Going to a concert can be an exciting experience, especially if it’s for your favorite artist or band. However, not all seats at a concert venue are created equal. If you end up with a less than desirable seat, perhaps off to the side or behind an obstruction, you might be tempted to move to an empty seat that offers a better view of the stage. But is that allowed? Can you actually move to an empty seat at a concert if you don’t like where you’re sitting?
The short answer is usually no. Most concerts have assigned seating, meaning each ticket is for a specific seat. So even if a seat is empty, you typically can’t just take it upon yourself to move there. Venues don’t want patrons freely changing seats and potentially causing conflicts over seating assignments.
However, there are some exceptions and situations where moving seats at a concert may be allowed or at least feasible to get away with. Let’s take a closer look at the factors involved in whether seat changes are permitted at concerts.
General concert seating policies
In general, most major concert venues have clear policies prohibiting patrons from moving to empty seats other than what their ticket specifies. Ushers and security personnel are tasked with ensuring patrons only sit in their ticketed seats. Changing seats on your own is usually not tolerated.
Some venues may have ushers who allow minor seat changes if there is no conflict. But officially, the venue’s policy almost always prohibits changing seats without authorization. Patrons who refuse to comply risk being ejected from the event.
This general policy applies to most concerts at arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, clubs, theaters, and other dedicated music venues. Even if a section looks partially empty, venue staff do not want people deciding on their own where to sit.
So if you try moving seats at a typical concert, there is a good chance you’ll be told to return to your assigned seat unless you get specific permission. This is especially true for high-demand, sold-out shows where seating is tightly controlled.
Exceptions for general admission shows
The major exception to concert seating policies is for general admission or “GA” shows. At these concerts, there are no assigned seats or even chairs on the main floor.
General admission means it’s first-come, first-served for getting close to the stage. Fans rush in to stand in a pit area as close to the band as possible.
With general admission floor tickets, moving position is not only allowed but expected. Fans freely shift around the open floor area seeking a better vantage point. Getting closer to the stage is a key motivator for buying general admission tickets.
So at any concert advertised as general admission or festival-style seating, there are no restrictions on moving around for a better view. Just keep in mind these events also tend to be more densely packed, making significant movement challenging.
Moving closer in reserved seating
What about moving to empty seats that are closer or have a better view than your assigned seats? While not technically allowed, fans at many concerts still try upgrading their seats this way.
In large venues with multiple seating levels, ushers can’t monitor every aisle constantly. This creates opportunities for patrons to discretely slip into emptier front sections.
Similar tactics can work at general reserved seat shows where the back looks full but the front has scattered vacancies. Patrons seeing a prime empty seat up close are often tempted to seize the chance.
However, this is still considered seat theft and comes with risks:
– The actual ticket holder could show up later demanding their seat. Getting caught puts you in the awkward position of having to move back mid-show.
– Venue staff may notice and make you return to your original seat, even if it remains empty. Ushers are trained to spot these seat switches.
– At high-demand concerts, premium front rows are closely watched to prevent seat theft, making upgrades unlikely.
– You can potentially be ejected for repeatedly disregarding seat assignments.
While tempting, trying to move closer via empty premium seats is tricky. Tread carefully or just stay put to be safe.
When ushers allow seat changes
In some cases, venue ushers and staff may grant permission for seat changes. Here are some common scenarios where moving seats could be approved:
– Partially empty sections: If large chunks of seats clearly remain open, ushers have more leeway to let patrons shift to another empty seat. This is especially true late into a show when fixed seating becomes less critical.
– Obstructed views: Ushers can authorize moving if your original seat has an obstructed sightline. But alternatives are not guaranteed.
– Handicap accessible: If handicap or companion seats are unused, those with needs may be allowed to move there. Proper credentials are usually required.
– Unsold premium seats: Some venues will open up unsold front row or VIP seats if unoccupied late into the show, at ushers’ discretion. Don’t assume availability though.
– Medical reasons: Having a doctor’s note for medical conditions like vertigo or anxiety may persuade staff to OK seat changes.
– Competing events: For concerts scheduled against major sports or other events, ushers tend to care less about strict seat enforcement.
– Usher empathy: If you nicely explain how a different open seat would dramatically improve your experience, some ushers take pity and allow a change. But policies still forbid it.
While exceptions exist, you should never count on being allowed to move seats. If a switch is essential and permitted, always ask ushers first to get their approval.
