Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh is a hugely popular venue for hosting major concerts and music events. With a capacity of over 67,000, it is Scotland’s largest stadium and has seen performances from some of the biggest names in music over the years including the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, U2 and many more.
When a concert is held at Murrayfield, various different seat and standing areas are available, with ticket prices varying depending on where you want to be located. For major concerts, the pitch standing area and lower bowl seating tend to be the most popular locations. However, there are also seats in the upper tier and club/box seating areas. With so many options, it can be difficult to figure out the best seats for enjoying a concert at Murrayfield Stadium.
Some key factors to consider when choosing seats at Murrayfield Stadium for a concert include:
- Proximity to the stage – Being closer to the stage generally provides better views and sound quality.
- Central locations – Sitting centrally can give you the best overall perspective.
- Avoiding obstructions – Pillars, walls or other obstructions could impede your view.
- Elevation – Higher seats give you a broader view, but farther from the action.
- Price and budget – Better seats usually come at a higher cost.
- Type of act – Rock concerts may focus on a central stage, while pop acts could use more of the pitch.
This article examines the pros and cons of different seating options at Murrayfield, providing guidance on the best areas for concert seating based on various factors.
Pitch Standing
For many major concerts at Murrayfield Stadium, general admission pitch standing tickets are available. This allows access to the open standing area down on the field in front of the stage.
Pitch standing has both advantages and disadvantages:
Pros of Pitch Standing
- Get very close to the stage and artists
- Usually the cheapest concert ticket option
- Can move around to find the best vantage points
- Often a lively atmosphere and energetic crowd
Cons of Pitch Standing
- No allocated space – first come, first served
- Can get very crowded, less personal space
- Standing for long periods
- Potentially obstructed views depending on crowd
- Farther from amenities like food/drink and restrooms
Pitch standing places concert-goers right in the middle of the action and energy at ground level. For many, this is the preferred concert experience. However, be prepared to arrive early to get a good spot, and for lots of standing, crowds, and noise.
Lower Bowl Seating
The lower bowl at Murrayfield refers to the seating areas closest to ground level that ring the field and pitch standing area. This includes the East, West and South stands.
Lower bowl seating has a mix of pros and cons:
Pros of Lower Bowl Seating
- Close to the stage and action
- Sitting is more comfortable for long concerts
- Good elevated views over the standing crowds
- Retains some atmosphere and energy
Cons of Lower Bowl Seating
- More expensive than general admission standing tickets
- Not as close as pitch standing
- Low rows could still have obstructed views
- Less freedom to move around
Lower bowl seats place you reasonably close to the action while also giving the benefit of having a seat. However, these tickets come at a higher price.
Upper Tier Seating
Above the lower bowl at Murrayfield are upper tier seating sections higher up and farther back from the stage. This includes areas like the West Upper, East Upper and South Upper stands.
Here are some potential advantages and disadvantages of upper tier seating:
Pros of Upper Tier Seating
- Elevated sight lines provide a broad view
- Excellent perspective of overall light shows and effects
- More affordable tickets than lower areas
- Less crowded with more personal space
Cons of Upper Tier Seating
- Farther away from the stage and action
- Potential for obstructed views from overhangs
- May miss out on energy and atmosphere
- Concessions and amenities are farther away
The upper tier provides good elevated vantage points at a more affordable price, but lacks proximity and connection to the concert excitement.
Club Seating and Boxes
Murrayfield Stadium also offers premium club seating sections and private box suites:
Club Seating
Club seats provide access to exclusive club areas like the West Club Lounge or JP Morgan Suite with premium amenities:
- Comfortable reserved chairback seating
- Access to private club lounges and bars
- In-seat catering service
- Private restrooms and concessions
- VIP parking (may be extra cost)
Private Boxes
Private boxes at Murrayfield offer an elite experience with perks like:
- Luxury suite with comfortable reserved seating
- Private bar and catering/dining service
- Excellent views of the stage and entire venue
- VIP access and amenities
- Could fit groups of 10-20 guests
The premium club and box seats provide an ultimate upscale concert experience with personal service, luxury amenities and the best views. However, these elite options come at a steep price.
Best Seats for Views vs. Atmosphere
When choosing the best concert seats at Murrayfield, there is sometimes a trade-off between getting the best views of the stage versus being closer to the excitement and atmosphere.
