WWE SmackDown is one of the flagship weekly shows of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). With its exciting matches, over-the-top personalities and family friendly entertainment, SmackDown events are a must-see for any wrestling fan. When attending a live SmackDown event, getting the best seats is key to maximizing your enjoyment of the action. Here is a guide to help you determine the optimal seats for a WWE SmackDown event.
Floor Seats
Floor seats put you at ringside right next to the action. This gives you an up close and personal view of the matches and wrestlers. You’ll get to see their facial expressions, hear the impacts of slams and strikes, and may even get some sweat on you!
Pros:
- Closest view of in-ring action
- Can see wrestler’s faces and reactions up close
- Get to feel the energy of wrestlers competing near you
- Chance of TV appearance if hard cam is facing you
Cons:
- More expensive than other seating options
- View obstructed when action is on other side of ring
- Don’t get a full view of wrestling entrances
Floor seats are a hot commodity and the most expensive seats in the arena. Expect to pay a premium price for WWE’s equivalent of “courtside seats.” For diehard wrestling fans who want an immersive live experience, floor seats are worth splurging on.
Sections Near the Entrance Ramp
Seats located near the entrance ramp give you a great vantage point of wrestler entrances. This allows you to see their full theatrical entrances with pyrotechnics and lighting effects up close.
Pros:
- Get a close view of dramatic wrestler entrances
- See facial expressions and costuming details up close
- May get high fives from wrestlers entering
- Often a chance for special moments like title wins after matches
Cons:
- Farther distance from the ring
- View may be obstructed when action is on far side of ring
- Higher price point than upper level seats
These highly coveted seats are elevated in price but deliver great bang for your buck through the entrance ramp experience alone.
Corner Sections Near Stage
The corner sections closest to the stage and titantron screen provide great views of wrestler entrances on the ramp and their post-match promos on the stage. This gives you the best chance to see a wrestler up close during a victory celebration.
Pros:
- Prime view of wrestler entrances
- Close view of post-match promos on stage
- Decent elevation above floor level
- Chance to see victorious wrestlers up close on stage
Cons:
- Farther distance to opposite corner of ring
- Doesn’t fully face hard cam area head on
- More expensive than upper level sections behind corners
These well-located seats keep you close to the entrances and victory scenes and are a great option for families.
Lower Level Seats
Lower level seats provide elevated sightlines to see over fans on the floor. Depending on the section, they can offer great value experiences.
Ringside Lower Level
The front rows of lower level corners or sides provide an excellent in-ring view at a fraction of the floor seat pricing. Fans here get a similar sightline to the action at a more affordable rate.
Pros:
- Elevated sightlines to see over floor fans and photographers
- Nearly as close to the action as floor seats
- Better value price point than the floor
- Often in view of the hard camera
Cons:
- Less immersive than being ringside on the floor
- Further distance from wrestlers entering
- Less chance of TV visibility
Ringside lower level seats are the premium seats for fans wanting great sightlines without the premium floor pricing.
Entrance Ramp Side Sections
Lower level sections on the side with the entrance ramp provide awesome views of wrestler entrances.
Pros:
- Get a clear view of wrestlers entering from the ramp
- Close view of wrestler expressions during entrances
- Able to see big pyro and lighting effects up close
- Generally more affordable pricing than floor or front lower sections
Cons:
- Angle to the ring may be partial from corners
- Potential obstructed sightlines from signage or lighting rigs
- Further distance to opposite side of ring
These sections offer great entrance visibility at a cheaper price. Just avoid behind-stage seating facing away from the ramp.
Corner Sections Near Stage
Lower level corner sections near the stage give you great views of in-ring action and wrestler entrances coming down the ramp.
Pros:
- See entrances clearly as wrestlers come down the ramp
- Elevated sightlines to see in-ring action over floor fans and photographers
- Decent value pricing compared to floor tickets
- Close proximity to winner’s celebrations on stage
Cons:
- Can be farther distance from opposite corner of ring
- May get obstructed views if entrance set pieces block line of sight
- Not as close to the ramp as sections in first rows
These corner sections are great for families or groups looking for a balance of entrances, in-ring action, and value.
Upper Level Seats
The upper decks in modern WWE arenas provide excellent elevated sightlines for reasonable prices. Don’t underestimate the bird’s eye views here.
