there are no-shows or unclaimed seats.
The Experience: A Personal Account
On December 8th, 2012, I was one of the lucky few who got to attend a Saturday Night Live taping. Growing up, SNL was a Saturday night ritual in our house. Watching those iconic sketches with my parents, even reruns from the early days, instilled a deep love for the show. Attending a live taping was a dream come true.
I entered the Saturday Night Live Ticket lottery in August and received an email in late November informing me that I had won tickets for the December 8th show. The host was Jamie Foxx, with Ne-Yo as the musical guest—an incredible lineup. I immediately booked my flight and hotel, buzzing with excitement.
On the day of the show, I arrived at 30 Rock about 90 minutes before the scheduled start time. After waiting in line for about 30 minutes, I noticed an NBC page selecting a few people from our line and placing them in another, smaller line. Instinctively, I knew we needed to be in that line. I told my girlfriend to flash a big smile as the page walked by, and it worked! The page asked us to follow her, and we were whisked away to a separate bank of elevators.
We were stunned when the elevator doors opened on the 8th floor. I found myself in a hallway I had seen countless times on TV, lined with signed pictures of past guests. It was surreal. We walked right into Studio 8H, where the magic happens.
The show was about to start, and I was in awe. The band was jamming, and the studio’s sound system was incredible—like being at a concert, but with crystal-clear clarity. We were seated on the floor, right in front of the stage, in two of about 40 seats. It was the best view imaginable.
As we waited, I saw Lorne Michaels, Jason Sudeikis, and Bobby Moynihan walk by. Then, just before the show started, an entourage passed by with a distinctive scent trailing them. It wasn’t until later that we realized it was 2 Chainz, who made a surprise appearance during the show.
Watching the sketches live, seeing how quickly the sets were changed, and witnessing the cast’s energy was unbelievable. And to top it all off, Cameron Diaz was standing right behind us, casually watching the show. It was a night I’ll never forget.
Final Tips
- Be Prepared: If you’re going the standby route, be ready for a long wait. Dress warmly and bring snacks, water, and entertainment.
- Be Polite: Whether interacting with NBC pages or other staff, a positive attitude can go a long way. You never know—it might just get you a better spot in line.
- Enjoy the Moment: Once inside, soak it all in. The energy, the live performances, and the thrill of being part of a live broadcast are memories you’ll cherish forever.
Be sure to check out NBC’s SNL Ticket Lottery page for the latest info.
I hope you found this blog helpful. If you have any questions, connect with me on social media. And be sure to check out my other blog posts here. Thanks for reading!