Live at the Marquee is a popular music venue located in Cork, Ireland that hosts live concerts and events. With a capacity of around 1,500 people, Live at the Marquee provides a unique outdoor concert experience during the summer months. Many big-name artists have performed at Live at the Marquee over the years, so it is a great place to catch a show.
One common question for those planning to attend a concert at Live at the Marquee is whether there is seating available. The answer depends on the specific concert and ticket type purchased. In general, there is a mix of seating and standing areas at Live at the Marquee. Knowing the seating options can help you determine the best tickets for your preferences.
Seated Tickets
Many of the shows at Live at the Marquee do offer a limited number of seated tickets. These seated ticket options provide concert goers a reserved seat in the seated section located at the back of the venue behind the standing General Admission pit area.
Having an actual seat at an outdoor concert is a nice amenity to have. The seats have backs so you can relax and enjoy the show. Being elevated above the standing crowd also gives you a great view of the stage.
Seated tickets are more expensive than general admission standing tickets. But for some concert goers, having a reserved seat is worth the extra cost. It can be especially nice for those who want to get off their feet for portions of the show.
The number of seated tickets available varies based on the concert. Bigger headlining acts will typically have more seats to offer. The configuration of the seated section may also vary between shows.
Sometimes the seated tickets are sold as part of VIP or premium ticket packages that include additional perks like access to a VIP lounge area or a private bar.
General Admission Standing Tickets
The majority of the venue at Live at the Marquee is general admission standing room only. General admission (GA) tickets make up the main pit area directly in front of the stage.
In the GA standing room section, concert goers can get closer to the stage and there is more freedom to move around during the show. Standing tickets also tend to be cheaper in price than seated tickets.
The tradeoff is that there are no chairs or seats available in the general admission areas. Concert goers in the GA pit have to remain standing for the duration of the performance. So you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and prepare to be on your feet.
Being closer to the action can enhance the experience and atmosphere. But standing for hours may not be ideal for everyone’s needs.
Make sure to account for bathroom breaks and staying hydrated while you’re standing. You may also want to bring a small folding stool or cushion that is permitted to use to sit on between sets or songs.
Accessible Seating Options
For concert goers who require accessible seating, Live at the Marquee does have wheelchair accessible viewing areas. There are dedicated platforms at the back of the standing pit area to allow for wheelchair seating with sightlines to the stage.
Companion seats are also available next to the accessible seating platforms. These seats must be purchased along with a wheelchair accessible ticket.
If you require wheelchair accessible seating or have other accessibility concerns, be sure to indicate this when purchasing your tickets. The box office can help accommodate accessibility needs when notified ahead of time.
In addition to wheelchair seating, Live at the Marquee also makes accommodations for seating requests related to medical conditions or disabilities. Again, notifying the box office of your seating needs when ordering tickets is the best way to secure appropriate accommodations.
Food and Drink Seating Areas
In addition to the main standing and seated ticket sections, Live at the Marquee has some picnic bench style seating available near the food and drink concessions areas.
These open air seating spaces allow you to take a break, enjoy some refreshments, and get off your feet for a bit, even if you only have a general admission ticket.
The food and drink tents offer beer, wine, and standard concessions like burgers and nachos. The picnic table seating adjoins the main concessions area.
This seating tends to fill up quickly during peak times. But it can offer a nice respite and place to socialize during the concert.
Keep in mind that the views of the stage are very limited from the food and drink tent areas. So you won’t want to try to watch the entire concert from there. Use the seating judiciously to take short breaks then head back to the main standing or seated sections to actually watch the performance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Seating
When deciding whether to purchase general admission or seated tickets for a show at Live at the Marquee, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
– Your budget – Seated tickets are usually more expensive than GA standing room only tickets, sometimes significantly more. Make sure the higher price aligns with your budget.
– Your preferences – Do you want to be up close near the stage? Or would you prefer an elevated reserved seat with a direct view? Consider what will enhance your enjoyment.
– Your needs – If you have a medical condition where you need to sit or take breaks, seated tickets are likely the better option.
– The performer – Check how the specific stage setup may impact views from seated vs. standing areas. Some shows may favor certain sections.
– Your group size – Larger groups may have an easier time finding space to stand together in GA, while seats are more defined.
– Timing – Earlier shows are less tiring than late night concerts if standing. So show time can be a factor.
Weighing all these factors will help determine if GA or seated tickets (or a mix) are the best choice for your Live at the Marquee concert experience.
Booking Tickets in Advance
If you’ve decided you want seated tickets for a particular show, it is highly advisable to purchase them early through the Live at the Marquee website or box office.
Seated ticket inventory tends to be limited and often sells out faster than general admission. Buying seated tickets well in advance of the show will help ensure you are able to secure seats together for your group.
Trying to purchase seated tickets close to show date can be risky. By that point most or all seated tickets may no longer be available.
Booking early also allows you to select your actual seat section and numbers. This enables you to pick side-stage seats or seats closer to the center based on your preferences.
Again, notify the box office staff at the time of ticket purchase if you require accessible or specialty seating so they can accommodate your needs. Certain specialty seats sell out the earliest since inventory is more limited.
Buying tickets as soon as sales open to the general public is highly recommended for the best seated ticket selection. Signing up for Live at the Marquee email updates can help you get notified the moment tickets go onsale.
Arriving Early for Standing Room Spots
Unlike having an assigned seat, general admission standing room spots are mostly first come, first served.
To get the best standing room location as close to the stage as possible, you’ll want to plan to arrive when doors open. This is often a couple hours before the actual show start time.
There is likely to already be a queue lined up waiting to enter, so join it promptly. Inside, be prepared to move quickly to obtain one of the prime standing positions directly adjacent to the stage barricade.
