Picking the best seats for a concert, sporting event, or show can be tricky, especially if you’re buying tickets through Ticketmaster. With so many options and factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to select the optimal seats on Ticketmaster.
Know the Venue
The first step is researching the venue. Every stadium, arena, theater, and amphitheater is unique, so you’ll want to know the layout before purchasing tickets. Here are some things to look into:
- Seating chart – Find a detailed chart that shows you each section and row.
- Stage/field location – Note where the main action will happen so you can gauge distance.
- Amenities – Many venues have luxury boxes, bars, or standing room areas.
- Obstructed views – Check for poles, overhangs, or other items that may block sightlines.
- Dimensions – Larger isn’t always better. Sometimes smaller theaters provide a more intimate experience.
- Weather protection – For outdoor venues, check if seats are covered or exposed.
Resources like the venue’s website, reviews, tour guides, and fan forums can provide insider info. You want to prioritize proximity to the stage and avoid obstructed views. If purchasing far in advance, double check with the venue for any changes to the layout before the event date.
Consider the Event Type
Certain events demand particular seats for an optimal experience. Here are preferred seating locations for common event types:
- Concerts – Mid-section seats in front of the stage are ideal. Being centered provides the best sound and view.
- Theater/comedy shows – Front and center in the orchestra is optimal. Avoid the mezzanine or far sides where you may miss nuances.
- Sports – Midfield seats in lower sections are preferred for the closest proximity. Along the sidelines also allows you to see team bench interactions.
- Family events – Corner sections up high allow kids to see while avoiding rowdy crowds down below. Aisle seats also make bathroom trips easier.
Think about the mechanics of the event itself when choosing seats. You want visibility of the action with solid acoustics and minimal distractions.
Buy Early for Best Selection
Securing tickets during pre-sales or immediately upon public release ensures you have the widest choice of seats before they sell out. Here are tips for getting in early:
- Pre-sales – Get codes by joining fan clubs or following social media accounts.
- American Express – Cardholders get early ticket windows for popular events.
- Official platinum seats – Higher priced tickets are available first, directly through Ticketmaster.
- Release reminders – Set Google alerts for on-sale announcements.
- Wait in queues – Be logged in ahead of time and ready when tickets go live.
Upon public on-sale, have accounts created with payment info saved for quick checkout. Be patient through site crashes and keep trying – good seats sell fast!
Compare Pricing Carefully
Ticketmaster utilizes “dynamic pricing,” meaning ticket costs fluctuate based on demand. Sections with the lowest initial face value prices often increase exponentially closer to the event. Sorting by price is the best way to view all available options:
- Platinum tickets – Market-based pricing reserved for seats closest to stage.
- Lower level – Next most expensive are lower sections near the floor or field.
- Upper level – The highest sections are more affordable with worse views.
- Value seats – Designated areas kept at lower price points, usually in the rear.
- Secondary market – Resale tickets bought from others can offer last minute deals.
Compare maps and pricing carefully before choosing seats. While front rows are ideal, they may not fit your budget. Upper decks in centered sections can still provide strong value at a fraction of the price.
Check Multiple Listings
With high demand, initial batches of seats often sell out quickly. But Ticketmaster frequently releases seat inventory in phases:
- Pre-sales – Only some sections may be available at first.
- AMEX/Official Platinum – These seats get snatched up right away.
- General on-sale – More desirable tickets tend to go fast.
- Additional releases – Keep checking as more seats are gradually opened up.
- Production holds – Extra tickets may be unveiled close to show date.
- Resale inventory – Fans resell tickets leading up to events.
Don’t give up if your ideal tickets aren’t available initially. Staggered releases mean new seat options arise over time. Persistence is key!
Avoid Obstructed Views
While the section and row numbers can look acceptable on a chart, some seats turn out to be duds in person due to obstructions. Here are common view blockers to watch out for:
- Overhangs – Upper level sections often have walkways and ceilings that limit view.
- Poles – Support beams, pillars, and columns can ruin the sightlines.
- Limited angles – Off the side sections may restrict views of one end zone or base line.
- Equipment – Spotlights, speakers, or scoreboard apparatus may block the stage or field.
- Patron traffic – Aisle seats with people walking past are distracting.
- Standing crowds – Floor seats without rows means people can block views.
Zoom way in on the interactive seat maps to inspect individual chairs. Customer reviews also reveal obstructed views. Balancing price and vantage point is key.
Read the Fine Print
Ticketmaster listings contain important details that impact seat quality. Be sure to scroll down and read all the fine print before purchasing:
- Limited views – Notes obstructed or angled sightlines.
- Pit tickets – No chairs on the floor, standing only.
- Suite access – Some “seats” are really entry to luxury suites.
- Club access – Designates special VIP bar/lounge access.
- ADA seats – Spots hold space for wheelchairs, may have blocked views.
- Weather advisory – For outdoor venues, shows may continue in rain.
Terms for resale tickets also require close inspection. Hidden details like non-transferrable tickets, different entry gates, or lost loyalty bonuses can affect seat value.
