When you purchase a general admission ticket to a concert, sports game, or other event, you may be wondering – does this mean I can sit anywhere I want? The short answer is usually no, general admission does not give you free rein over all seating areas. However, there are some nuances to be aware of when it comes to general admission entrance and seating policies.
What is General Admission?
General admission refers to event tickets that do not assign the ticket holder to a specific seat or section. General admission tickets are first come, first served – you get in line and are admitted in the order that you arrive.
Once inside the venue, general admission ticket holders are typically restricted to certain standing room only or unreserved seating sections. These are usually in areas behind reserved seating or off to the side, like on the lawn at an amphitheater concert. General admission gives you access to the venue but not necessarily everywhere in the venue.
Where You Can and Can’t Sit with General Admission
So if general admission doesn’t give you free reign, where can you sit or stand? Here are some guidelines on general admission seating policies:
- Standing room only sections – Most general admission tickets will allow access to designated standing room only or “pit” areas. This is popular at concerts so fans can get closer to the stage.
- Upper levels – In sports stadiums or large theaters, general admission may give access to upper decks or nosebleed sections.
- Outdoor lawn seating – For outdoor amphitheaters, general admission often means sitting on the lawn behind reserved covered pavilion seats.
- First come, first served benches or bleachers – Some general admission sections have unlocked bleachers or benches that are first come, first served.
However, there are typically off-limit areas for general admission ticket holders, such as:
- Lower reserved seating – You can’t sit in individually marked seats unless you purchased that specific seat.
- VIP or premium sections – Special clubs, suites, and premium areas are off limits without the right ticket.
- Front pit areas – For some concerts, there are separate general admission pit tickets to control crowded front areas.
Strategies for Getting the Best General Admission Seats
If general admission seating is first come, first served, what can you do to get the best available spots? Here are some tips:
- Arrive early – Get in line well ahead of time before the doors open to be one of the first inside.
- Research the layout – Study the venue seating chart so you know where you want to head once admitted.
- Scope out entrances – Some general admission sections may have shorter lines at less obvious entrances.
- Head for high ground – Climb to upper levels quickly for better sightlines before seats fill up.
- Pack light – Bring fewer bags and prohibited items to move through security and admission faster.
- Don’t sit in marked seats – Only sit in unreserved benches or bleachers to avoid getting kicked out.
When General Admission Has Assigned Seating
In some cases, general admission tickets will come with assigned seats rather than pure first come, first served seating:
- Festival seating – Some concerts have reserved festival sections with chairs that are first come, first served within that section only.
- Numbered general admission – Venues may number benches or bleachers in the general admission section for order upon entrance.
- Print-at-home reserved seats – Some general admission tickets let you pay more to reserve specific seats online in advance.
When general admission areas have assigned seats, be sure to only sit in your numbered seat rather than choosing random open spots.
Reasons for General Admission Seating
Why do some venues use general admission? Here are some of the advantages:
- Lower prices – General admission is usually the cheapest ticket option making events affordable.
- High capacity – It allows more people and ticket sales by utilizing standing room areas.
- Fan experience – General admission creates a lively, close-knit party atmosphere and rewards dedicated fans.
- Reduced ticket distributor fees – Venues can sell directly to fans instead of using ticketing services if seats aren’t assigned.
The main tradeoff is that the quality of seating and personal space is not guaranteed compared to buying an assigned seat. Fans must be willing to put in more effort to get the best experience.
Policies for Children and Disabilities
Certain groups may receive exceptions or require accommodations with general admission seating:
- Children – Those under a certain age may be required to sit in a reserved seat or with an adult.
- Disabilities – Accommodations must be provided for wheelchair access and viewing areas.
- Medical concerns – Venues may allow early admission for pregnancy, claustrophobia, and other conditions.
Check ahead of time for any policies related to health, age, or disabilities for the event you are attending.
Final Thoughts
While general admission gives you access to an event, it does not automatically give you unlimited seating choice or the best views. With some savvy planning and effort, you can make the most of general admission. But it’s important to follow all venue policies and not intrude into off-limit reserved sections. Ultimately general admission offers a fun and affordable way to experience concerts, games, and performances if you are flexible with your seating expectations.
Seating Area | General Admission Access |
---|---|
Standing room/pit | Yes |
Upper levels | Yes |
Outdoor lawn | Yes |
Lower reserved seats | No |
VIP/premium sections | No |
Tips for Getting the Best Seats
Arrive Early
Get in line well before doors open to be first inside when general admission begins.
Study Layout
Review venue seating chart ahead of time so you know where you want to sit.
Pack Light
Don’t bring extra items to move through security and admission faster.
Take the Stairs
Climb upper levels quickly before seats fill up for the best sightlines.
Conclusion
General admission seating gives you access to see the event but not necessarily the best views. With some planning like arriving early, knowing the layout, and moving quickly, you can get the best available spots. Just be sure to follow all venue policies and not sit in off-limit reserved areas. For a fun, affordable experience, general admission allows you to be part of the crowd and energy, even if you can’t sit just anywhere.