Yes, there is seating available at Cardiff International Arena for most events held there. The arena offers permanent tiered seating as well as floor seating options depending on the event. With a maximum capacity of 5,000 for concerts, Cardiff International Arena provides ample seating for most crowds.
Overview of Cardiff International Arena
Cardiff International Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in the Cardiff International Sports Village in Cardiff, Wales. The arena was opened in 1999 and has a maximum capacity of 5,000 people for concerts. It hosts various events throughout the year including concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, family shows and more.
Some key facts about Cardiff International Arena:
- Opened in 1999
- Located in Cardiff International Sports Village
- Maximum concert capacity is 5,000
- Home arena for the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team
- Hosts over 250 events per year
The arena contains retractable tiered seating on two sides as well as flat floor seating that can be configured based on the event. For smaller, more intimate events, half or a quarter of the arena floor space and seats may be used.
Permanent Tiered Seating
Cardiff International Arena has permanent tiered seating available on two sides of the main arena space. The retractable seating consists of two tiers on one side that can seat approximately 1,500 people. On the opposite side is one tier of permanent seating that can accommodate around 1,000 people.
The tiered seating provides elevated, stadium-style views for spectators. The seats have cushioned bottoms and backs for comfort. There is spacious leg room between rows in the tiered sections. Stairs and aisles provide easy access to all of the tiered seats in the arena.
The permanent tiered seating gives Cardiff International Arena excellent capacity for mid-size crowds at concerts, sports games and other ticketed events. The seating allows for large audiences while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere inside the venue.
Features of the Tiered Seating
Some key features of the tiered seating sections at Cardiff International Arena include:
- Retractable tiers provide flexible seating options
- Approximately 2,500 total permanent tiered seats
- Elevated views of the stage/arena floor
- Cushioned seating for comfort
- Ample leg room between rows
- Easy staircase access to all seats
The tiered seating gives audiences unobstructed sight lines to see performances and events clearly while seated. The seats are also padded for enhanced comfort during long events.
Floor Seating
In addition to the permanent tiered seats, Cardiff International Arena has flat floor seating available near the stage or arena floor area. The floor can be configured with folding chairs set up in rows similar to permanent arena seating.
The floor seating capacity varies depending on the event setup but can accommodate up to 2,500 people using folding chairs. For smaller events, only a portion of the floor may be used for seating.
Floor seating typically provides spectators with the closest views to the stage or central arena floor area. Being low to the ground or right up near the action is a major draw of floor seating.
At concerts, floor seats often allow fans to be standing room only right next to the stage for the full live music experience. The flat floor is also optimal for general admission/standing room only punk, rock and metal shows.
Floor Seating Features |
---|
Folding chairs set up in rows |
Capacity for ~2,500 in full floor setup |
Close views of stage and central floor |
Often standing room only for concerts |
Used for general admission, festival-style shows |
Temporary floor seating is very versatile and can be configured in the space available for each event. Small, intimate shows may warrant a small floor seating section while larger concerts can fill the entire floor. This seating style adapts well to any type of event.
Accessible Seating Options
For visitors requiring accessible seating, Cardiff International Arena meets ADA standards and provides dedicated wheelchair seating areas. These spaces are located on the tiers as well as the main floor area at the venue.
Companion seats are available next to wheelchair seating for guests who need that assistance. Accessible restrooms and elevators are also provided inside the arena.
Below are some key details on the accessible seating at Cardiff International Arena:
- Wheelchair spaces on tiers and floor level
- Companion seating next to wheelchair spots
- Accessible elevators to tiers
- ADA-compliant restrooms
- Ticket purchase required for accessible seating
- LIMIT of 6 wheelchair + companion spots per event
Accessible seating can be reserved online via Ticketmaster when purchasing tickets. There are specific ticket types for wheelchair spots and companion seats. Each event has a limited quantity of accessible seats, usually around 4-6 total, so early ticket booking is recommended. Guests should contact the venue with questions on finding and reserving accessible seating.
Seating Charts
Cardiff International Arena provides detailed seating charts on their website and through ticket sellers that show the layout of the tiered and floor seating sections. These charts allow spectators to see the exact location of available seats when selecting where to sit.
Seating charts may vary somewhat depending on the stage/floor setup for each event. However, the tiered permanent seats are clearly labeled on all charts by section, row and seat number. Floor seats are general admission and may simply be shown as GA standing or floor seating on the chart.
Below are some tips for reading the seating charts:
- Tiered seats are assigned by section, row, seat #
- Sections are labeled 100s, 200s, etc. moving away from stage
- Center sections near stage are most desirable/expensive
- Odd-numbered rows on tiers are closer to stage
- Floor seating labeled as GA Standing or GA Floor Seats
- First rows of floor are closest to stage
Studying the chart closely allows spectators to make informed decisions on preferred locations to sit. It pays to select seats wisely based on proximity to the stage, viewing angles and pricing.
Booking Tickets with Seating Selection
When purchasing tickets online or by phone to events at Cardiff International Arena, customers are able to select exact seating off of the available options shown on the up-to-date seating charts.
Tickets can be booked through:
- The Cardiff International Arena website box office
- Ticketmaster online or by phone
- Other authorized ticket sellers online or offline
All tickets will have the assigned seat, row and section number printed or loaded onto the ticket. Guests must sit in their ticketed seats except for general admission floor seating which is first come, first served.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets early to get the best seating selection. For very popular events, it pays to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale to the public to secure spots before they sell out. Otherwise choices become very limited closer to the event date.
Seating Rules and Etiquette
To make events safe and enjoyable experiences for all guests, Cardiff International Arena does enforce some rules and etiquette guidelines regarding the seating. These include:
- Sit only in your ticketed seats or assigned floor spaces
- Keep aisles and stairs clear at all times
- No saving large groups of seats
- Be mindful of other guests in your row needing to get in/out
- Keep your belongings under your seat
- No fighting, heckling or crowd surfing
- No smoking in the seats/arena
Guests who do not follow the seating rules may be asked to leave the venue without refund. Ushers and security staff are there to enforce policies and assist with any issues.
Standard etiquette such as minimizing getting up during performances, not showing up excessively late and being respectful of those around you is also expected. This contributes to a pleasant, safe environment for all.
Preparing for Your Event Experience
To ensure you have the best experience using the seating at your Cardiff International Arena event, keep these tips in mind:
- Study the seating chart closely when selecting tickets
- Arrive early to find your seats easily
- Bring your printed or mobile tickets
- Only sit in your ticketed seats
- Keep your seating area clean
- Be respectful of other spectators
- Follow all venue rules
- Enjoy the show/event!
Knowing the seating layout and following proper etiquette will lead to a smooth, enjoyable event. Ushers are available if you need any assistance finding or getting to your seats. Relax and have fun once you are settled in your spot!
Conclusion
In summary, Cardiff International Arena offers a variety of seating options to accommodate crowds at its wide range of events. Permanent tiered seating provides approximately 2,500 cushioned seats with great views. The flat floor can also be filled with up to 2,500 folding chairs for additional capacity.
Accessible and companion seating is available for those needing that accommodation. Detailed seating charts help spectators pick out the ideal seats when purchasing tickets. Following venue rules and etiquette helps ensure a safe, pleasant environment.
With ample, varied seating and a 5,000 capacity, Cardiff International Arena is well equipped to host concerts, sports matches and other exciting events. The seating configuration allows for both large crowds in the stands and lively general admission audiences on the floor. Knowing the seating arrangements and protocols contributes to an enjoyable experience watching your favorite event.