An aisle seat at a concert refers to a seat that is located next to one of the aisles in the seating section. Unlike middle seats that are surrounded on both sides by other seats, aisle seats provide direct access to the aisle for easier entrance and exit. Aisle seats are typically desired by concert-goers for several key reasons:
Easy Access
One of the main advantages of aisle seats is the easy access they provide to the aisle. This makes entering and exiting much more convenient before the show, during intermission, and at the end of the concert. People with aisle seats do not have to crawl over other attendees to get in or out of the row. This is especially helpful for people with mobility issues or medical conditions that require frequent restroom access. Aisle seats minimize disruptions to other guests.
More Legroom
Aisle seats tend to have more legroom than middle seats or seats on the ends of rows. There is no seat directly in front of an aisle seat, so people can stretch their legs out a bit more without intruding on the space of the person ahead of them. The extra legroom makes aisle seats more comfortable for tall people or those with long legs. It allows for less cramped seating during a multi-hour concert.
Better View
In some concert venues, aisle seats can provide a better overall view of the stage compared to seats in the middle of the row. Without anyone directly in front blocking the line of sight, aisle seats offer clearer views for watching the performance. This unobstructed view is advantageous for shorter people who may have their views blocked by taller patrons sitting in front of them.
Easier Exit
When the concert finishes, aisle seats provide faster, more direct access to the exits. Attendees do not have to cut across entire rows of people to get out of their seat. This quicker exit prevents bottlenecks and traffic jams in the rows, letting aisle seat holders bypass the crowds. Faster exit times are desirable for families with small children or older adults who want to leave swiftly.
Why Aisle Seats Are Popular at Concerts
There are several key reasons why aisle seats are in high demand at concerts:
Bathroom Access
Easy bathroom access is a major perk of aisle seating. Concerts often last 2-3 hours, sometimes with no intermission. When nature calls, aisle seat holders can quickly get to the restroom without troubling dozens of people to move. Bathroom lines also get very long during intermissions, so aisle seating allows reaching the restrooms faster.
Food/Drink Access
Aisle seats make it easier to access food and drink stations during the show. Like restrooms, concession stands have huge lines during intermissions. Patrons with aisle seats can conveniently grab snacks or drinks between sets without missing part of the show.
Stretching/Standing
For long concerts, aisle seats allow patrons to stand up and stretch their legs periodically. Swaying or dancing in the aisle is also easier. Standing right next to seats is safer and less disruptive than trying to stand in a crowded row surrounded by other attendees.
Accesibility
Aisle seats are essential for concert-goers with disabilities or limited mobility. Wheelchair access is only possible from aisle seats. Patrons with walkers, canes, or other assistance also require the open aisle access. Even temporary conditions like sprained ankles or broken legs make aisle seats more accommodating.
Avoiding Crowds
People with claustrophobia or anxiety in crowds prefer the quick entry/exit of aisle seats. Being sandwiched between strangers could trigger panic attacks. Aisle access minimizes that confined feeling.
Egress in Emergencies
In rare cases of emergencies like fires, aisle seats let occupants evacuate quicker. Easy aisle access takes on elevated importance for events with packed crowds in standing-room sections.
Where Are Aisle Seats Located in Different Concert Venues?
The exact location of aisle seats varies depending on the configuration of the concert hall or stadium:
Theater-Style Seating
In an auditorium with rows of seats leading up to a stage, aisles are located at regular intervals bisecting the seating sections. Aisle seats are typically found at the end of each row adjacent to the aisles. Some rows may have aisle seats on both ends.
Stadium-Style Seating
For concerts in arenas or stadiums, aisle seats line the edges of each seating section surrounding the stage. Additional aisles split up groups of seats within each section. Aisle seats provide easy stair access to the upper sections.
Festival Seating
For general admission festival seating on the floor, makeshift aisles are formed between major crowd sections. While there are no technically marked aisle seats, seats on the edges allow easy entry and exit from the masses.
Box Seating
In box seats or luxury suites, aisle seats are located next to the entryways to each box. Being on the aisle provides private access without squeezing past other premium ticket holders.
Bleacher Seating
Bleacher sections have aisles running perpendicular to the rows of backless bench seats. Patrons on the ends of each row sit in the aisle seats. Stadium bleachers often have very narrow rows, so aisle seats are coveted.
Strategies for Getting Aisle Seats at Concerts
Here are some tips for snagging those coveted aisle seats for concerts:
Purchase tickets early
Get tickets as soon as sales open to have the best shot at available aisle seats. Front rows and VIP sections sell out fastest. Sign up for pre-sales to get early access.
Check the seating chart
Look for aisle seats marked clearly on the venue seating chart when selecting tickets. Some charts even highlight handicap accessible seating options.
Buy single tickets
Purchase single aisle seats instead of blocks of seats together. Singles get purchased quickly, so group aisle seats are harder to come by. Split up the group and meet at the seats.
Sell after upgrading
Buy regular tickets first, then upgrade to aisle seats later if they become available. Resell the original non-aisle tickets.
Purchase aisle+1 combo
Buy an aisle seat with one seat next to it. This guarantees an aisle seat instead of just getting whatever seats are left.
Arrive early
Get to the venue ahead of time and line up with early entrance. Claim aisle seats first before the crowds arrive.
Ask nicely
If aisle seats already taken, politely asking people to swap seats has a decent success rate. Offering them compensation may help.
Concert Aisle Seat Etiquette
To keep aisles clear and avoid disruptions, here is some aisle seat etiquette to follow at concerts:
Keep aisles clear
Do not sit or place belongings in the aisle to avoid blocking traffic. Leave bags and coats on your seat, not the ground.
Limit standing
Avoid standing for very long periods in the aisle as this obstructs views and pathways for others. Take breaks by sitting back down.
Enter/exit politely
Say “excuse me” when moving past other aisle seat patrons to minimize disturbances, rather than rudely shoving by.
Limit aisle visits
Only use the aisle access when needed like for restroom breaks. Don’t constantly come and go, disrupting the show.
Keep single file
Walk in single file through aisles instead of side-by-side or in groups. This prevents congestion.
Watch belongings
Keep purses, cameras, coats, etc. secure in aisle seats instead of the floor. Tucking legs in helps avoid tripping others.
Re-enter between songs
When returning from bathrooms, food runs, etc. re-enter aisles between songs to minimize disruption.
Conclusion
Aisle seats are highly coveted spots at concerts that provide easy access, more legroom, better views, and quicker exit times compared to middle seats. Concert-goers love aisle access for bathrooms, concessions, stretching, and accommodations. Strategic ticket buying, trading, and early arrival can help secure these prized seats. But it’s also important to follow aisle etiquette so everyone can enjoy the show. With some planning and courtesy, aisle seats can take the concert experience to the next level.