Investigate Group Options
For large groups or families, special seating sections provide convenience and affordability:
- Family sections – Rowdier behavior prohibited and children’s discounts available.
- Value packs – Group bundles with tickets in same section.
- VIP suites – Private lounge experience for larger groups.
- Party passes – Stand in designated bar/dance areas.
- Benches/bleachers – More affordable shared rows.
- Party decks – Outdoor platforms for groups with food/drinks.
Group sections are great for big gatherings. Compare pricing and amenities to find options that fit your needs and budget.
Use Filters Strategically
Ticketmaster has tools to filter your search for optimal seats:
- Price slider – Narrow options within your budget.
- Section tool – Choose desirable areas on the map.
- Quantity selector – Ensure enough seats are together.
- Row chooser – Toggle between closer or farther back.
- Ticket type – Refine search for general admission, VIP, etc.
- Amenities – See seats with lounge, parking, meals included.
Layer filters to pinpoint the best seat locations. Save filtered searches to get alerts when matching tickets become available.
Balance Price and Location
The most expensive tickets guarantee prime spots near the action, while cheaper seats are further away. Here are some strategies to balance price and location:
- Split middle sections – Sit closer for half the show then move upper level.
- Buy obstructed view – Sacrifice clean sightlines to get closer for less.
- Try end zone/baseline – Corners are cheaper with decent views.
- Wait for deals – Sign up for presales, last minute discounts.
- See rear screen – Sit behind stage/field for big screen view.
Getting the best bang for your buck requires some creative thinking. Prioritize proximity for must-see portions of the event.
Check Resale Listings
In addition to direct ticket sales, Ticketmaster facilitates a resale marketplace between fans. Resale listings can offer distinct advantages:
- Better availability – Score seats even if initial on-sales sold out.
- prime spots – Fans resell desirable seats once plans fall through.
- Discounts – Sellers lower prices as event approaches to recoup costs.
- Transfer protection – Ticketmaster guarantees valid resale tickets.
- Last minute deals – Prices drop further day before or day of event.
Resale downsides are lack of loyalty perks and fees. Still, it opens up access to seats you may have missed out on previously.
Understand Ticket Types
Ticketmaster uses different ticket classifications and terminology:
- GA/Standing pit – First come, first served spots on the floor.
- Reserved seating – Assigned chairs grouped by section, row, and seat.
- VIP/Premium – Special packages with amenities like food, drinks, gifts.
- Platinum – Market-priced tickets closest to stage.
- Floor seats – Seats (or standing room) on ground level.
- ADA/Accessible seating – Spaces for wheelchairs with companion seats.
Certain ticket types like VIP, Platinum or Floor require additional purchases. Compare offerings to decide if premium extras are worth higher prices.
Analyze the Interactive Seat Map
Ticketmaster’s interactive seat map provides an invaluable planning tool. Be sure to utilize these features:
- Zoom in – Inspect individual seats for obstructions.
- Switch views – See options by price or section.
- Toggle details – Read notes on seat specifics.
- View stage – See what the performer view looks like.
- Price heat map – Color coding helps find deals.
- Mouseover – Check row/aisle details by hovering.
- Measurement tool – Gauge distance from stage.
Dig into the nitty gritty before finalizing seats. Virtual walkthroughs give you more info than static pics or text descriptions.
Trust Customer Reviews
Reading customer feedback provides an extra layer of insight into specific seats. Here are some key details found in reviews:
- Obstructed views – Users report poles or other objects blocking sightlines.
- Audio issues – Comments on muffled or distorted sound.
- Crowd feedback – Details on rowdy or quiet fan behavior.
- Amenities – Info on lounge access, parking, server availability.
- Stage proximity – Attendees describe distance and angle to the stage.
- Overall value – Fans rate the quality of seats given pricing.
No seat is perfect, so reviews help set realistic expectations. Balance raves and complaints to make informed decisions.
Trust Your Instincts
With so much data to weigh, it helps to also trust your gut feelings on seats.
- Layout logic – Think through ideal vantage points based on stage/field locations.
- Price instincts – Judge if higher cost tickets are sufficiently closer to demand premium prices.
- Experience goals – Buy seats catering to your desired amenities and crowd ambiance.
- Event importance – Make proximity the priority for once in a lifetime performances.
- Your patience – Don’t settle if your perfect seats aren’t available initially.
Finding seats requires both research and intuition. Stay persistent until tickets meet your goals for sightlines, budget and having an amazing time!
Conclusion
Ticketmaster offers a dizzying array of seat options, so buying the best seats takes effort. Start by researching the venue layout and understanding the ideal spots for your event type. Shop early for best selection, and keep hunting as new batches of tickets are released over time. Carefully weigh pricing tiers based on proximity, digging into the fine print for possible obstructions. For large groups, investigate family or VIP sections. Use filters to refine your search, and balance cost vs location based on your budget. Checking resale listings uncovers new possibilities. Through it all, leverage interactive seat maps, customer reviews and your own intuition to land the perfect seats!
