The cost of tickets in the pit or standing room area at a concert can vary quite a bit depending on the artist, venue, and city. Generally speaking, pit tickets tend to be more expensive than seats in the back of an arena but cheaper than seats closer to the stage or floor seats at a theater-style venue.
What is the pit at a concert?
The pit refers to the standing room area directly in front of the stage at a general admission concert. This is usually a mosh pit area where fans can get closest to the performers. Since there are no assigned seats or spots in the pit, fans arrive early to line up and get a good view of the stage. The pit is high-energy and crowded, which many concert-goers enjoy. But it does require standing for the entire show.
How much do pit tickets usually cost?
There is no standard price for concert pit tickets since each show is different. Pricing can vary based on:
- The popularity of the artist/band
- The size and prominence of the venue
- The city where the concert is held
- Whether the show is completely general admission or has reserved seating plus a pit
- Tour promotions and special deals
That said, here are some general guidelines on pit ticket prices:
- Up-and-coming artists at small venues: $20-$60
- Established mid-level artists at mid-size venues: $50-$150
- Chart-topping artists/bands at arenas: $125-$300+
The price range goes up dramatically for huge legacy acts like the Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney playing stadium shows. Their pit tickets can easily cost $500 or more just due to limited availability.
How do pit ticket prices compare to seating prices?
In most cases, pit tickets are more expensive than the cheap seats in the upper levels or back sections of an arena or amphitheater. But they are usually cheaper than getting seats close to the stage on the main floor. Here is a comparison example of ticket pricing at a sample arena show:
| Section | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pit (General Admission) | $150-$200 |
| Back upper level seats | $50-$100 |
| Front floor seats | $200-$300 |
While every show has its own unique pricing structure, this demonstrates the general sweet spot pit tickets occupy – more than cheap seats but less than premium front row seats.
Why are pit tickets more expensive?
There are a few key reasons why pit tickets command a higher price:
- Proximity – The pit gets you closest to the stage and the action.
- Energy – The pit is where the excitement and crowd energy is highest.
- Exclusivity – The pit has limited space so there are fewer tickets available.
- Demand – Diehard fans are often willing to pay more for pit access.
Keep in mind that pit tickets are standing room only. So you are paying more for access and proximity, not comfort or reserved seats like other parts of the venue provide.
Tips for saving money on pit tickets
If you want pit access but don’t want to spend too much, here are some tips for saving:
- Buy tickets early – Prices often go up closer to show dates.
- Join fan clubs – Artists/venues sometimes offer pre-sales or deals for fan club members.
- Look for ticket deals – Check Groupon or sites like SeatGeek for promotions.
- Enter radio contests – Stations often give away coveted pit passes.
- Arrive early – Some venues sell limited extra pit tickets the day of show.
Also consider seeing newer artists or shows on weeknights – these usually have lower demand and cheaper pit prices overall.
Is the higher price worth it?
At the end of the day, whether “expensive” pit tickets are worth it comes down to your budget and preferences as a fan. There are pros and cons to consider:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You’re close to the action | You have to stand the whole time |
| Better view of the performers | The pit can be crowded and chaotic |
| High energy environment | You may deal with aggressive fans |
| Bragging rights of pit access | It’s hot with no air circulation |
| Chance for artist interaction | You may get a bad spot with obstructed views |
Super fans who want the pit experience may find the ticket premium completely justified. Others may decide it’s not worth the cost or hassle. At the end of the day, it’s about aligning your concert experience preferences with your budget.
Conclusion
In general, pit tickets fall in the middle pricing range for concerts – more than cheap seats but less than premium reserved seats up front. Prices vary widely based on the artist and venue. While mosh pits deliver an exclusive close-up concert experience, they require paying a ticket premium and standing for long periods. Savvy fans can utilize promotions and sales to save money on pit access. Ultimately, you have to decide if the energy and proximity is worth the higher pit ticket price.
