Attending a live concert is an exhilarating experience. The energy of the crowd, the thumping bass, and the electric atmosphere create unforgettable memories. But let’s be honest, the view can make or break the experience. No one wants to spend the night craning their neck, peering around heads, or staring at a speaker stack. Getting great seats isn’t just about luck; it’s about strategy. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tactics you need to secure the best possible vantage point for your next concert.
Understanding Seating Charts and Venue Layouts
Before diving into specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand how venues and seating charts typically work. This knowledge is the foundation for making informed decisions.
Types of Seating
- Reserved Seating: Each seat is assigned a specific row and number. This is common in theaters, concert halls, and arenas. The closer to the stage (or center court for sporting events), the more expensive and desirable the seats usually are.
- General Admission (GA): Attendees have access to a designated area, typically standing-room-only in front of the stage or on a designated floor. It’s first-come, first-served. This is a common setup for rock concerts, festivals, and smaller venues.
- Festival Seating: Similar to General Admission, but often involves a much larger outdoor space. Can be extremely competitive to get close to the stage.
- Box Seats/Suites: Premium seating options offering more space, privacy, and often include perks like food and beverage service. Usually the most expensive option.
Decoding Seating Charts
Most ticketing websites provide a seating chart for the venue. Here’s how to interpret it:
- Location of the Stage: Identify where the stage is located. This is your reference point for judging distance and angle.
- Row Numbers: Pay attention to row numbering. Typically, lower numbers are closer to the stage (e.g., Row A, Row 1). However, some venues use reverse numbering, so double-check. Some charts show the numbering sequence (e.g., “Rows increase this way”).
- Seat Numbers: Seat numbers usually increase sequentially from left to right (or right to left) within each row. Even numbers are often on one side of the row, and odd numbers on the other.
- Obstructions: Look for potential obstructions like support beams, sound equipment, or video screens. Some ticketing websites will indicate these, but it’s always a good idea to research the venue independently. Read reviews, look at photos, and check the venue’s website if possible.
- Sections: Larger venues are divided into sections. Lower-level sections typically offer better views but are more expensive. Balcony or upper-level sections are more affordable but further away.
- Venue-Specific Details: Each venue is unique. Check the venue’s website for detailed seating maps, virtual tours, or information about accessible seating.
Strategies for Securing Prime Seats
Now that you understand the basics of seating, let’s explore strategies to maximize your chances of getting the best seats possible.
1. Presales: Your Golden Ticket
Presales offer exclusive access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public. This significantly increases your chances of scoring coveted seats.
- Join Fan Clubs: Many artists have official fan clubs that offer presale codes to their members. This is often the most reliable way to access presales. Sign up for the artist’s email list and social media channels as well.
- Credit Card Presales: Some credit card companies, like American Express or Citi, partner with ticketing platforms to offer exclusive presales to their cardholders. Check your credit card benefits.
- Venue Presales: Some venues offer presales to subscribers of their email lists or members of their loyalty programs.
- Radio Station Presales: Local radio stations sometimes offer presale codes through contests or promotions.
- Ticketing Platform Presales: Some ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster or AXS offer presales to registered users who opt-in to email marketing.
How to Prepare for a Presale:
- Register in Advance: Create an account on the ticketing website (e.g., Ticketmaster, AXS) and save your payment information. This will save you valuable time during the presale.
- Know the Presale Time and Code: Mark the presale date and time in your calendar. Obtain the presale code from the relevant source (fan club, credit card company, etc.).
- Multiple Devices: Use multiple devices (computer, phone, tablet) to increase your chances of getting through the virtual queue. Ensure each device is connected to a stable internet connection.
- Fast Internet Connection: A slow internet connection can cost you the best seats. Use a wired connection if possible.
- Be Ready Early: Log in to the ticketing website at least 15-30 minutes before the presale starts. Get familiar with the website’s interface and seating chart.
- Don’t Give Up: If you don’t get the seats you want initially, keep trying. Seats may become available as others’ carts expire.
2. The General Onsale: Battle for the Best
If you miss out on presales, the general onsale is your next opportunity. Competition is fiercer, so you need to be well-prepared.
- Follow the Presale Preparation Steps: All the steps outlined for presales apply to the general onsale as well.
- Use Multiple Browsers: Open the ticketing website in multiple browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari). Each browser will act as a separate entry point to the queue.
- Clear Your Cache and Cookies: This can help prevent errors and ensure you’re seeing the most up-to-date information on the ticketing website.
