Attending a concert can be an amazing experience, especially if you manage to get good seats. Many major concerts offer premium ticket options that give fans access to the best seats in the house. But what exactly are premium seats, and what makes them different than regular tickets?
What are premium seats?
Premium seats refer to tickets that are in the most desirable or privileged locations in the venue. They are usually the closest seats to the stage. Premium seats are typically more expensive than regular admission tickets because of their prime viewing and listening experience.
Venues determine which seats are classified as premium based on factors like:
- Proximity to the stage
- View of the performers
- Exclusivity of the section
- Amenities offered
For large concerts in arenas or stadiums, premium seats are usually found on the floor directly in front of the stage or in the lower bowl nearest the performers. In more intimate venues like theaters and amphitheaters, they may include the front orchestra section or front rows of balconies.
Types of premium seats
There are a few main types of premium seats at most large concerts:
Front row
Front row seats offer the closest view of the stage. Being the first row means there is no one between you and the performers. These ultra-exclusive seats come at a premium price.
VIP floor seats
VIP floor seats (sometimes called pit seats) place you directly in front of the stage on the general admission floor. You’ll be surrounded by other fans, but have an up-close view of the show.
Lower bowl
Lower bowl seats are located on the bottom tier of seats wrapping around the floor area nearest the stage. You’ll have an elevated but close perspective of the entire stage.
Luxury suites/boxes
Luxury suites or boxes offer a private, enclosed VIP experience with premium amenities and service. They are found in the lower levels of indoor arenas and contain spacious, luxury seating.
Benefits of premium seats
Why pay more for premium concert seats versus general admission? There are some great perks and advantages:
- Better view – Being closer to the stage gives you a better vantage point of the performers and big screens/lighting effects.
- Hear the music better – You’ll be within the “sweet spot” of the speaker system and acoustics, leading to crisper, fuller sound.
- Experience the energy up close – The excitement is contagious when you’re surrounded by die-hard fans near the stage.
- Comfort and amenities – Premium seats may come with cushy chairs, private restrooms, VIP lounge access, and more.
- Create lifelong memories – There’s nothing like seeing your favorite musician right in front of you for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Of course, the biggest downside is the high price tag. But for hardcore concert fans, premium seats can be well worth the splurge.
How much do premium concert seats cost?
Premium concert seat pricing varies greatly depending on:
- The popularity of the artist/band
- The size and prestige of the venue
- The specific location of the seats
- Which amenities are included
To give you an idea, here’s the approximate price range you can expect for premium seats at arena concerts:
Seat Type | Approx. Price Range |
---|---|
Front Row | $500-$1,500+ per seat |
VIP Floor | $250-$1,000 per seat |
Lower Bowl | $100-$500 per seat |
Luxury Suite | $500-$25,000+ (suite packages) |
Again, prices vary widely. Marquee artists like U2 or Taylor Swift could charge $1000+ per ticket even for lower bowl or floor seats. Up-and-coming acts at smaller venues may offer front row tickets for $100-$200.
Luxury suite prices usually represent the cost for a full private box for a group, not per individual seat. Prices depend on the size of the box and what amenities are included, like food and drinks.
Where to buy premium concert seats
There are a few ways to get your hands on those coveted premium concert seats:
- Directly from the venue box office – Fight it out online or camp out in person when tickets go on sale to the public.
- Official ticket sellers – Try sites like Ticketmaster when tickets go on presale or sale to the general public.
- Resellers and secondary markets – Sites like StubHub or SeatGeek are sources for premium resale tickets, often at inflated prices.
- Fan-to-fan exchanges – Look for fans selling tickets at face value on forums or Facebook groups.
- Artist and venue pre-sales – Get access to early ticket sales by joining fan clubs or email lists.
- VIP packages – Some events offer premium tickets bundled with extras like meet & greets.
Premium seats typically sell out the fastest due to high demand. Having pre-sale access, buying early, or using a reputable broker often gives you the best shot at scoring amazing concert seats.
Are premium concert seats worth it?
Whether premium tickets are “worth” the higher price depends on your budget, dedication to the artist, and desire for a special experience.
Some things to consider:
- How big of a fan are you? Die-hard fans may treasure the splurge.
- Can you comfortably afford the upgrade? Don’t break the bank for any show.
- Do you value proximity and quality sound? You’ll get closer to the “magic” in premium seats.
- Is it a bucket list artist or once-in-a-lifetime show? Special occasions warrant going all-out.
- Will you look back on the memories fondly? The joy and bragging rights can make it priceless.
Premium seats undoubtedly take the concert experience to the next level. But general admission tickets can still yield enjoyable shows for many fans on tighter budgets. Evaluate your individual situation and preferences when deciding if premium is worth the investment.
Conclusion
Premium concert seats place you in the heart of the action with the best views and audio the venue has to offer. Front row, VIP floor, lower bowl, and luxury suite tickets are common premium options at different price points. While expensive, these seats can create unforgettable experiences and memories for the biggest live music fans. If a show matters enough, the splurge on premium is often money well spent.