When attending a concert at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, picking the right seats can greatly impact your experience. With a capacity of around 20,000, the Schottenstein Center has a variety of seating options for concerts, from floor seats to upper level seats. Factors like your budget, whether you want to be close to the stage or have an overview of the full production, and the type of concert you’re attending can all influence what seats are best. This article will go over the different sections and factors to consider when choosing seats for a Schottenstein Center concert.
Overview of Sections at Schottenstein Center
The Schottenstein Center has three main seating sections:
Lower Level
The lower level at the Schottenstein Center is closest to the stage and action. This section is divided into two halves, with Sections 1-16 on one side and 101-116 on the other side. The lower level seats are more expensive but provide the most immersive concert experience.
Club Level
The club level at Schottenstein Center is the middle tiered section, divided into sections 201-232. The club level provides elevated sight lines and is a bit more budget-friendly than the lower level while still being close to the action.
Upper Level
The upper level at the Schottenstein Center includes sections 301-330. The upper level is the furthest from the stage but offers affordable tickets with views of the full production and audience.
Factors for Picking Seats
When choosing seats within these sections at the Schottenstein Center, there are several factors to keep in mind:
Price
Tickets prices will vary based on the section and exact row. Lower level tickets will be the most expensive, followed by club level, with upper level being most affordable. Within each section, seats in the front center rows will be priciest.
| Section | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Lower Level | $100 – $250 |
| Club Level | $75 – $150 |
| Upper Level | $40 – $100 |
View of the Stage
The closer you are to the front center section, the better your view will be of the main stage. Seats in the first few rows or front center sections like 106 and 116 on the lower level will provide the most direct view. Upper level seats further back or on the far sides will make it harder to see.
Type of Concert
Some concerts benefit from being closer like intimate acoustic performances, while others are visual spectacles that work well from further back. Dancing and high-energy concerts are fun to have space for in the upper sections.
Your Height
If you are shorter, try to avoid seats behind taller people or obstructions that may block your view. Front row or aisle seats are good options. If you are very tall, exit row seating in the upper level provides more leg room.
Surrounding Crowd
Consider if you want to be surrounded by die-hard fans up close, or a more mixed casual crowd in the rear sections. Floor seats get you closest to crowdsurfing and the action.
Best Seats for Different Concert Types
Here are some recommendations for the best seats for different concert types at Schottenstein Center:
Pop/Rock Concerts
For big pop or rock concerts with huge productions, front floor seats or lower level center such as Sections 106, 116, 206 or 216 will let you feel immersed in the music and see the performers and visuals up close.
Rap/Hip-Hop Shows
For rap or hip-hop shows, try getting floor seats near the catwalk if there is one, or closest to the main stage for prime views of the artist. Sections 102-104 or 112-114 are good options.
Country Concerts
At a country concert, aim for front floor seats to see the performers up close, or club and lower level seats near the middle such as 204-208 or 104-108 to get great unobstructed views of the main stage.
Comedy Shows
For comedy shows, floor seats near the front give an intimate feel. But balcony and upper level seats like 308-312 allow you to get the big picture of the overall show and audience reactions.
Orchestral Performances
To fully appreciate the nuances of an orchestral performance, aim for seats in the front and center orchestra sections like 106-110 or 116-120. You’ll be close enough to see the musicians and follow the conductor.
Where to Avoid Sitting
While almost all seats at the Schottenstein Center provide decent views, there are some sections or rows you may want to avoid for an optimal concert experience:
– Behind the stage – you’ll be viewing the performers’ backs instead of faces
– Under overhangs – upper level rows behind lower level overhangs have obstructed views
– Far corners – being too far to the side distorts views of the main stage
– Upper rows – the furthest back rows in the upper level can make performers seem tiny
– Obstructed view rows – look for OOV or NOV when buying tickets to identify obstructed view seats
Conclusion
The Schottenstein Center provides great options for concerts, from affordable upper level seats to immersive floor seats. When choosing seats, consider factors like your budget, the performers you want to be closest to, type of concert, your height, and viewing obstructions. Seek out front and center sections in the lower or club levels for the best views of the main stage and action up close. But the upper level also offers great budget-friendly options to take in the full production. With a strategic seat selection, you’re sure to have an amazing concert experience at the Schottenstein Center!