- Be Patient: The virtual queue can be long and frustrating. Don’t refresh the page unless instructed to do so.
- Consider Different Seat Options: Be flexible with your seat preferences. If your first choice isn’t available, be prepared to consider alternative locations.
- Check for Verified Resale Tickets: Once the general onsale is over, some ticketing platforms offer verified resale tickets. These tickets are guaranteed to be authentic and are often priced closer to face value. Be wary of purchasing tickets from unverified sources, as you risk buying counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
3. Timing is Everything: The Art of the Refresh
Even after the initial onsale frenzy dies down, opportunities to snag better seats can arise. Keep an eye on the ticketing website in the days and weeks leading up to the concert.
- Check Regularly: People often release tickets closer to the event date due to scheduling conflicts or other reasons.
- Look for Released Holds: Venues and promoters often hold back a block of tickets for various purposes (e.g., media, VIPs). These tickets may be released closer to the event date.
- Monitor Verified Resale Markets: Prices on verified resale markets can fluctuate. Keep an eye out for price drops.
- Last-Minute Deals: Some venues or ticketing platforms offer last-minute deals on unsold tickets.
4. Venue-Specific Strategies: Knowing Your Territory
Understanding the specific venue you’re attending can give you a significant edge. Do your research!
- Venue Website: The venue’s website is your best source of information about seating charts, accessibility, parking, and other details.
- Read Reviews: Check online reviews from other concertgoers. They may offer insights into the best and worst seats in the house.
- Virtual Tours: Some venues offer virtual tours that allow you to explore the seating layout and view the stage from different perspectives.
- Call the Box Office: Don’t hesitate to call the venue’s box office. They can answer specific questions about seating, obstructions, and accessibility.
- Social Media: Search for photos and videos from previous concerts at the venue on social media. This can give you a better sense of the view from different sections.
5. General Admission Tactics: The Early Bird Gets the Worm
If you’re attending a general admission concert, securing a good spot requires a different approach.
- Arrive Early: This is the most crucial factor. The earlier you arrive, the closer you’ll get to the stage. Check the venue’s policies regarding when you can start lining up.
- Dress Comfortably: You’ll likely be standing for hours, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Stay Hydrated and Fed: Bring water and snacks to keep your energy levels up. Check the venue’s policies regarding outside food and beverages.
- Bring a Portable Charger: You’ll want to keep your phone charged to take photos and videos.
- Make Friends: Get to know the people around you in line. You can take turns holding your spot and going to the restroom or concessions.
- Know the Rules: Be aware of the venue’s security policies regarding bags, prohibited items, and behavior.
- Be Respectful: Treat other concertgoers and venue staff with respect.
- Consider a VIP Package: Some artists offer VIP packages that include early entry to the venue.
6. Accessibility Considerations
If you require accessible seating, it’s essential to plan ahead.
- Contact the Venue: Contact the venue’s accessibility services department as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
- Request Accessible Seating: Specify the type of accessible seating you require (e.g., wheelchair-accessible, companion seating, limited mobility seating).
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Accessible seating is often limited, so it’s best to purchase tickets well in advance.
- Arrive Early: Arrive early to allow ample time to get to your seat and familiarize yourself with the venue.
7. Avoiding Scams and Counterfeit Tickets
Unfortunately, the ticket market is rife with scams. Protect yourself by following these precautions:
- Only Buy from Verified Sources: Purchase tickets from the official ticketing website (e.g., Ticketmaster, AXS), the venue’s website, or verified resale markets.
- Beware of Unusually Low Prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid Buying from Scalpers: Scalpers often sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
- Pay with a Credit Card: Credit cards offer greater protection against fraud than cash or debit cards.
- Inspect Tickets Carefully: Check for misspellings, inconsistencies in the font, and other signs of forgery.
- Register Your Tickets: If possible, register your tickets with the ticketing platform. This can help prevent them from being resold illegally.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off about a transaction, walk away.
Conclusion: The Thrill of the Perfect Seat
Securing great seats for a concert requires a combination of planning, strategy, and a bit of luck. By understanding seating charts, leveraging presales, timing your purchases, researching the venue, and being vigilant against scams, you can significantly increase your chances of experiencing your favorite artist from the best possible vantage point. So, go forth, concert enthusiast, and conquer the ticket market. May your seats be close, your view unobstructed, and your concert experience unforgettable!