When it comes to seeing Taylor Swift live in concert, every fan wants to secure the best seats possible to maximize their experience. Though Taylor puts on an incredible show seen from anywhere in the venue, some seats are better than others when considering factors like proximity to the stage, viewing angles, and ticket prices. Let’s explore whether there is truly a “bad seat” at a Taylor Swift concert.
What makes a “good” concert seat?
There are a few key factors that contribute to a prime concert viewing experience:
- Close distance to the stage
- Direct, unobstructed view of the stage and screens
- Positioned in the center section facing the stage rather than at awkward side angles
- Elevated seat or standing area versus lower bowl seats
- Surrounded by energetic fans instead of empty seats or aisles
- Delivering great value for money spent on the ticket
Ideally, a “good seat” checks off all of the boxes above. The closer you are to the action on stage, the better. Central, head-on views of the performance are preferred over tricky side angles. Upper bowls or lower bowls near the rear sacrifice proximity but gain the benefit of elevated sight lines over crowds. Floor seats are coveted for their extreme closeness despite also demanding the highest prices. In general, seats toward the middle areas of a section deliver more consistency than outlier seats on the edges or behind obstructions.
What are the “best” seats at a Taylor Swift concert?
The universally accepted “best” tickets at a Taylor Swift show are undoubtedly floor seats, especially those closest to the center B-stage runway protruding from the main stage. Here is a ranking of the top concert seats:
- Front row floor seats in the first few sections directly facing the main stage, closest to the B-stage runway entrance
- Floor seats a few rows back from the front in central sections near B-stage
- Front row seats of the lower bowl near the extended catwalks on the main floor
- Front row seats of the lower bowl in the center sections nearest the main stage
- Front row seats of the upper bowls in center sections
Taylor makes excellent use of the entire venue during her shows, traversing extended stage walkways and singing directly to fans at the front. Prime seats place you immediately in the thick of the action rather than far off at a distance. Her constant movement around the stage means those closest to multiple areas like the B-stage have the most opportunities for proximity.
What are considered the “worst” seats?
On the flip side, some of the most undesirable seats at a Taylor Swift concert include:
- Obstructed view seats behind poles, speakers, or overhangs
- Partial view seats on the extreme edges of a section
- Top row of the upper bowl or last sections of the rear lower bowl
- Any seats behind the stage with view only of Taylor’s back
- Low-elevation seats on the far ends of catwalk extensions
- Isolated seats with many empty seats nearby
Obstructed views make it nearly impossible to properly see the production. Sections far from the action lack proximity and energy. Edge seats miss out on the immersive experience of being surrounded by Swifties. Rear and side angles cannot fully appreciate the entire on-stage choreography and theatrics. Isolated seats remove the communal concert-going vibe. Overall, it’s challenging to feel totally engaged from the worst seats.
How much do Taylor Swift concert tickets cost by seat quality?
As expected, ticket prices roughly correspond to seat quality at Taylor’s shows. Here are the general price ranges fans can expect for different areas of a stadium concert:
Seat Location | Average Ticket Price Range |
---|---|
Front Floor Seats | $600 – $1000+ |
Lower Bowl Front Rows | $400 – $800 |
Lower Bowl Middle Sections | $200 – $600 |
Lower Bowl Rear Sections | $100 – $300 |
Upper Bowl Front Rows | $200 – $500 |
Upper Bowl Middle Sections | $100 – $300 |
Upper Bowl Rear Sections | $50 – $200 |
As expected, the closest floor seats command the highest prices, while the farthest upper deck seats are most affordable. Front row tickets typically cost at least twice as much as rear sections of the same bowl. There can be big savings moving from lower to upper levels while still getting strong views from on high. The premium for floor access starts around $400 and exceeds $1000 for VIP packages in row 1.
Does seat location affect the concert experience?