Best Views
For optimal viewing, some good options are:
- Front center sections of lower bowl
- Elevated seats in upper tier near mid-field
- Club seats and boxes along sideline or facing stage
These centered, elevated positions provide unobstructed sight lines of the full stage and big screens, avoiding overhangs or crowds.
Best Atmosphere
To feel the energy and excitement, recommended areas include:
- General admission pitch standing
- Lower bowl near stage, on the floor and front rows
- End zone seats behind the stage
Being close and surrounded by crowds on the field or in lower seating bowls immerses you in the concert experience. But this means compromising on ideal viewing angles.
Best Seats by Price
Seat location also comes down to budget. Here are the best concert seat options at different price points:
| Price Range | Best Seats |
|---|---|
| Cheap – Under $50 | Upper rear sides, limited view standing |
| Moderate – $50 to $150 | Upper tiers near stage, rear lower bowls |
| Expensive – $150 to $500 | Lower bowl near stage, floor seats, club seats |
| Splurge – $500+ | Floor sections near center, private suites/boxes |
As you move closer to the action, seats cost more. But the upper decks still provide concert views on a budget.
When to Buy Murrayfield Concert Tickets
To get the best deal on Murrayfield concert seats, it pays to plan ahead:
- Buy early during pre-sales to access better seats for popular shows before regular sales open.
- Monitor prices, which tend to increase as the event date nears and inventory shrinks.
- Be ready and logged in right when general public sales start.
- Check third-party resellers closer to the event for last minute deals.
Buying well in advance ensures you don’t get stuck in the upper decks unless that’s what you want. But waiting until late can sometimes yield deals.
Best Seats for Specific Artists
Certain types of concerts and artists may favor some seating sections over others:
Rock Concerts
Rock shows focus the action on a centralized stage, making lower bowl, floor seats and pitch standing in front of the stage prime spots. The side upper decks are farther from the amped up action.
Pop Concerts
Pop artists often utilize long catwalk stages stretching into the crowd along with side video screens. Floor seats near extended stages and lower side bowls let you get close to the performers as they move around.
Country Concerts
The best country concert seats aim for a head-on view of the main stage and screens. Lower bowl sections in the center and club seating with an unobstructed stage view are ideal.
Festival Seating
For general admission festival-style seating without pre-set seats on the field, the earlier you line up, the closer you can get to the stage. This offers flexibility to roam and find views.
Accessibility Seating
Murrayfield Stadium also provides various accessibility seating areas for wheelchair users and companions:
- Pitch access platform for wheelchairs plus companion seats
- Lower bowl wheelchair platforms with removable seats next to them
- Wheelchair seating in upper tiers
- Accessible private boxes available
These options place people needing accessibility right in the midst of the crowd energy with great stage views.
Where to Avoid at Murrayfield Concerts
While any seat lets you enjoy a Murrayfield Stadium concert, some areas are considered less desirable:
- Behind the stage since you face away from the acts and screens
- Far ends and corners with angled views
- Upper sections under overhangs with obstructed views
- Low rows in any section where crowds stand and block sight lines
Checking seat views and specs before buying helps avoid ending up in these zones with impaired visibility.
General Murrayfield Concert Tips
To make the most of a concert experience at Murrayfield Stadium, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early to find your seats and beat crowds if standing on the pitch
- Pack earplugs in case noise bothers you
- Bring layers for changing temperatures at night
- Charge your phone but be mindful of blocking views when taking pics/videos
- Consider public transport or pre-paid parking to avoid traffic jams post-show
- Hang back after for easier exit
Proper planning and packing will let you comfortably enjoy the show at Murrayfield.
Conclusion
With its massive capacity, Murrayfield Stadium provides an epic venue for concerts of all genres. Fans are offered a range of seating options, from general admission standing on the pitch up to luxurious suites. While each section has pros and cons based on proximity, views, amenities and price, the best seats align with your preferences. Pitch standing or floor seats up close suit diehard fans seeking energy and atmosphere, while elevated centered seats in the lower and upper bowls appeal to those wanting pristine sight lines. Club, box and front floor seats deliver premium comfort and perks for bigger budgets. Ultimately there is no singular “best seat”, only what suits your concert needs. Carefully weigh the trade-offs between views, budget, amenities and vibe to pick your ideal spot to enjoy a memorable musical event at Murrayfield Stadium.
