Golden Circle tickets give you access to a special area at the front of the stage at concerts and shows. They are more expensive than standard tickets but get you closer to the action. Whether Golden Circle tickets are worth it depends on your budget, how big a fan you are of the artist, and your concert experience priorities.
What are Golden Circle tickets?
Golden Circle tickets (sometimes called VIP tickets) give access to a cordoned off area at the very front of the stage, right by the action. The number of Golden Circle tickets available is limited, usually to a few hundred per show.
They go on sale at the same time as standard tickets but sell out fast as they are snapped up by die-hard fans. Prices are 2-3 times higher than standard tickets.
Golden Circle ticket perks
Here are the key perks Golden Circle tickets give you:
- Get very close to the stage, usually within 10 rows
- Early access before standard ticket holders
- Private bar with no queue
- Exclusive merchandise stand
- Better viewing angles than standard tickets
The proximity to the stage is the biggest perk. You’ll get amazing up-close views and may even interact with band members.
Are Golden Circle tickets worth the price?
Whether Golden Circle tickets are worth paying extra for depends on these factors:
Your budget
Golden Circle tickets are a big splurge, often 2-3 times more expensive. Here are sample prices:
Concert | Standard ticket | Golden Circle ticket |
---|---|---|
Ed Sheeran | $80 | $230 |
Taylor Swift | $150 | $400 |
Foo Fighters | $70 | $200 |
If you’re on a tight budget, it may be hard to justify spending over $200 extra per ticket. But for a once-in-a-lifetime show it could be worth a splurge.
How big a fan you are
Hardcore, die-hard fans may happily pay over the odds to get up close to their idols. For example, parents of teenagers who are One Direction obsessed often buy Golden Circle tickets to keep their kids happy.
Occasional listeners who just want a fun concert night out will find the premium hard to justify.
Your concert experience priorities
Think about what matters most to you at a show:
- Closeness – Being near the stage trumps everything
- Atmosphere – You want to soak up the buzz and excitement
- View – You care most about your sight lines
- Sound – Audio quality is more important than proximity
- Cost – You want to minimize how much you spend
If closeness is your top priority or you love the exclusive VIP feel, Golden Circle tickets are a good choice.
But if audio quality matters more than proximity, you may actually get better sound and value from standard seats at mid-tier.
Type of show and music
Golden Circle tickets tend to provide more value at:
- High energy rock/pop shows with audience interaction
- Festivals with multiple stages like Coachella
- Outdoor concerts where it’s general admission standing
Being close to the action is part of the experience at these lively shows.
They may provide less value at mellow acoustic or orchestral shows where the sound is more constant throughout the venue.
Pros of Golden Circle tickets
Here are the biggest advantages of Golden Circle tickets:
Unrivaled closeness
Proximity to the superstar you’ve come to see can’t be beat. Golden Circle gets you as close as any standard ticket holder can hope for.
You’ll get a priceless memory of making fleeting eye contact with your idol or them singing just to you.
Exclusive VIP access
The Golden Circle gives you exclusive amenities and access:
- Private bar with no queues
- First entry to secure your spot
- Guaranteed prime standing or seating
- VIP wristband or lanyard for prestige
This makes the experience feel more special and intimate.
Bragging rights
Let’s be honest, part of the lure of Golden Circle access is getting those Instagram snaps and videos right by the stage that your friends will envy.
The social media bragging rights of being front row for your favorite band are hard to put a price on.
Cons of Golden Circle tickets
Here are the downsides of paying extra for Golden Circle:
Significant extra cost
Golden Circle tickets can cost 200-400% more than standard tickets. That’s a lot of extra money from your entertainment budget.
Overpriced reseller tickets on secondary markets like Viagogo can be even more inflated in price. This may put Golden Circle out of reach.
Worse sound quality
Ironically, despite being closest to the band, sound quality can suffer in the Golden Circle.
The speakers are usually angled outwards for the main crowd, so audio is not as crisp right upfront. If sound is key, a mid-tier seat is often better.
Obstructed sight lines
When everyone stands up, views can easily get blocked in busy Golden Circle sections as people jostle for position. Shorter people may struggle to see over the crowds.
If clear sight lines are a priority, an elevated seat at the back gives a better perspective.
Who should buy Golden Circle tickets?
Here are the fans that tend to get the most value from Golden Circle tickets:
- Teenagers seeing their idols like 5SOS
- Superfans who know all the lyrics
- Repeat concert goers for whom every show is special
- Big groups who want a VIP experience
- Photographers wanting close-up shots
These hardcore fans have an innately higher willingness to pay for proximity and access. The premium price is justified by memories, social media content, and bragging rights.
Who can likely skip Golden Circle tickets?
Here are the fans who usually don’t need to pay extra for Golden Circle access:
- Casual listeners who just want to hear the hits
- Those on a tight budget
- Shorter people for whom views will be obstructed
- Audiophiles looking for the best sound
- Elderly people who want a reserved seat
For these groups, a cheaper upper tier or grandstand seat often gives a better experience. The extra cost of Golden Circle doesn’t provide enough extra value.
When are Golden Circle tickets your best bet?
Golden Circle tickets provide the most value when:
- It’s your absolute favorite band or artist
- The show is outdoors with no seating
- You want to experience festival headliners up close
- You can afford to splurge on a special occasion or gift
If it’s a once-in-a-lifetime show or artist you’re deeply passionate about, the lifetime memory can justify stretching your budget for Golden Circle.
How to get the most from your Golden Circle tickets
Here are some tips to maximize your Golden Circle experience:
Arrive early
Get to the venue 30-60 minutes before standard entry to get first pick of your spot. Scope out the stage layout to pick your primo position.
Bring a sharpie
Autographs and selfies with artists are a possibility in the Golden Circle. Have a marker handy just in case.
Charge up devices
Take lots of close-up photos and videos to document your exclusive access. A portable phone charger helps your device stay powered in the Golden Circle.
Use elevated shoes
Wearing discreet platform shoes or wedge sneakers can help shorter people get better sight lines.
Have reasonable expectations
Understand that even with Golden Circle tickets, selfies or autographs are rare, and views can still get obstructed. Manage expectations while still enjoying your special access.
Conclusion
Golden Circle tickets guarantee proximity for a premium price but don’t necessarily assure the best experience. Hardcore fans get the most bang for their buck from Golden Circle access. Casual concert goers can often get similar value and enjoyment from cheaper standard seats. Consider your budget, level of fandom, and experience priorities to decide if Golden Circle tickets are money well spent.