Concert venues use a variety of methods to number and organize their seats. The most common approaches are sequential numbering, section and row numbering, and seat numbering relative to the stage. Knowing how seats are numbered in a particular venue can help concertgoers select their desired location when purchasing tickets.
Sequential Numbering
Some venues simply number all seats in sequence, starting from 1 and increasing until all seats are numbered. This straightforward approach numbers seats without regard to location – seats are numbered in the order they are arranged throughout the venue. Sequential numbering is common in smaller music halls and theaters.
Section and Row
Larger venues like arenas and stadiums typically divide seating into sections, rows, and seats. Sections refer to different seating areas, usually divided by aisles. Rows are numbered within each section. Seats are then numbered within each row.
For example, a seat number may be listed as “Section B, Row 5, Seat 12.” This tells the concertgoer that their seat is in Section B, the 5th row of that section, and it’s specifically the 12th seat in Row 5.
Section and row numbering provides more context on the general location of a seat within the venue. It’s a common approach for larger concert halls that have multiple seating sections.
Relative to Stage
Some venues number seats based on their position relative to the stage. Seats closer to the stage get lower numbers, while seats further back get higher numbers. For example, the front row may be labeled as Row 1 or Row A, the next Row 2 or Row B, and so on.
This approach gives a sense of how close or far a seat is from the stage. It’s useful for concertgoers who want to gauge the proximity of their seats when purchasing tickets. Relative numbering is often used in amphitheaters and other sloped or tiered seating venues.
Numbering Methods by Venue Type
The approach used to number seats varies based on the size and layout of the concert venue.
Theaters
Smaller theaters typically use sequential numbering, numbering seats from 1 to the total number of seats. Some theaters may divide seating into orchestra and balcony sections, with sequentially numbered rows within each section.
Theaters in the round, with seating surrounding a central stage, may number seats relative to the stage. Seats closest to the stage have lower numbers, while seats further away have higher numbers.
Music Halls
Mid-sized music halls use section and row numbering. Seats are divided into seating sections, usually separated by aisles. Rows within each section are numbered, with seat numbers within each row.
For example, a 1,000 seat music hall may have Sections A, B, and C. Each section has 25 rows, numbered 1 to 25. Each row has around 20 seats, numbered from 1 to 20. So a seat number could be A15, 10 – meaning Section A, Row 15, Seat 10.
This provides concertgoers with a sense of the general location of their seats within the music hall.
Amphitheaters
Outdoor amphitheaters have tiered or sloped seating facing a stage. The most common approach is numbering relative to the stage.Rows closest to the stage are labeled with letters or numbers like 1, 2, or A, B, C. Rows get progressively higher letters or numbers the further back they are from the stage.
Within each row, seats may be numbered sequentially from left to right. Relative numbering lets concertgoers quickly identify seats that are closer versus further from the stage when selecting tickets.
Arenas
Large arenas have seating capacities in the tens of thousands and host the biggest touring acts and concerts. Arenas use section, row, and seat numbering to organize their massive seating.
Sections divide the arena into seating areas, usually grouped by level or tier. For example, floors may be divided into Floor A, Floor B, Floor C sections. Upper decks or levels use section numbers like 200 Level, 300 Level.
Rows within each section are numbered, typically starting from row 1. Seats are numbered within each row. Most arenas have seating charts available online that show section, row, and seat numbers to help concertgoers pick seats.
Stadiums
Stadium concerts have similar numbering to arenas but on an even larger scale. Seating areas are divided into sections by level or tier. Rows within each section are numbered sequentially. Seats are numbered within each row.
Some key differences – stadiums may have many more sections as they have larger seating capacities. Row numbers go much higher within each section compared to arenas. Stadiums also often have field-level floor seating, sometimes called “pit” seating, for general admission near the stage.
Numbering Conventions by Seat Location
Venues use certain numbering conventions for specific seat locations and categories. These include:
Front Row
The front row closest to the stage is typically labeled as Row 1 or Row A across all venue types. In amphitheaters, the front section may be Row AA or something similar to indicate its premier position right by the stage.
Floor Seating
Floors or field levels are generally reserved seating nearest the stage. In arenas and stadiums, floor sections are usually numbered from F1, F2, F3, etc. Floor row and seat numbers may follow standard conventions.
Some amphitheaters have a pit floor area for general admission standing room only. This pit area isn’t numbered but is separate from reserved floor seating behind it.
Box Seats
Enclosed box seats are premium ticket locations found in some theaters, halls, and stadiums. Boxes typically have unique numbering like Box 1, Box 2 for identification. Some boxes have multiple rows, in which case seats are numbered within each row.
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair accessible seating is reserved for disabled patrons and their companions. These seats are marked with special signs and numbering. Common labels include WC for wheelchair or ACC for accessible.
Tips for Finding Your Seats
Here are some tips for locating your concert seats easily using the seat number:
- Arrive early to locate your section, row, and seat number without last minute rushing.
- Have your ticket ready to match seat info to section signs and posted row and seat numbers.
- Ushers can help point you to the right section if you can’t find it.
- For large venues, check venue maps online ahead of time to visualize section and row locations.
- In theaters, count the number of rows from the front to find your row number.
- For general admission shows, aim for early entry to get closer seats unless you prefer further back.
Purchasing Tickets by Seat Number
When buying concert tickets, seat numbers give helpful clues to location:
- Lower seat numbers are typically closer to the stage.
- Higher numbers are further back.
- Center sections near the middle have better views than far left or right sections.
- Avoid behind-stage or obstructed view seats if possible.
- Floor seats come at a premium price but offer proximity.
- Upper decks and back rows have cheaper tickets but distant views.
Refer to the seating chart and ask the seller questions if the seat number location isn’t clear.
Conclusion
Concert venues use different seat numbering methods, but the approaches all aim to help ticket buyers identify the location of their seats. Sequential numbering works for small venues, while section, row, and seat numbers are better for large arenas and stadiums. Numbering relative to the stage also conveys valuable proximity information. Understanding how seats are numbered takes the guesswork out of finding the right concert vantage point.
Venue Type | Numbering Approach | Example |
---|---|---|
Theater | Sequential | Seat 1, Seat 2, Seat 3… |
Music Hall | Section, Row, Seat | Section B, Row 10, Seat 15 |
Amphitheater | Relative to Stage | Row A, Row B, Row C… |
Arena | Section, Row, Seat | Section 112, Row 8, Seat 18 |
Stadium | Section, Row, Seat | Section 236, Row 56, Seat 7 |
Numbering for Special Seats
Seat Type | Numbering Approach |
---|---|
Front Row | Row 1 or Row A |
Floor Seating | F1, F2, F3… |
Box Seats | Box 1, Box 2… |
Wheelchair Access | WC or ACC |