When is moving least likely to be an issue?
Although every venue differs, there are some scenarios when moving to alternative empty seats poses lower risk:
– Smaller club shows with open seating near the stage tend to be less strict about staying put. General admission principles often apply.
– At shows far from selling out, ushers are less concerned with seat hopping, especially late into the event. But ask before moving.
– Classical music and live theater are typically more lax about seat assignments as patrons are quieter and shows have intermissions for movement.
– Industry/VIP events: When sections are set aside for say music professionals or radio contest winners, seat rules relax since everyone there has connections.
– Jam band concerts are known for more shuffled free-form seating as fans migrate for better improv music views.
– Daytime and weekday shows that aren’t sold out have more leeway. Ushers may even proactively offer seat upgrades.
– Seated orchestral concerts often have looser rules dictating exact seat locations.
– Outdoor festival seating in temporary stands built on grass or dirt tend to encourage more movement for better sight lines.
While these types of shows provide more flexibility, you should still quietly ask ushers before moving rather than assume it’s OK.
Ways to maximize chances of getting a better seat
If your existing concert seat is unsatisfactory, here are some tips for potentially getting moved:
– Politely explain to an usher how your current seat has an obstructed view or other problem that is negatively impacting your concert experience. Say you noticed open better seats and ask if moving might be possible. Don’t make demands.
– Arrive as early as possible when gates open to get in the venue and scope out where potential vacancies may be. You can even note seat numbers. Then make requests once the show starts if those seats remain empty.
– Attend with a small group of 2-3 and strategically split up to leave pairs of open seats between you and then ask to move. Ushers don’t want singles left among groups.
– Buy the very front rows if possible. Even if corners, they put you closest to potential openings down the center that could arise.
– For outdoor shows with lawn seating, arrive early and spread out blankets or chairs near the front of the lawn before crowds fill in behind you.
– Check seat maps ahead of time and look for sections with partial availability that could open up seats together. Target requests in those areas.
– Politely ask different ushers as some are more flexible than others on allowing changes. But don’t be too pushy if denied.
– Offer to show ushers your ticket stub so they can see you paid for a legitimate seat, just hoping to find an unsold better one.
Ethical considerations when moving seats
While seeking out a prime empty seat might seem harmless, there are some ethical implications to consider:
– You take a seat someone else paid for: That ticket holder could still arrive and deserves their assigned location.
– It skirts venue rules and undermines staff who are just doing their jobs enforcing policies.
– At sold out shows, you displace others who would’ve bought that seat: Popular seats sell at premium prices that you avoided paying.
– People may save seats for friends and family late arriving: Taking their seats can create confusion and conflicts.
– You set an example for others to poach seats, causing chaos venue staff then have to address.
– Short customers mean lost concession sales for the venue, which isn’t fair to the organization hosting you.
– You risk getting valued venue employees in trouble if caught being too lenient with seating policies.
Seat stealing also builds up negative karma! So while moving up may increase your concert fun, it does come at an ethical cost. Use good judgment in your actions.
Policies for sold out, very high-demand and seated shows
For extremely popular concerts that instantly sell out – think major rock bands, top 40 pop stars, or legacy acts – seat moving flexibility basically disappears. Venues are strictest about seating adherence when demand is highest.
High-demand, sold out stadium shows often have seat numbers printed on wristbands to prevent switching. Or patrons must enter with their entire group. Premium seats have extra ushers guarding empty chairs until show time in case late VIPs arrive.
At the most in-demand concerts, seat changing is a non-starter. Even ultra premium areas like front row or VIP sections are closely watched. Unless you actually pay to upgrade, your chances of getting moved to empty better seats are essentially zero.
Likewise, all-seated classical, jazz, acoustic and theatrical concerts tend to have formal assigned seating that is closely followed, even if not technically sold out. Moving to open seats in middle or front sections is unlikely without staff approval.
Policies at small, general admission clubs and theaters
On the opposite end of the spectrum from sold out arenas are smaller club shows with general admission policies. Most small to midsize venues with standing room or open floor plans have looser attitudes about patron movement.
Club concerts typically consist of a standing pit up front, reserved tables in the back, and open seating around the periphery. There is constant jostling for position as fans try getting closer. Unless barricades are up, moving forward is standard practice.
Small club environments also have dim lighting, loud volume, cash bars, and no reserved stadium style seating. All these factors make it near impossible for tight seat monitoring. Fans often freely migrate forward as long as they don’t occupy marked VIP zones.
