How does reserved seating differ from general admission seating?

When attending a concert, sports event, or other live performance, patrons have the option of choosing between reserved seating or general admission seating. While both allow you to enjoy the event, there are some key differences between these two ticketing approaches that are important to understand when buying tickets.

What is Reserved Seating?

With reserved seating, ticket holders are assigned a specific seat within the venue. Your ticket will have a seat number, row, and section printed on it that corresponds to the seat you will occupy. This means when you arrive at the event, you can proceed directly to your designated place.

Reserved seating ensures you will have an assigned spot to sit for the entire event. It also removes the need to show up extremely early, wait in long lines outside the venue, or race to claim a seat once inside. Your seat is ready and waiting no matter what time you arrive before showtime.

Benefits of Reserved Seating

There are several benefits that reserved seating offers:

• Guaranteed seat – You are guaranteed a seat in a specific location
• Arrive anytime – You can arrive closer to showtime rather than hours early
• No rushing – There’s no need to scramble for a seat once inside
• Sit together – It’s easy to book seats together for groups
• Select your view – You can often pick the exact seat location you want
• ADA accessible – Wheelchair/accessible seating can be reserved

Where is Reserved Seating Used?

You’ll find reserved seating at most large venues and live events, such as:

• Professional sports – NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, etc.
• Concerts – Rock, pop, classical, etc.
• Theater performances – Musicals, plays, ballet, opera, etc.
• Comedy shows
• Amphitheaters/arenas
• Movie theaters

In most cases, all or most of the seating will be reserved at major events. However, some venues may offer a combination of reserved and general admission seating.

Downsides of Reserved Seating

While reserved seating has many perks, there are a few downsides to consider as well:

• Higher price – Tickets are often more expensive than general admission
• Sell outs – Popular shows may sell out rapidly
• Less flexibility – You must sit in your assigned seat
• Booking fees – Added fees for reserving a specific seat

What is General Admission Seating?

With general admission seating, ticket holders are not assigned a specific seat within the venue. The seats are first come, first served. You will need to arrive early to line up and enter the venue in order to claim your seat.

General admission means there is no guarantee where you will sit. It may be crowded with everyone scrambling to find seats upon entering. However, it also offers more freedom in choosing your spot.

Benefits of General Admission

Some benefits of general admission seating are:

• Lower cost – Tickets are usually cheaper than reserved seating
• First in, best seat – The earlier you arrive, the better your options
• Last minute access – Tickets often available up until showtime
• Freedom – Sit where you want once inside
• Casual vibe – General admission shows often have a laidback atmosphere

Where is General Admission Used?

General admission seating is commonly found at these types of events:

• Smaller concerts – At clubs, bars, theaters, etc.
• Music festivals
• Comedy clubs
• Sporting events – Minor league sports, high school, etc.
• Smaller theaters/performances
• Movie theater matinees

Some venues will open up their reserved seating to general admission once all reserved seats are sold. This allows them to pack in last-minute patrons.

Downsides of General Admission

There are also a few potential pitfalls of general admission seating:

• No guarantees – You may get a bad seat or have to stand
• Long lines – Need to wait outside venue for first access
• Rushed seating – Rushing to claim seats can be chaotic
• Harder for groups – Difficult to sit together
• Crowding – Feeling cramped once seated

Comparing Prices

When it comes to ticket prices, general admission is almost always cheaper than reserved seating:

For very high demand events, general admission may still be expensive, while reserved seats can cost a premium. But in general, not paying for a reserved spot keeps costs down.

Choosing Your Seating Type

When deciding between general admission and reserved seating, there are a few factors to consider:

• Your budget – If saving money is important, lean towards general admission
• Group size – Reserved is best if going with a large group who wants to sit together
• Your height – If short, reserved may ensure you aren’t stuck behind tall patrons
• Your punctuality – General admission rewards those who show up extremely early
• Crowd tolerance – General admission often means crowded spaces and long lines
• Vibe preference – General admission creates a more raucous, energetic atmosphere

Think about your priorities for the event experience and choose accordingly. For big stadium concerts or games where comfort and a prime view are key, reserved seats may be worth the extra cost. For smaller venues where saving money and an upbeat crowd matter more, general admission could be the better fit.

Pro Tips for General Admission Seating

If you do opt for general admission, here are some pointers to get the best experience:

• Arrive early – Get in line at least 1-2 hours (or more) before doors open
• Research the layout – Study the seating chart and venue layout beforehand
• Think about your position – Aim for center and midway back for the best views and acoustics
• Look for raised spots – Platforms and tiers can provide a better angle
• Scope the entrance – Some doors may let you in faster than others
• Be prepared – Bring water, snacks, portable phone charger, etc. to make waiting on line more comfortable
• Use the buddy system – Make friends in line so you can save seats for those who need bathroom breaks
• Avoid #1 spots – The very front spots fill up fastest but can be ear-piercingly loud

Should You Pay to Upgrade to Reserved?

If you already have general admission tickets, is it worth paying extra to upgrade to reserved seats? That depends on these factors:

• How much is the upgrade fee? This can range from $10-$100+ per ticket depending on the event.
• How good are the seats they are upgrading you to? Assessing the seat location and value.
• Is it a sell out? If not a packed event, you may get decent general admission seats anyway.
• How important is your convenience? Paying to skip lines and seat scrambles may be worthwhile.

Upgrades aren’t always offered, so check ahead of time with the box office. If you can get into a prime reserved section for a reasonable upcharge, it may enhance your experience. But make sure the seats are worthwhile before paying extra.

Conclusion

When attending concerts, games, theater, and other ticketed events, general admission and reserved seating offer two distinct experiences. With reserved seats, you pay more for the guarantee of a comfortable reserved spot waiting for you. General admission provides cheaper access in exchange for showing up early to claim the best available seats.

Evaluate your own preferences, needs, and budget to decide which option fits your style. Reserved seating works well for those who prioritize comfort and convenience. For thrill-seekers who don’t mind crowds and lines, general admission can create a fun and lively event atmosphere.

Either way you choose to go, understanding the difference between these two ticketing approaches will help you purchase the right type of tickets for maximum enjoyment.

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