Having a restricted view seat at a theater, sports stadium, or other live event venue means your ability to see the stage or field is somewhat obstructed. This could be due to pillars, overhangs, or other structural elements that may block your line of sight. Venues will often discount these seats since the view is not as good.
What are some common causes of restricted views?
There are a few main reasons you may get stuck with restricted view seats:
- Support pillars or columns – Large venues need these huge concrete or metal pillars to hold up balconies, ceilings, and roofs. Unfortunately, they can block views.
- Overhangs – Upper decks or balconies can create overhangs that obstruct views from below. These overhangs allow venues to fit more seats but impair views.
- Technology and lighting rigs – Theaters and concert halls will have large rigs for lights, speakers, and screens that can block views from certain seats.
- Steep angle or distance – If you’re too far off to the side or up in a high balcony, you may be so far from the stage that you can’t clearly see what’s happening.
- Temporary obstructions – Some venues may have moveable spotlights, cameras, or other equipment that could get parked right in your line of sight.
How much of the stage or field will I be able to see?
This can really vary based on the type and severity of the obstruction:
- Mild obstruction – You may just miss a small sliver of the stage or field. This would be the case if you’re just barely behind a pillar or on the far end of an overhang.
- Moderate obstruction – You can see much of the stage or field but have a significant blocked portion. For example, a pillar may block an entire quadrant from your view.
- Severe obstruction – You can only see a small fraction of the stage or field. For example, an overhang blocks 90% of your view so you’re really just seeing a tiny corner.
Venues are usually required to disclose the type and severity of restricted views ahead of time. Make sure to carefully check the seating chart when buying tickets so you know what to expect.
Will I miss key moments or actions?
Unfortunately, there is a chance you could miss something important with a restricted view:
- In theater shows, you may not be able to see an actor’s facial expressions or actions on one part of the stage.
- At a concert, you may miss the band members interacting or key solo moments.
- For sports, you could have trouble seeing one end zone, hoop, or other critical part of the field.
It depends on exactly what’s blocked from your vantage point and where the important action takes place. Sometimes you can follow along fine based on the visible portion, audio, crowd reactions, and jumbotrons. But there’s always a risk you’ll miss something in the blocked section.
How much cheaper are restricted view seats?
Discounts can vary substantially based on the event, seat location, and degree of obstruction:
- 10-25% discounts – For mild obstructions, venues may only offer a small discount off full price.
- 25-50% discounts – Moderate obstructions typically get medium discounts, like 25-50% off.
- 50-75% discounts – Heavily restricted views can see huge discounts, but these are less common.
Front row seats with mild obstructions often see smaller discounts compared to cheap seats way at the back with major obstructions. Always check the seat view from the venue’s seating chart before buying restricted view tickets.
Are restricted view seats worth it?
Here are some pros and cons of sitting in restricted view seats:
Pros:
- Cheaper price – Paying less for tickets makes it more affordable to attend
- Get into a sold-out event – Restricted seats may be the only ones left
- Experience the atmosphere – You still feel the energy and excitement of a live event
Cons:
- Obstructed view detracts from the experience
- Possibility of missing key moments
- Having to crane your neck to see around obstructions
Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget, the big discounts can make restricted seats worthwhile. But for special occasions or if money is no object, it’s better to spring for seats with full, unobstructed views.
Are all restricted view seats the same?
Not all restricted view seats are created equal. If you’re considering these seats, look for a few key factors:
- Type of obstruction – Pillars may be less bothersome than overhangs
- Severity – Minor obstructions are better than major ones
- Angle – Being off to the side may be better than being directly behind an obstruction
- Distance from stage – Closer seats are preferable to farther seats with obstructions
Check the seat view from the venue’s seating chart and read specific seat reviews to assess. Also, ask the box office about your options – they may suggest better restricted view seats.
Can you upgrade restricted view seats?
You have a few options to try upgrading your restricted view seats:
- Ask the box office if better seats are available – tell them you’re unsatisfied with the restriction
- Check online leading up to the event in case better seats open up
- Inquire at the venue when you arrive to see if any unrestricted seats are still open
- Politely ask neighboring patrons if they’d switch so you can both improve your views
Upgrades are never guaranteed. But if unrestricted seats are still available, the venue staff may take pity and hook you up. Be polite and friendly, and thank them profusely if it works out!
Can you get a refund for restricted view seats?
Getting a full refund for restricted view seats is difficult, but a partial credit is more likely if you complain politely:
- Read the fine print – some venues prohibit refunds for restricted views altogether
- Talk to the box office immediately about your dissatisfaction
- Be reasonable – asking for 50% back is more realistic than 100%
- Mention you’ll think twice about buying tickets there again
- If no credit offered, politely ask to speak to a manager about options
- Be prepared to accept venue credits over cash refunds
If you act quickly, the venue may provide a goodwill credit to make things right, even if their policy disallows refunds. Just don’t expect to always get your money back.
How can you avoid restricted view seats in the future?
These tips will help you steer clear of restricted views down the road:
- Check venue seat maps before buying tickets
- Read specific seat reviews from other patrons
- Ask box office which sections/rows have unobstructed views
- Pay a little more for premium seats in central sections
- For theaters, aim for the middle of rows near the front or center
- For concerts, side sections are better than behind the stage
- Buy tickets early before only obstructed seats remain
Taking the time to understand the venue’s layout and remaining seat options will ensure you get seats with clear sight lines next time.
Conclusion
Having restricted view seats can be a frustrating experience, but also a more affordable way to attend live events. If obstructed seats are your only option, try checking the specific view from the venue’s seating chart, looking for milder obstructions off to the side, and sitting as close to the action as possible. While the discounts on restricted views are enticing, the chance of missing out on the entertainment makes seats with full, unobstructed views well worth the extra cost.