Let’s face it—live shows are better when you’ve got the right seat. I’ve been to enough concerts, comedy sets, and Broadway productions over the years to know this: your seat can make or break your night. The sound, the view, the vibe—every bit of it matters.
Whether you’re catching your favorite band at an arena, laughing through a comedy show, or treating yourself to a touring Broadway hit, here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way and the smart way) about choosing the best seats—and how to find them, especially on the resale market.
For The Best Seats: Get to Know the Venue First
Before you start browsing tickets, take a few minutes to review the venue’s seating chart. You’ll want to know:
- Where the stage is
- What areas are considered premium
- Which sections might have a limited or obstructed view
Obstructed View, Limited View, or Partial Obstruction usually means the seat doesn’t offer a full view of the stage. Venues label these seats differently, and sellers are expected to pass that information along—but not all know the exact degree of obstruction. Always double-check the notes on the listing.
Also, watch out for soundboards or lighting towers that might block your line of sight. And don’t overlook elevated sections. Often, seats slightly higher up (especially lower mezzanine or balcony) offer a better view than floor rows.
Accessible Seating Tip
Need ADA seating? Choose a platform that lets you filter for “Accessibility Options.” Listings with accessible seats will usually include “ADA Accessible” in the seller’s notes. Keep in mind, because of how the resale market works, accessible seating isn’t always available for every event. It’s smart to act early, and when in doubt, call the venue directly to confirm their policies.
Pro Tip
Always read the seller’s notes. You’d be surprised how much they reveal about the seat—both its perks and potential pitfalls.
For The Best Seats: Use Filters to Save Time and Sanity
There’s nothing worse than clicking through page after page of tickets that don’t match your needs. That’s why I rely on platforms that curate the number of listings and make it easy to filter by:
- Price range
- Seat location (section and row)
- ADA Accessibility
- Quantity of seats available
Planning for a budget? Start low and work your way up until you hit that sweet spot between cost and experience.
For The Best Seats: Match Your Seat to the Event Type
Not all seats are ideal for every type of event. Here’s how I usually break it down:
- Concerts: If you’re all about the energy, floor seats are for you. Want a better view or sound quality? Look for lower bowl or front mezzanine.
- Theatre: Center orchestra is the dream, but front mezzanine often gives a fantastic view—and sometimes a better deal.
- Comedy: Get close. You catch more expressions, timing, and energy up front.
- Festivals or General Admission Events: Arrive early or consider a VIP upgrade for a more relaxed experience.
Let your goals guide your choice. Energy? Clarity? Value? There’s no wrong answer—only what’s right for you.
Price Isn’t Everything
Just because a ticket costs more doesn’t always mean it offers the best view or experience for your goals. On the resale market, prices are based on demand, so two seats in the same section might be listed at different prices depending on when and how they were acquired.
Look for platforms that help highlight value—where location, view, and price come together. I especially appreciate sites that surface “best seats for the best price” listings to help you find hidden gems without endless scrolling.
Understand What You’re Buying
Here’s a quick breakdown of common ticket types:
- General Admission (GA): No assigned seats. First-come, first-served.
- SRO (Standing Room Only): You’ll be standing, often in a designated area.
- Pit: A GA section right in front of the stage. High energy, high crowd density.
- Lawn: Casual, often in the back of outdoor venues. Bring a blanket if allowed.
If you see section/row/seat numbers on GA tickets, don’t panic. Those are often for inventory tracking only.
For The Best Seats: Look for Buyer-Friendly Tools
When I’m shopping for tickets, I look for platforms that offer:
- Mobile-friendly browsing
- Filters for price, section, ADA access, and more
- Clear seller notes (for perks like VIP access or parking)
Some even use algorithms to recommend the best seats based on your preferences—a huge time saver.
Know Your Ticket Delivery Method May Vary
If the event’s coming up soon, the delivery method matters. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Email Delivery: Tickets sent via email with a link to print.
- Instant Download: Ready to print within minutes after confirmation.
- Mobile E-Tickets: Sent via email to display on your smartphone—no printing needed.
- Shipped Tickets: Hardstock tickets sent via UPS with tracking.
- AXS Mobile ID: Requires an AXS account and app for scanning at the venue.
- Electronic Transfer: Tickets transferred electronically to your account.
- Special Delivery: Includes Local Pickup, Will Call, or Paperless Tickets tied to a credit card.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on your email. Once your tickets are ready, you’ll get delivery instructions. Especially on the secondary market, tickets might not be released until closer to the event. Look for platforms that offer assurances and protection about timely ticket delivery.
Know the Secondary Market
Many platforms today are part of the secondary market, which means:
- Tickets are listed by individual resellers or brokers
- Inventory moves fast—and prices fluctuate with demand
The Best Seat Is the One That Works for You
Some people want to be front and center. Others just want to be in the building soaking it all in. Figure out your priorities—energy, clarity, price—and use the tools to find your best match.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s finding the seat that makes your experience unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been to hundreds of live events, and here’s what I know for sure: the perfect seat isn’t always the priciest or the closest. It’s the one that fits you—your night, your vibe, your moment.
Take the time to explore your options, use the tools smartly, and trust the process. With a little know-how, you’ll end up with a seat and an experience you’ll be thrilled about.
See you at the show—wherever your perfect seat is!
Start your seat search at Tickets-Center.com
Download Our Free Seat Choosing Checklist
FAQs
Where can I go to get information about my tickets?
Explore the most frequently asked ticket questions and their corresponding answers here.
I’ve already placed my order, when will it arrive?
Contact Tickets-Center here.