Deciding to go to a concert is the easy part. It’s picking the best concert seats that, for many, is ridiculously difficult. How do you know what seat will be the best? Will you get optimal dance to sit ratio? There’s a few things you should understand and evaluate before you pick your perfect concert seats.
Know yourself
Are you the person who always breaks out the dance moves after your first beer? Can you not sit still? Standing is probably the right option for you. If you tire easier, maybe a chair isn’t the worst thing in the world. Knowing your preferences is the first step in picking the perfect concert seats for yourself.
Genre also plays a big role in making this choice because how you interact with certain music also may influence your decision.
Understand the venue and your options for concert seats
Once you pick your concert, the best thing to do is research! Look at the floor plans of your concert venue to better understand what seats cost what, and what section numbers mean. Knowing what selections are offered for tickets will also help understand what your options are. Pictures of the venue will also help you compare seats to ambiance and vibe.
If your ticket says “General Admission,” it usually means that’s standing area or pit. Otherwise, it could mean seating is your choice, but limited based off section.
Evaluate site lines
If your entire concert is standing or general admission, you can figure out where you want to be for the majority of the show as it goes because the seating is so flexible.
For those who are looking to stay seated, it’s important to understand not all seats are created equal. Sometimes there are poles, or columns, or unexpected hinderances that block views of the stage from different vantage points. Look for reviews of the venue, pictures, and cost points to understand what might hurt or help your seat view.
Cost
Cost risk analysis is key! If this is your favorite artist of all time, maybe you’re willing to splurge for front row concert seats. If you’re just lukewarm on the artist, maybe an unobstructed view isn’t all that important. Know what you’re willing to pay for, and what you’re willing to sacrifice to get to the show!
Have anything you do before buying concert tickets? Let us know on Twitter.