Ticket sales for concerts, sports events, and other live shows have grown more complex over the years. With venues of all sizes hosting events and seeking to maximize ticket revenue, seating charts have expanded to include sections with partial views or extreme angles. When shopping for tickets online, fans may come across listings with caveats like “limited view” or “obstructed view.” This can be frustrating, especially if lower-priced tickets come with reduced views. Understanding the reasons behind these types of listings can help manage expectations when purchasing tickets.
Variable venue designs
One major factor is simply the variation in venues hosting live events. Stadiums, theaters, and ballrooms all have unique seating configurations and stage placements. Obstructed views may be unavoidable in certain venues based on the relative location of a section to the stage:
- Overhangs – Upper decks and balconies with overhangs can limit visibility for patrons seated directly below them when looking straight ahead at the stage.
- Off-center angles – Sections at far left or right angles off the center section line to the stage may require patron head turning.
- Behind the stage – Some venues have seating sections behind the stage which do not face the front stage and screens are used to see the events.
Venues such as theaters sloped floors in order to see above or between seating sections. Sports arenas design lower and upper bowls to maximize capacity even if some seats are not full view of the field or ice. These kinds of tiered and angled designs mean some seats will face limitations compared to front row center seats in any given venue.
Demand pricing
As ticket resale and secondary markets have grown, ticket pricing reflects consumer demand more than just static seat location. Event promoters want to capture the full potential revenue for hot shows and games. By pricing based on market demand, they can charge premium rates for the best seats. This leaves lower-demand sections available at cheaper price points for budget-conscious fans. Restricting views is one way to offer discounted sections without undercutting prime seats needed to maximize revenue.
Variable and dynamic pricing also lets promoters test consumer willingness to pay. An obstructed view may be accepted at a low price. Promoters can still sell out venues by placing these sections on sale. If blocked views do not sell, then pricing and seat allocations can shift for future events.
Third-party sellers
The growth of the online secondary ticket market also plays a role in restricted view seats. Major ticket sellers like Ticketmaster now integrate with resale sites. This gives more sellers access to post and sell a wider array of inventory. Season ticket holders and brokers can list sections with obstructions. These cheaper seats may sell to bargain shoppers able to accept the drawbacks. Both primary and secondary ticket sellers benefit from moving inventory that may otherwise go unsold to fans unwilling to pay higher prices.
Buyer awareness
While obstructions are often unavoidable based on venue design, sellers also want to promote transparency with customers. Calling out view challenges helps manage expectations and reduce complaints or refund requests after purchase. Phrases like “limited view” or “obstructed view” alert buyers at the point of ticket selection. This allows them to factor the restrictions into their purchase decision versus feeling deceived afterwards.
Types of obstructions
Listings may cite different causes for limited views including:
- Overhangs – As referenced earlier, upper decks or balcony outcroppings can impair sightlines below for patrons looking straight ahead.
- Off-angles – Sections at sharp corners or edges away from the center have viewing angles that reduce visibility.
- Jumbotrons – In stadiums and arenas, large overhead video scoreboards can partially obstruct views too.
- Catwalks – Lighting grids, sound booms, and backstage catwalks above stages in theaters and arenas can limit visibility.
- Standing room only – For general admission shows or events with open floor plans, moving crowds can make sustained clear views difficult from designated standing zones.
Of course, obstructions are subjective. Younger fans may adapt and shift spots as needed. However, older patrons and those unable to stand and move for long periods may suffer more discontent. Again, awareness sets proper expectations.
Floor elevation
Venues like theaters stack rows of seating on elevating tiers above lower sections. However, the lowest rows near the front may still sit below the level of the stage. This sinking feeling reduces visibility for the front edge of the floor section. Patrons may need to lean and peer upward to see over patrons’ heads or around other obstructions.
Consumer choices
With “obstructed view” seats clearly labeled, consumers have three options:
- Pay higher prices for unobstructed views in center sections closer to the stage.
- Accept an obstruction and attend at a lower price point.
- Reject obstructed tickets and sit out shows or events at that particular venue.
Savvy fans understand trade-offs between price and experience. Obstructed view listings give them the choice to attend or not. Secondary market sellers take on some of the risk that these sections go unsold. Meanwhile, venues can price dynamically and test consumer willingness to pay. This leads to optimal revenue across all sections balanced against customer satisfaction.
Future solutions
While obstructions remain a reality based on venue construction, technology could play a role improving visibility:
- Enhanced displays – High-resolution digital screens and displays integrated front and center into staging and seating bowls ensure fans don’t miss key moments and activities.
- Smart glasses – Emerging augmented reality glasses beaming video and images directly into patrons’ field of view could make obstructions irrelevant.
- Expanded options – Secondary market exchanges could allow obstruction ticket holders to bid and upgrade seating when available for higher demand events.
Conclusion
Restricted view tickets arise from varied venue designs, market-based ticket pricing, and resale site integrations. While less ideal than front-row center seats, labeled listings help set expectations so patrons can make informed purchase decisions. As technology evolves, obstructed views could become a thing of the past. But for now, transparency and smart choices help fans get in the door at otherwise sold out shows.