When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, you’ll often see options for “preferred seating” and “standard admission.” But what exactly is the difference between these two ticket types?
In short, preferred seating provides ticket buyers with access to some of the best seats in the venue, while standard admission simply gets you in the door. Preferred seating is usually more expensive but ensures you’ll have a prime viewing location. Standard admission is more affordable but doesn’t guarantee where you’ll be sitting or standing.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at how preferred seating and standard admission differ when it comes to Ticketmaster tickets.
What is Preferred Seating?
Preferred seating refers to tickets that are located in some of the most desirable areas of a venue. This usually means closer to the stage, field, or main action. Preferred seating tickets will cost more than standard admission tickets for the same event.
Some key things to know about preferred seating:
– Location – Preferred seats are positioned in prime viewing areas, often near the front or middle sections. This provides fans or spectators with clear sight lines and an immersive experience.
– Reserving Your Spot – When you purchase preferred seating tickets, your specific seat(s) will be reserved and marked. So you’ll know exactly where you’ll be sitting ahead of time.
– First Access – Preferred seating tickets often go on sale before standard admission tickets for popular events. This gives purchasers early access before tickets sell out.
– Perks – Preferred seating sometimes includes additional perks like VIP parking, private entrances, cocktail service, and meet-and-greet opportunities with artists or players. Check event details for specifics.
– Supply – There is a limited number of preferred seats available in most venues, making these tickets scarcer (and pricier) than standard admission. They sell out quickly for hot events.
So in summary, preferred seating equals better views, reserved seats, first access, and special perks in many cases. You pay extra for the privilege of getting the best spots in the house.
What is Standard Admission?
Standard admission refers to the most common ticket type – it gets you into the event without any reserved seats or special perks. These are the most affordable tickets.
Some key points on standard admission:
– Entry Only – Standard admission only grants you access to the venue and event. No specific seat is included.
– First Come, First Served – You’ll need to arrive early to get the best available standard seats. It’s first come, first served for non-reserved areas.
– Behind Reserved Areas – Standard admission areas are typically behind the reserved/preferred sections or in the back half of the venue. Views may be obstructed.
– General Admission – For concerts without seating, standard admission means you’ll be on the ground in front of the stage. No chairs provided.
– Limited Perks – Standard admission tickets don’t come with many perks like VIP parking, gifts, drink service, etc. You just get basic entry.
– More Availability – Since they don’t guarantee prime seats, standard admission tickets are easier to obtain and have greater quantity.
Standard admission is recommended for budget-conscious fans who just want in the building. You won’t get the best seat with this option.
Comparing Ticket Locations
To better understand the difference in seating areas, let’s compare where preferred and standard tickets would be located in some common venue layouts:
Concert Hall
Preferred Seating | Standard Admission |
---|---|
Front orchestra section | Rear orchestra, rear mezzanine, balcony |
For concerts, preferred seating would be closest to the stage on the main floor. Standard admission would be under the balcony or in the back.
Theater
Preferred Seating | Standard Admission |
---|---|
Front and middle orchestra | Rear orchestra, rear mezzanine, balcony |
In theaters, preferred seats are in the prime front orchestra section near the stage. Standard admission would be the balcony.
Basketball Arena
Preferred Seating | Standard Admission |
---|---|
Lower bowl sideline, courtside | Upper bowl corners, ends |
For basketball, preferred seating would be courtside or lower bowl near the action. Standard admission would be the farthest corners and upper sections.
Football Stadium
Preferred Seating | Standard Admission |
---|---|
Lower bowl midfield, club level | Upper deck end zones, corners |
At a football stadium, preferred seats would be on the lower sideline near midfield. Standard admission would be the distant upper deck areas.
So in most venues, preferred seating tickets get you closer to the main attraction while standard admission is farther away or under overhangs.
When is Preferred Seating Worth the Price?
Paying extra for preferred seating is ideal for certain situations but may not be necessary every time.
Here are some instances when it’s worth upgrading:
- Must-see event or artist – If it’s your favorite team or a bucket list concert, preferred seats make that special event truly unforgettable.
- Game 7 or the Finals – The biggest games demand the best views so you don’t miss pivotal moments.
