‘Better Than a Broadway Show!’ People Are Camping Out and Paying Thousands for Coveted Seat Inside Trump Trial

The hottest ticket in town isn’t on Broadway — it’s at the cold, depressing courthouse on 100 Centre Street in New York City!

Former President Donald Trump is the first former president to ever be tried as a criminal defendant, and during his hush money trial, five lucky people get a chance to win a seat inside the courtroom to watch the trial. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that the lines were “crazy long,” and people were even camping out and forking over hundreds of dollars, even thousands, to get inside the room where it happens:

The Times‘ Susanne Craig wrote:

The lines to get into court today were crazy long, and tensions were running high in the public line. People started queuing Monday night, hoping to get one of the coveted spots in the courtroom. One woman outside said she paid $750 for a line sitter. “It’s better than a Broadway show,” she told me. Trouble started early though, when a few people butted into line, sparking some tense exchanges. Then a man at the front of the line sold his spot to two people, purportedly for $2,000, causing further consternation.

The members of the public who were jostling for prime spots in line outside just started filing into the overflow room at the courthouse. Some have sleeping bags and pillows, which are now tucked under the wooden benches.

Trump is accused of falsifying business records in order to cover up a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and “fixer” who allegedly provided the payment that was reimbursed by Trump, began his testimony on Monday.

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