The same dynamic applies at older theaters converted to concert halls. Originally built for plays and Symphony, these venues now host pop bands and revue shows. Patrons gravitate toward the stage over the course of a performance without much resistance.
General admission translates to general movement freedom. As long as you don’t disrupt the show or other patrons, small venue staff tends to let fans find the experience they desire.
Policies for outdoor concerts and festivals with lawn seating
Outdoor concerts, especially multi-act festivals, also grant spectators substantial ability to reposition themselves for better views. This includes shows at:
– Amphitheaters with expansive lawn seating
– Fairgrounds and racetracks
– Stadiums with festival seating on the field
– Public parks and event grounds
Lawn seating is first come, first served. There are no assigned spots on grassy slopes and benches. So you can arrive early to claim prime real estate up front, or shift around the lawn during the show seeking your ideal vantage point.
The same flexibility applies to open floor festival seating down front at barricades. It’s like indoor general admission: pack in tight and get close as you can handle. Moving forward is expected.
For elevated reserved seating, outdoor venues may have slightly more flexibility on moving closer to the stage. But you still need to ask ushers first before switching sections. Don’t automatically assume you can occupy better open seats.
Outdoors, sound and lighting quality also vary dramatically based on location. Savvy concert fans migrate to sweet spots for optimal audio and visuals. Within reason, venue staff recognizes this reality and permits more movement to dial in the best experience.
Should you try moving seats if unsatisfied?
If your ticketed seat is unsatisfactory, is it worth trying to move? Here are some pros and cons to weigh:
Potential advantages:
– You get a direct sightline if your original seat was blocked. Seeing the stage vastly improves any concert.
– Being closer immerses you more fully in the performance energetically.
– Crowds thin out as you get closer, allowing room to dance and vibe.
– Sound quality can improve away from echoey bleachers or distracting side sections.
– You avoid feeling like you completely missed out on a prime experience, even with cheaper seats.
Potential disadvantages:
– You still might get rejected and have to stay put, feeling more bummed than ever.
– You risk ejection if caught by grumpy staff, forfeiting the concert entirely.
– The ethical issues create unease about enjoying an ill-gotten seat upgrade.
– You could get caught later on camera or by the actual ticket holder and face repercussions.
– By supporting seat stealing, you make the practice more prevalent, harming overall concert experiences.
– You can lose party members if forced to split up. Moving alone also increases suspicion.
– The new seat turns out no better than your original, just different.
There are solid arguments on both sides. Ultimately it’s a judgment call based on your personality, ethics and risk tolerance.
Policies for private skyboxes, suites and vip sections
Nearly all major indoor arenas and stadiums now include elite VIP zones with premium perks separate from general seating. These include:
– Private luxury suites with food/drink service and TVs
– Enclosed skybox lounges for corporate groups to entertain
– Glitzy club spaces like floor-level lounges and loge boxes
Access to these areas requires special credentials and massive spend minimums. They are never open for public seating upgrades or moves.
Luxury suites in particular are strictly reserved for long term contract holders who pay $100K+ annually for catering and private entry. Individual suites can cost over $1 million for top teams. Walk-in visits are impossible.
The same goes for exclusive clubs like stadium field-level lounges where tables run tens of thousands per game or show. Getting past security into these VIP zones unauthorized means immediate ejection.
Finally, most stadiums have outside suites on party decks where groups hold private tailgates. Fans can’t wander into other groups’ tailgate celebrations and food/drink without invites. Private means private.
Conclusion
At most standard concerts, moving to empty seats other than your assigned ticket is technically prohibited. Venues don’t want patrons freely swapping seats and causing chaos.
However, the rules tend to relax for general admission and festival events where standing and roaming are expected. Outdoor shows and minor clubs also permit more seat changes, especially later into events.
While persuasive ushers may grant exceptions, never assume it’s OK to take vacant better seats. Ask staff first before attempting any upgrade. Understand that getting caught could mean ejection.
In rare cases of high-demand sold out events, seat assignments are strictly enforced with no leeway. But for lower key shows with plenty of open spots, the majority of fans can likely find improved empty seats as long as they are discreet and courteous.
So be selective when deciding whether to seek out a seat change. Assess the vibe, venue rules, crowd size and type of concert when weighing your options. With some diplomacy and strategic timing, a worthwhile seat upgrade just might be possible.