The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most iconic and famous outdoor amphitheaters in the world. Located in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, California, this beautiful venue can seat up to 17,500 people and host concerts, plays, and other live performances throughout the summer months. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets to a show at the Hollywood Bowl, you may be wondering – can you change seats once you’re inside if you don’t like where you’re sitting? Let’s take a closer look at the policies and options for changing seats at the Hollywood Bowl.
Policies on Changing Seats
In general, the official policy of the Hollywood Bowl states that patrons are not allowed to move from their ticketed seats. Your specific seat assignment is printed on your ticket, and you are expected to only sit in those seats. Stadium staff strictly enforce this policy and will ask you to return to your proper location if they notice you sitting somewhere other than your assigned spot.
There are a few understandable exceptions to this rule:
- If there are open seats near you because the ticket holders did not show up, you may move down to occupy those vacant spots.
- If your original seat has an obstructed view, you can request to move to an open seat with a clearer view of the stage.
- Those with accessibility needs may move closer to accommodate a disability.
Aside from those specific examples, the Bowl wants all patrons sitting in their designated place to avoid confusion and congestion. Changing locations on a whim is generally prohibited without permission from staff members first.
When Can You Request a Seat Change?
Knowing the strict policies, when should you inquire about changing your seats if needed? Here are some appropriate times:
- If you arrive and find your view obstructed, immediately ask an usher if you can move to a better location.
- If you have mobility issues, request an accommodation to move closer upon arrival.
- If seats around you remain empty once the performance starts, you can ask to fill in those spots.
- During intermission is another opportunity to request a move – but it’s not guaranteed.
Ideally, you should scope out your seat location as soon as you enter and address any issues right away. The earlier you ask and the more reasonable your request, the more likely staff can accommodate a change. But you should never presume you can sit somewhere else without getting approval first.
How to Request a Seat Change
If you determine you need or want to move locations, how should you go about requesting a seat change? Here are some tips:
- Politely get the attention of an usher or staff member and explain your situation.
- Have your ticket ready to show them your assigned seat.
- Calmly request moving to another open seat and explain why – obstruction, accessibility issue, etc.
- Be cooperative if they cannot accommodate your request.
- Ask when would be an appropriate time to move if they say no – maybe intermission or after someone leaves.
The key is to be nice and understanding if they have to enforce the venue’s policies. Although not guaranteed, a kind attitude goes a long way in getting the staff to work with you on finding an alternative that works.
Can You Upgrade Your Seats?
Since you can’t willy-nilly change seats whenever you want, what about upgrading to better seats? Is there a way to pay more for a seat upgrade once inside the Hollywood Bowl if you don’t like your view?
Unfortunately, official upgrades are not really an option either. The only way to get better seats is to buy them – and that must be done in advance through the box office. However, if circumstances allow, the staff may permit you to move to unsold seats in a more expensive section. Some ways this could happen:
- Empty premium seats are still available near showtime.
- You ask nicely and the ushers are feeling generous.
- You offer to pay the difference in ticket cost.
As with any seat change though, this is not guaranteed. Do not expect to get upgraded just because you ask. It ultimately depends on availability and the discretion of Hollywood Bowl staff.
Can You Get a Refund if You Don’t Like Your Seats?
Since changing seats whenever you want is prohibited, what if you genuinely dislike your seat location when you arrive? Can you get a refund or exchange your tickets?
Unfortunately, the Hollywood Bowl does not offer refunds or exchanges simply because you don’t like your assigned seats. Your tickets are for specific numbered seats, so you agreed to sit there when buying. However, if your view is fully obstructed, you may be able to get a credit. Make sure to point out the obstruction to staff upon arrival -before the show starts – and politely ask if they can remedy the situation. In extreme cases of blocked views, they may issue a credit for a future event.
Pro Tips for Getting the Best Seats
Since seat changes and upgrades are never guaranteed, your best bet is to secure great seats from the start. Here are some pro tips for scoring the best Hollywood Bowl seats when booking:
- Buy early when selection is widest.
- Check the seating chart to gauge views from different sections.
- Read reviews of the venue to identify top areas.
- Aim for center and front sections near the stage.
- Pay extra for box seats if you can.
- Consider premium packages with perks like dining.
- Join as a subscriber to get advance booking access.
While not always cheap, paying more for the best sightlines and amenities results in the optimal experience at the Bowl. Trying to move or upgrade after the fact is difficult and not guaranteed. So get the seats you really want from the start!
Changing Seats is Discouraged but You Can Try
The Hollywood Bowl has established policies prohibiting patrons from freely changing seats during a performance. This helps them maintain order and avoid congestion issues. However, in limited reasonable circumstances, you may be able to move if you politely ask staff and seats are available. Upgrading on the fly is very unlikely though and you should buy the seats you want upfront when booking tickets. While not ideal, the Bowl’s seat change and upgrade rules help ensure a smooth experience for all.
Conclusion
The Hollywood Bowl aims to manage seating in an organized manner by requiring patrons to stay in their assigned spots. While you can request a seat change in certain understandable situations, moving around whenever you please is generally prohibited. Upgrades are also nearly impossible without buying better tickets in advance. Although the venue’s rules limit spontaneity, they are in place to create the best environment for patrons. Your best bet is purchasing the exact seats you desire when initially booking your tickets to a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl.