Whether pit seats are good at a concert is a matter of personal preference. Some concertgoers love being right up front in the pit, while others prefer seats that are farther back. There are pros and cons to both options that are worth considering when buying concert tickets.
Quick Answer
Pit seats put you right in front of the stage for an up close and personal concert experience. However, they have obstructed views, don’t elevate you above crowds, expose you to moshing, and can be cramped. Seats farther back provide better views, more comfort, and protection from the pit but have less immersive closeness to the performers.
What is the Pit at a Concert?
The pit refers to the standing room only area directly in front of the stage at a general admission concert. There are no assigned spots or seats in the pit areas. Fans simply arrive early to line up and stake out a place closest to the stage barriers or the middle of the pit as they prefer.
Pits provide limited personal space and no elevated viewing perspective. Taller fans and obstacles like speakers, lights, and stage set pieces can impede sight lines. Pits also expose fans to persistent crowding, pushing, moshing, crowd surfing, and the chaos of fans jostling for position.
However, for fans who want the most intense, up close concert experience possible, the pit is the place to be. The energy is electric and unobstructed proximity to performers makes fans feel like part of the show. Fans can make eye contact with performers, interact with them, and have a story to tell.
Pros of Pit Seats
Here are some of the main benefits of pit seats at concerts:
- Close proximity – Pits provide the closest possible spot to the stage. Fans are just feet away from their favorite performers.
- Immersive experience – Pits allow fans to truly feel part of the concert experience with amplified sights, sounds, and energy.
- Interaction opportunities – Artists can make eye contact, interact with fans, or pick them out of the pit for special moments.
- Bragging rights – Fans can say they survived the pit and got closer than anyone else at the show.
- Better photos/videos – Phones can capture higher quality images and videos when closer to the stage.
- Chat with band – Artists sometimes chat with the pit between songs.
Cons of Pit Seats
Pit seats also come with drawbacks and disadvantages such as:
- Obstructed views – Speakers, lights, equipment, and taller fans can block sight lines.
- No elevation – Unlike seats, pits lack height for peering over crowds.
- Cramped spaces – Pits pack fans in tightly, restricting movement and personal space.
- Exhausting – Pits require standing for hours and constantly pushing/shoving takes a toll.
- Safety issues – Moshing, crowd surfing, and crushing injuries are risks.
- Harder to leave – It’s more difficult to exit from front rows of dense crowds.
Are Pit Seats Worth it?
Whether pit seats are worth it comes down to personal concert preferences:
- Best for fans who: Want the most intense experience possible, love interacting with bands, enjoy rowdy crowds/moshing, and don’t mind standing and pushing.
- Not ideal for fans who: Prioritize comfort, want elevation for better views, bring young kids, have medical issues, or dislike crowd chaos.
Ultimately pits provide unrivaled proximity and energy at the cost of comfort and safety. Fans should weigh their concert priorities.
Tips for the Pit
If you do venture into the pit, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early – Get in line hours before doors open to get a spot up front. Earlier is better.
- Make friends – Chat with fans around you and look out for each other in the pit. Having allies helps.
- Protect hearing – Bring earplugs to avoid permanent ear damage from loud music.
- Watch for crowdsurfers – Keep one hand raised over your head to avoid surprise kicks and punches.
- Hydrate – Drink water before and bring a bottle to avoid dehydration.
- Defend your space – Use your arms and hips to claim a few feet of space and move between sets.
- Wear closed toe shoes – Protect feet from dropped items and stomping.
- Travel light – Avoid bags and only keep essentials like ID, cash, phone in secure pockets.
- Plan an exit – Scope where exits are if you need to escape crowds and mosh pits.
Other GA Ticket Tips
If the chaos of the pit intimidates you, general admission tickets still allow you to get fairly close with better comfort and safety. Here are some tips:
- Arrive when doors open – Get in the building early before space gets scarce.
- Pick a side – Moving to the left or right of the soundboard avoids packed center pits.
- Aim for elevated areas – Find balcony rails, risers, or steps for height.
- Hang back – Stay farther back for room to move and avoid moshing risks.
- Scope the layout – Walk around to find standing room spots with good views before show.
- Visit merch booths – Shopping passes time and clears space as crowds move to the pit.
Choosing Seated Tickets
Seated tickets offer another alternative to pits with pros like:
- Guaranteed seats – Reserved spots to sit and spread out.
- Elevation – Upper levels and balconies have bird’s eye views over crowds.
- Comfort – Padded folding chairs or fixed stadium seats.
- Safer – Away from the chaos of moshing and crowd surfing.
- Separation – Distance from loud speakers and amplified noise.
- Easier exits – Stairs and walkways make navigating crowds simpler.
The tradeoff is farther distance from the stage and performers. Prices also increase for front row seats near the stage. Seated tickets provide an easier concert experience but less immersion.
Choosing the Right Seats
When selecting seated tickets, keep these tips in mind:
- Rows: Lower rows in the first 5-15 sections provide the best close views.
- Center floor: Center sections near the soundboard are ideal for full stage visibility.
- Sides: Side seats let you see band members up close when they stand on platforms.
- Avoid obstructions: Check seat views online to identify poles and overhangs.
- Find deals: Upper level and corner seats can have steep discounts but obstructed views.
- Read reviews: See what other concertgoers say about the venue’s layout and acoustics.
Conclusion
Pit seats deliver an unrivaled close and immersive concert experience at the cost of comfort, safety risks, and obstructed views. Seated tickets farther back provide more amenities and protection. There are also middle ground options between the pit and seats if you still want to stand. Consider your personal priorities and concert preferences when deciding if pit tickets are worthwhile or if alternative spots in general admission or seats fit your style.