Staking out these front row standing spots closest to the performers is a top priority for many dedicated concert fans. So the competition can be fierce.
Having your group already pre-assembled outside before doors open will also allow you to move into position together and retain adjacent standing spots. Try to avoid having to weave through dense crowds inside to meet up with people.
While front and center next to the stage is ideal, excellent views and sound can still be achieved even if you wind up a few rows back in the GA standing section. Getting overly fixated on jockeying for position can distract from enjoying the show itself.
If you show up late and miss the initial rush inside, don’t despair. With some strategic maneuvering, scanning for gaps in the crowd, and politely excusing yourself, you can still find solid standing room vantage points further back. An added perk is having quicker access to bathroom breaks from these secondary locations.
Seating Tips and Tricks
To maximize your seating experience at Live at the Marquee, keep these tips in mind:
– For seated tickets, prioritize the center sections closest to the stage for the most direct views. The far left and right edges of the seated area have more angled views.
– On the floor, standing to the left and right of sound booth in the center provides good elevated sightlines.
– For late arrivals, standing room spots against the rear barrier fences can offer unexpectedly decent perspective above the seated section.
– For a better chance at front row standing, attend concerts on weeknights or during bad weather when crowds tend to be smaller.
– Bring a small portable seat cushion or folding stool to use during downtimes between sets if permitted.
– Keep hydrated and take advantage of seating breaks near food and drink stands to prevent fatigue.
– For large groups, have a plan to periodically rotate front row viewing privilege among members.
– Arrive early and move quickly inside the venue to secure prime spots.
– Be polite while navigating crowded areas and when negotiating positioning with other concert goers.
What to Expect Weather-wise
Since Live at the Marquee is an outdoor venue, the weather is an important consideration when choosing whether to sit or stand.
If clear and sunny, having a seat provides shade and UV ray protection. For extremely hot concerts, the ability to sit in the cooler back rows can be clutch. Make sure to lather on sunscreen and wear a hat for additional sun coverage.
For rainy shows, you’ll want to bring protective rain gear like ponchos and umbrellas whether standing or sitting. Having actual seats tends to be the more comfortable option in wet weather, especially if dealing with prolonged downpours. Standing in the mud and rain can quickly become a slog.
Cold nights may also favor the seated section where you can bundle up with warm layers and trap body heat. Standing outside shivering for hours can be challenging. Huddling on the ground is also not pleasant if the GA pit gets slick and muddy.
High winds may prompt organizing staff to remove any standing room crowd barricades. So check ahead for extremely windy forecast conditions that could impact the setup and capacity.
In general, evaluate the weather forecast the week of the show. If clear, mild conditions are expected, standing is usually fine. But if extremes like heavy rain, cold, or sweltering heat are predicted, opting for the comfort of a seat may provide a better concert experience.
Seating and Ticket Price Comparison
To understand the pricing differences between general admission and seated tickets at Live at the Marquee, here is a sample price comparison table for an example concert:
Ticket Type | Sample Price |
---|---|
General Admission Standing | €49.50 |
Main Central Seats | €69.50 |
Front Row Seats | €99.50 |
VIP Seated Package | €250.00 |
This table illustrates how the GA standing tickets are the cheapest option, while front row and VIP seated packages are the most expensive.
There is approximately a €20 difference between regular GA and a typical reserved seat in the back sections. Front row seats directly adjacent to the stage unsurprisingly command the highest premium.
The VIP packages that bundle prime reserved seats with extra perks like lounge access and drink vouchers result in by far the highest ticket prices.
So when factoring affordability, standing tickets deliver the most bang for your buck. But seated options allow a more relaxed experience for those who don’t mind spending more.
Where to Purchase Tickets
Tickets to concerts at Live at the Marquee can be purchased through a few different outlets once shows are announced and sales begin.
The Live at the Marquee website itself (www.liveatthemarquee.ie) will have tickets available for all shows at the venue. Purchasing directly through the official website is always a safe bet.
In person sales are also handled at the box office at Live at the Marquee during the summer concert season. The box office opens a few weeks before the first show and keeps regular operating hours through the end of the concert calendar.
Major ticket retailers like Ticketmaster will have seats available to select high profile shows at Live at the Marquee. Check with Ticketmaster online or by phone.
Some tickets may also be sold through the website or box office of the specific artist touring. Before buying from any third party resellers, double check to make sure the concert is not sold out at official outlets.
If demand is high, you may need to act fast once tickets go onsale for your desired concert. Seated tickets have the highest likelihood of selling out first. Jumping on them during the presale or immediately at the general onsale time gives you the best shot at securing seats together.
With some strategic planning and smart ticket buying, you can lock in the perfect spots at Live at the Marquee to maximize your concert experience, whether that entails standing front row or sitting back in style. Carefully weigh your seating options when tickets go onsale to make sure your needs are met.
Conclusion
Live at the Marquee provides a fantastic outdoor concert setting each summer in Cork, Ireland. The venue offers a mix of general admission standing room and reserved seated ticketing options depending on the show.
If your priority is getting close to the stage, immersed in the energetic standing crowd, then opt for affordable GA tickets. But for more comfort and relief from your feet, consider paying extra for the limited reserved seats in the rear sections.
Accessible seating is also available by request for those needing special accommodations. The weather forecast, performer, and your budget are all factors in choosing to sit or stand.
To secure the best spots, be sure to purchase tickets early before seats sell out, and arrive early on show day if going for premium standing room placement. With some planning and strategic ticketing, Live at the Marquee provides an amazing place to enjoy top musical acts in Cork city.