There are pros and cons based on seat location at a Taylor Swift show:
Floor Seats
Pros:
- Closest to the stage and Taylor
- Best chance at interaction with Taylor
- Great view perspective looking up at production
- Can access floor aisles and walkways
Cons:
- Standing the entire show can be tiring
- Little elevation makes it harder to see over crowds
- Priciest tickets
- Potential for obstructed sight lines
Lower Bowl Seats
Pros:
- Close proximity to catwalks and B-stage areas
- Comfortable stadium-style seating
- Decent elevation over the floor area
- Great energy being near other fans
Cons:
- Farther away from the main stage
- Can be off-center from main viewing angles
- Obstructed views in upper rows
- Less immersive compared to floor access
Upper Bowl Seats
Pros:
- Cheapest ticket prices
- Highest viewing elevation in venue
- Excellent sight lines of full stage production and screens
- Comfortable stadium-style seating
Cons:
- Farthest proximity from stage
- Loss of intimacy and details from a distance
- Relies more on screens to see artists clearly
- Steep upper decks can feel precarious
Every section offers trade-offs between proximity, price, comfort, and viewing angle. There is no definitively “best” seat location as fans prioritize different benefits.
Does seat location affect ticket re-sale prices?
Yes, seat location greatly impacts the resale prices fans can expect on secondary markets for high-demand Taylor Swift shows. General trends include:
- Front floor seats re-sell for 2-4x their face value or more
- Lower bowl listings often exceed 2x face value
- Upper bowl seats re-sell for around face value or less
- Obstructed view seats re-sell at sharp discounts
- Seats closer to fan “pit” areas command huge premiums
Fans hoping to get the absolute best concert seats via secondary markets should expect to pay steep premiums compared to initial face value costs. Upper level and obstructed tickets become bargains for budget-focused fans willing to sacrifice proximity.
Does the stage setup impact seat views?
Taylor Swift concerts feature extensive multi-stage setups that greatly impact which seats have the best views:
- Main Stage – Runs full width of arena floor facing the main lower and upper bowl. Ideal for centered lower bowl seats.
- B-Stage – Narrow extended stage protruding from main stage towards middle of floor. Ideal for front floor sections near the runway.
- End Stage Catwalks – Elevated narrow walkways extending into lower bowl aisles. Ideal for front rows of side lower sections.
- Rear Catwalk – Elevated walkway running from main stage to middle of lower bowl rear seating. Ideal for front lower bowl rows facing catwalk.
Taylor maximizes these varied stages and catwalks to get closer to fans all around the arena. Floor seats lose proximity when she moves to the rear catwalk, while side floor sections are farthest from the main stage. Her constant motion means most fans get a mix of both intimate and distant moments depending on where she is performing.
How can fans get the best views in obstructed seats?
Fans saddled with obstructed view seats still have options to improve their experience:
- Arrive early to claim a standing spot in front of your seat with a clear line of sight
- Politely ask taller patrons in front if they can shift to allow you to see between/over them
- Bring binoculars or small periscope telescopes to see over obstructions
- Watch screens to see any action you miss during obstructed moments
- Move to open side aisles or stairs when possible for unimpeded views
Obstructed views are frustrating, but being strategic with positioning, vision aids, and using venue mobility can still yield great looks at the show.
Should fans buy tickets for Taylor’s in-the-round stages?
Taylor Swift occasionally performs special concerts “in-the-round” with the stage at center of the arena and fans circling all around:
- Pros: Every seat faces the stage directly and feels close-up. Taylor may circle entire stage perimeter during the show.
- Cons: In-the-round stages lack extended catwalks into the crowd. Entire stage may be obscured during elaborate on-stage choreography requiring screens.
In-the-round stages offer uniquely immersive, up-close views for every fan. However, missing the signature catwalks and relying heavily on screens detracts slightly from the typical Taylor concert dynamic. Her dazzling production may also be obscured by the crowded central stage at times. Still, it’s an exciting chance to see Taylor give equal attention to all sections.
Conclusion
While some seats clearly provide better views and value than others, there are really no definitively “bad” spots to watch Taylor Swift live thanks to her stellar stage presence, constant movement, and towering production elements visible from anywhere. Obstructed views or massive distances may present challenges, but creativity, patience, and a willingness to take advantage of the entire arena goes a long way. Swift’s non-stop energy electrifies crowds into a collective experience felt everywhere. The privilege of simply being in the room for one of her legendary shows makes any ticket worthwhile in the eyes of devoted Swifties.