- Taking clients or a date – Impress them by booking amazing spots for important company or personal outings.
- Milestone occasion – Mark a big birthday, anniversary, or occasion with VIP treatment.
- Short fan/small child – Let them see clearly over fans in front of standard seats. Preferred views are obstructed less.
- Medical need – Those with mobility, hearing, or sight limitations benefit from premier seating spots.
- Sellout expected – When an event will likely sell out completely, preferred tickets secure seats over standard.
On the flip side, standard admission tickets can be the right call in these situations:
- On a tight budget – Save money upfront on standard tickets if funds are limited.
- Just want in the door – Standard gets you inside so you can enjoy the party or atmosphere.
- High supply, low demand – Standard tickets are easier to snag if an event isn’t close to selling out.
- Obstructed views OK – You’ll accept partially blocked sight lines to keep costs down.
- Only care about audio – Standard seats work if you just want to hear a concert clearly.
- Tall fan – Standard works better if your height lets you see over most obstructions.
Evaluate your needs and budget to decide if preferred is worthwhile or if standard does the trick.
How Much More Do Preferred Seats Cost?
There’s no set rule on how much more preferred seating costs over standard admission – pricing varies greatly by event.
But in general, preferred seats are anywhere from 1.5 to 5 times the price of standard tickets for the same show or game.
For extremely high-demand events like playoffs, championships, or mega rock concerts, preferred seating could be 10 to 20 times higher than the cost of getting in the door.
Some pricing examples:
Event | Preferred Seating | Standard Admission |
---|---|---|
NBA Regular Season Game | $100+ | $25-$60 |
NFL Preseason Game | $200+ | $30-$80 |
MLB Weeknight Game | $60-$150 | $15-$40 |
Midsize Concert Tour | $125-$500 | $40-$100 |
College Football Rivalry Game | $200-$1000+ | $80-$200 |
NBA Finals Game 7 | $1500-$10,000+ | $400-$2000+ |
While preferred tickets may cost 2-10 times more, for hot events the resale prices can be even higher than face value. Preferred seats are investments.
How To Get Preferred Seating Tickets
Here are some tips for getting preferred seating tickets for events you want through Ticketmaster:
- Buy early – Tickets go fast, so purchase as soon as sales open to public to increase odds.
- Use presales – Take advantage of special pre-sales for fan club members, credit card holders, etc.
- Get waitlisted – Join waitlists for sold out preferred sections in case more seats open later.
- Check resale – Preferred seats are resold via TicketmasterVerified Resale when box office sells out.
- Avoid resellers – Only buy from TicketmasterVerified Resale source, not 3rd party sellers.
- Set notifications – opt-in for alerts when preferred tickets become available for sold out events.
- Act quickly – Have payment ready and complete purchases ASAP before others grab them.
Persistence, preparation, and prompt purchase times are key to landing those coveted spots.
Standard admission is easier to find later, but preferred sections sell out immediately in many cases. So you need to be ready.
Should You Buy Preferred or Standard?
Here are some final tips on deciding between preferred vs. standard admission when buying tickets:
- Check the seat views – Review seat views online to estimate the difference for your event.
- Factor in budget – Weigh the costs against the added benefits of preferred.
- Consider occasion – How special is this event for you? Warrant a splurge?
- Evaluate obscurity – Are obstructions in standard areas a dealbreaker?
- Assess resale value – Preferred seats retain higher resale value if you can’t attend.
- Think total experience – Premium perks like VIP service can enhance the night beyond just seats.
There’s no one-size-fits all answer. Evaluate each event, your budget, and seating preferences.
For truly once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list events, preferred seating may be worth the higher ticket cost. But for casual nights out or with obstructed views less of a concern, standard admission offers savings.
Conclusion
Preferred seating gets you the best seats in the house while standard admission simply gets you through the door. If amazing views and proximity matter most, preferred is worth the higher prices. But standard admission allows you to keep costs down if you just want in the building. Evaluate each event and your budget to decide if the perks warrant the upgrade. On Ticketmaster, move fast when preferred seats go on sale to secure those prime spots before they sell out.