Glasgow Concert Hall is one of Scotland’s premier venues for live music and performance. With multiple auditoriums and seating areas, it can be difficult to know which seats provide the best experience when attending an event. This article will examine the different sections and tiers within Glasgow Concert Hall and provide recommendations on the optimal seats for different needs.
Overview of Glasgow Concert Hall
Glasgow Concert Hall opened in 1990 and is located in the heart of Glasgow city center. The main auditorium, the Grand Hall, can seat over 2,500 people. The hall contains stalls seating on the ground level as well as three tiers of seating – the Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony. There are also side stalls located at the front sides of the stage. In addition to the Grand Hall, Glasgow Concert Hall contains the 500 seat New Auditorium and the 350 seat Recital Room.
Factors to Consider
When choosing seats at Glasgow Concert Hall, there are several factors to take into account:
– View – Some seats provide better views than others depending on the stage set up. You want to see as much of the stage as possible.
– Acoustics – Certain seats will provide better sound quality. The music will be clearest and most balanced in these areas.
– Leg room – Having enough leg room and space is important for comfort during long performances.
– Price – Ticket prices will vary depending on seat location. More desirable seats tend to cost more.
– Accessibility – Make sure to consider mobility when choosing a seat location.
Grand Hall Seating
The Grand Hall is the largest performance space in Glasgow Concert Hall. Here is an overview of the different seating sections:
Stalls
The stalls are the seats located on the ground floor right in front of the stage. This section only has 17 rows, so even the furthest seats are reasonably close to the performers.
Pros:
– Extremely close view of the stage
– Can see performers’ expressions clearly
– Central location acoustically
Cons:
– Most expensive seats
– Limited leg room
Circle
The Circle is the first tier of seating above the stalls. It starts at row P and goes up to row W, for a total of 14 rows.
Pros:
– Relatively close view of the stage
– Elevated view allows you to see over performers on stage
– Better leg room than stalls
– Usually good acoustics
Cons:
– Further back than stalls
– Can sometimes have safety rail obstructing view
Grand Circle
The Grand Circle is the second tier above the stalls and contains rows AA through HH for a total of 16 rows.
Pros:
– Cheaper prices than stalls or circle
– Comfortable leg room
– Unobstructed view of most of stage
Cons:
– Farther distance from performers compared to lower tiers
– Acoustics not as good as lower tiers
Balcony
The balcony, or upper circle, is the highest tier in the Grand Hall. It contains 14 rows numbered JJ through SS.
Pros:
– Most affordable ticket prices
– Ability to see entire stage and crowd below
– More intimate feeling than lower tiers
Cons:
– Furthest distance from stage
– Highest balcony rows can have obstructed view
– Acoustics not ideal for hearing nuances
Other Auditoriums
In addition to the Grand Hall, Glasgow Concert Hall has two smaller auditoriums.
New Auditorium
The New Auditorium seats up to 500 people over 3 levels.
Pros:
– Intimate setting with close performer proximity
– Wide, sweeping stage view from all levels
– Balcony seats have great elevated perspective
Cons:
– Small size limits types of acts it can accommodate
– Side seats on lower level can have obstructed views
Recital Room
The Recital Room is the smallest venue with seating for 350 people.
Pros:
– Excellent acoustics ideal for unamplified performances
– Closeness provides immersive experience
Cons:
– Restricted leg room due to small size
– Limited availability for popular performances
– Obstructed views from side seats
Best Seats for Different Events
The optimal seats will vary depending on the type of event you are attending.
Rock Concerts
For rock concerts, prime seats would be:
– Stalls rows D-H – Close to stage while avoiding front rows where speakers are aimed
– Circle rows R-T – Elevated view with good acoustics
– Box seats – Private boxes with premium experience
Avoid rear stalls or balcony seats where sound quality suffers.
Classical Concerts
For classical performances, recommended seats include:
– Stalls rows J-M – Balance of proximity and acoustics
– Circle rows O-R – Elevated view with centered location
– Box seats – Private listening experience
Avoid balcony due to amplified sound echoing.
Comedy Shows
For comedy shows, best seats are:
– Stalls rows D-F – Close perspective of facial expressions
– Circle rows P-S – Convenient view of entire stage
– Balcony rows KK-NN – Elevated perspective to see full room
Avoid far side seats where viewing angles are limited.
Dance Performances
For dance shows, ideal seat locations are:
– Stalls center rows G-L – Unobstructed view of center stage
– Circle rows Q-T – Slightly elevated perspective
– Box seats – Angled sight lines
Avoid orchestra pit seating with very low proximity.
Theater Productions
For theater shows, recommended seating includes:
– Stalls center rows H-M – Closeness to see actors’ expressions
– Circle rows P-U – Centered view of full stage
– Balcony rows KK-PP – Allows you to see interplay between actors
Avoid extreme side seats where viewing angles limit visibility.
Choosing Your Seats
Booking Tickets
You can purchase tickets to events at Glasgow Concert Hall online, by phone, or in person at the box office. Booking early usually provides the best selection.
Consider the type of performance and your personal preferences when choosing which seats to purchase. Sight lines can vary depending on the stage set up, so checking a detailed seating chart for your event is always wise.
Seating Tips
Here are some useful tips for choosing your ideal concert hall seats:
– For low prices, opt for balcony seats near the front and center. The far sides can have obstructed views.
– Check the stage set up before buying tickets. Some performances use extensions that can limit visibility from certain seats.
– Stalls and circle rows nearest the exits and entrances can be disruptive. Aim for middle rows.
– Box seats are excellent but expensive options for privacy and premium amenities.
– Read reviews from audience members about their experiences in different seating areas.
– Measure the distance and viewing angles from seats using the venue’s virtual seating chart.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect seat at Glasgow Concert Hall depends on the performance type, your budget, and personal preferences. Stalls provide proximity to the stage, while circle and balcony seats offer elevated views and affordability. For popular shows, book tickets early to secure prime seating. Carefully consider acoustics, leg room, and stage visibility when selecting your ideal concert hall seats in Glasgow. Checking detailed seat maps and reading audience reviews can help optimize your concert experience.