Front Row Upper Level
Front row seats of upper levels provide great aerial views of the action. Fans here are close to the edge overlooking lower sections.
Pros:
- Excellent overhead view of the entire ring
- Closest standing proximity to the edge and lower sections
- getvalue pricing compared to lower sections
- Get to see big LED board displays up close
Cons:
- Farther distance from the in-ring action
- Entrances partly obscured by lower decks
- Requires stairs to access
Savvy fans get amazing aerial views of matches without spending big. Just watch your step up top!
Upper Bowl Corner Sections by Entrance
Upper level corner sections near the side with the entrance give you overhead views of wrestlers entering from the ramp.
Pros:
- Able to see full wrestler entrances from above
- affordable pricing
- May be closer to upper level concession stands
- Fans here often have great energy
Cons:
- Very far distance to opposite corners of ring
- Wrestlers appear small from far upper seats
- Nosebleed height may induce vertigo
These cheap seats let you take in the full entrance experience from up top. Just watch out for the altitude!
Middle Sections Facing Hard Camera
Middle sections of upper decks that directly face the hard camera prominently feature fans on television broadcasts.
Pros:
- Chance to be seen on TV during crowd shots
- Unobstructed “commemorative photo” view of the ring
- Moderate distance from the ring
- Inexpensive seating
Cons:
- No special proximity to entrances or ramp
- Requires looking through guardrails which may obstruct view
Getting on TV is easier from these universally-facing sections. Fans here become part of the televised action!
Avoid Obstructed View Seats
Ensure your tickets don’t come with an obstructed view disclaimer. WWE sets up extensive lighting rigs, cages, and other equipment that can block sightlines:
- Big LED boards and rigging on the entrance stage
- Hanging video walls above the ring
- Ring posts, stairs, and turnbuckle corners
- Cages surrounding ringside during cage matches
- Announce tables and equipment outside the ring
Avoid seats behind stage equipment, production gear, or underneath overhanging structures for the best experience.
Use Seating Charts to Pick Sections
Study the arena map and virtual views from seats when buying tickets. This gives you a precise view of sightlines before purchasing:
- Check views from specific rows in each section
- Look for obstructed views marked on the chart
- See exact proximity to entrances, ramps, and the ring
- Identify best value seats to fit your budget
Seating charts provide an accurate representation of how the SmackDown seating will look. Make sure to thoroughly consult them when selecting seats.
Arrive Early for Best Choices
Arriving early allows you first pick of seats if you have general admission tickets:
- Enter the venue doors first when they open
- Hustle to your desired section ahead of the crowds
- Stake claim to your chosen seats
General admission does not guarantee a seat, so arriving early is key. This gives you prime choice of sights before other fans.
Purchase Tickets Early
Buy tickets early to get the best deal and secure your ideal seats:
- Take advantage of presales for the most options
- Avoid ticket spikes as shows sell out
- Grab seats before resellers markup prices
Use presale codes from the venue or WWE emails to get first dibs on tickets. Act fast, as the best seats go quick!
Avoid Purchasing From Scalpers
Do not buy from illegal scalpers outside the venue:
- Their prices are often unfairly inflated
- You may pay big money for fake or stolen tickets
- Get seats together for your group in advance instead
Buying scalped tickets is risky. Only use legal ticketing sites or box offices for guaranteed authentic seats.
Comparison of WWE SmackDown Seating Sections
Here is a comparison table of key seating sections at WWE SmackDown events:
| Section | View | Entrance View | Fan Energy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Seats | Amazing | Decent | High | Expensive |
| Lower Level Ringside | Excellent | Okay | High | Moderate |
| Lower Level Entrance Side | Good | Great | High | Moderate |
| Upper Level Front Row | Excellent | Limited | High | Cheap |
| Upper Level Entrance Side | Decent | Great | High | Cheap |
Conclusion
At a WWE SmackDown event, floor seats put you closest to the wrestlers in the ring though ringside lower level provides excellent sightlines for less. On a budget, upper level front rows grant stunning aerial views. Entrance side lower or upper areas maximize sightlines of wrestler entrances. Use seating charts to avoid obstructions, and buy early for best value. With the right seats, you’ll be sure to enjoy all the action at a WWE SmackDown show!