When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, you may come across seat listings with “partial obstructed view”. This means that certain seats in a venue have a partially blocked view of the stage or playing area. There can be a few reasons for this:
Pillars or Overhangs
One common cause of obstruction is pillars or architectural overhangs at the venue. For example, many indoor arenas have large pillars to support the roof that may block the view from certain angles. Some theatres have overhanging balconies that can get in the way of seats below. If a seat has a pillar or overhang that blocks some of the stage, it will be labeled as “partial obstructed view”.
Off-Center Locations
Seats that are extremely far stage left or stage right can also get the “partial obstructed view” designation on Ticketmaster. Even though there isn’t a physical obstruction, the fact that these seats are so off-center means you will have to strain your neck to see parts of the stage. Ticketmaster considers this a partial visual obstruction of the event.
Bad Angles
In sports arenas, some seats can have bad viewing angles of the field or rink. For example, seats in the very front rows of the upper deck in football stadiums tend to have a partial view of the sidelines and corners of the field. Also, in hockey arenas, some sections only let you see one goal and part of the near boards. These less than ideal angles result in the “partial obstructed view” label.
How Much Will Obstruction Affect My View?
The amount of obstruction from a particular seat can vary greatly. Some may just have a tiny pillar that blocks a sliver of the stage. Other seats might have a major overhang or be extremely far off to the side. When choosing obstructed view seats, look closely at the seat numbers and section location to get a sense of how significant the obstruction will be. Also, read reviews from people who have sat there before for a better idea of what to expect.
Are Obstructed View Seats Cheaper?
Yes, tickets marked “partial obstructed view” on Ticketmaster will be discounted compared to seats with a full, unobstructed view. Usually these seats are 25-50% cheaper than similar non-obstructed tickets in the same section. The exact discount will depend on the type and severity of obstruction. The worst seats may even be discounted up to 75% off regular prices.
Example Ticketmaster Pricing Data
| Section | Row | Seat Number(s) | View | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 104 | 13 | 1-3 | Partial Obstructed View | $50 |
| 104 | 14 | 1-3 | Full View | $100 |
| 203 | 20 | 1-2 | Partial Obstructed View | $40 |
| 203 | 18 | 5-6 | Full View | $75 |
As you can see in this pricing data example, the obstructed view seats are discounted 50-60% compared to similar seats with full view.
When Do Obstructed Seats Make Sense?
If you are on a tight budget, obstructed view seats can be a reasonable option to get into an event you want to see. The discount might make it worthwhile to you. Just be sure to look at the seat location very closely first. Obstructed seats also make sense if there are no better ticket options available and you really want to attend.
However, if money is no object or tickets are readily available, it is better to spring for seats with full, unobstructed view. The ideal experience is to see the entire stage clearly with no visual impediments. Obstructed seats should only be a fallback if cheaper choices are sold out or your budget demands it.
Other Options If Your View Is Too Obstructed
Once you are actually at the event, if you find your obstructed view to be worse than expected, there are a few options:
- Ask an usher if there are any better seats available that you could move to.
- Speak to customer service at the venue about the issue – they may relocate you.
- Watch monitors if available at the venue to see the action on screen.
- View the event from standing room areas if possible.
Sometimes obstruction is worse in reality than it appeared when buying tickets. In that case, politely ask if anything can be done – venues want you to have a good experience. As a last resort, you can always watch screens or move to open standing areas.
Checking Seat Views Beforehand
To avoid getting stuck with an unexpectedly poor seat, it helps to research the view beforehand when possible. Here are some tips:
- Ask the box office if seat photos from that section are available.
- Search for user photos of the seats on review sites like Yelp.
- Use 3D seat view services like SeatGeek or SeatViewer to preview.
- Call the venue ahead of time to get their description of obstruction.
Taking some time to check out the seats virtually can give you a better idea of potential obstructions. It helps set accurate expectations before arriving at the venue.
Conclusion
To summarize, “partial obstructed view” on Ticketmaster refers to seats where some part of the stage or field is partially blocked visually. This is usually due to pillars, overhangs, off-center locations, or poor viewing angles. The amount of obstruction varies, but these tickets will be discounted 25-75% compared to similar non-obstructed seats. Obstructed view seating can make sense on a budget, but it’s ideal to splurge for unobstructed seats if possible for the full experience. Be sure to research the seat location thoroughly beforehand so you know what kind of view to expect. With the right expectations, obstructed seats can still allow you to enjoy the show at a cheaper price.
