When attending a concert at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, choosing the right seats can make or break your experience. With over 5,000 seats to choose from, it can be tricky to know which sections and rows will provide you with the optimal view and sound. This guide will break down the pros and cons of the various seating options so you can make an informed decision when purchasing tickets.
The Pavilion Layout
The Leader Bank Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater located along the Boston Harbor. It features a covered pavilion with permanent seating, as well as a spacious lawn area for general admission standing room. The pavilion itself is divided into three sections: the orchestra, loge, and balcony.
Orchestra
The orchestra section is closest to the stage and split into halves – OR1 is stage left and OR2 is stage right when facing the stage. OR1 tends to be more popular as it’s closer to the performers. Orchestra seats are numbered chair-backs in rows AA-PP. The first few rows (AA-DD) offer the most immersive, up-close experience.
Loge Boxes
The loge section is elevated behind the orchestra with a slight overhang. Loges have unobstructed sight lines and come in small private booths or boxes with 4-6 seats each. Loge boxes are numbered 1-34 and often sell out fast.
Balcony
The balcony wraps around the rear and sides of the pavilion, providing elevated views from rows A-W. The balcony is more affordable than orchestra or loge seats but is farther from the action.
Key Factors in Choosing Seats
When selecting seats at the Leader Bank Pavilion, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Price – Orchestra and loge seats are most expensive, followed by front balcony seats. Prices decrease the farther back you go.
- View – The first 20 rows of orchestra provide the most immersive, closeup views. Loges and front balcony are also excellent. The lawn has unobstructed views but is far away.
- Sound – The first half of the orchestra and front loges get premium sound. It diminishes as you move back.
- Coverage – Loges and covered portion of balcony protect you from rain or hot sun.
- Accessibility – Orchestra is wheelchair accessible. Some balcony rows have obstructed views.
Best Seats by Section
Here is a detailed breakdown of the best seats in each section of the Leader Bank Pavilion:
Orchestra
The orchestra section offers a prime, immersive viewing and listening experience. The best seats are:
- Rows AA-EE in OR1 – Extremely close to the stage and performers.
- Rows AA-CC in OR2 – Still very close with straight on views.
- Rows A-F in OR1 and OR2 – Excellent sight lines and audio, center orchestra is ideal.
Orchestra seats in rows FF and farther back are still great but lose some intimacy with the performers. Front orchestra rows can also be very close to speakers.
Loge Boxes
Loge boxes come with an exclusive VIP experience. The most coveted loges are:
- Boxes 1-6 – Positioned stage left in the front loge section, closest viewing.
- Boxes 7-12 – In center loge section, prime elevated views.
- Boxes 13-18 – Stage right loges, similar vantage point as boxes 1-6.
Rear loge boxes sacrifice some proximity but provide a more relaxed, airy environment away from crowds.
Balcony
In the balcony section, these seats stand out:
- Rows A-F – Outstanding elevated views, center seats are most ideal.
- Rows G-M – Excellent sight lines and audio quality, similar to front orchestra.
- Rows N-R – Decent views from under the covered portion, avoiding sun/rain.
The farthest seats in rows S-W have more distance from the stage but cost much less.
Seating Charts
Consult the following seating charts to visualize the layouts and see seat views from different sections:
Orchestra Seating Chart
OR1 | OR2 |
---|---|
Loge Boxes Chart
Loge 1 | Loge 2 |
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Balcony Seating Chart
When to Buy Tickets
Timing your ticket purchase strategically can help you secure better deals:
- On-sale dates – Buy early when tickets first go on sale to get best selection.
- Weekdays – Prices are lower on weeknights versus weekends.
- Early and late season – Spring and fall concerts have lower demand.
- Group tickets – Booking for 4+ people unlocks discounts.
- Secondary markets – Last minute resale deals can pop up but carry risk.
Avoid putting off buying tickets for too long, as the best seats tend to sell out quickly for popular shows. Set a price alert or sign up for pre-sales to get early access.
General Admission Lawn Tips
For lawn seating, arrive early to stake out a prime spot:
- Near mixing board – Central sound and views, but very crowded.
- Left section – Angled view of stage, can see screens well.
- Back corners – More space to spread out, obstructed viewing.
- Avoid trees – They block sight lines and emit sap.
- Bring blankets – For comfort and marking your territory.
- Low chairs – Better than standing, but avoid blocking others’ views.
The lawn allows bringing food and unopened drinks. Use concession stands sparingly to avoid losing your spot.
accessibility
The Leader Bank Pavilion offers the following accessibility services:
- Wheelchair and companion seats – Available in orchestra section.
- Listening devices – For amplified sound, reserve when ordering.
- ASL interpreters – Provided for select shows, request when buying.
- All gender restrooms – Located in plaza and concourse areas.
- Sensory bags – With noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, at guest services.
Service animals are permitted. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited.
Food and Drinks
Inside the venue, the following food and drink options are available:
- Beer, wine, cocktails – Sold at concession stands.
- Soft drinks, water, juice – Also at concessions.
- Burgers, chicken tenders, fries – Classic stadium food fare.
- Nachos, hot dogs, popcorn – Other quick savory bites.
- Candy, ice cream – Sweet treats.
No outside food or drinks are allowed, except for sealed bottled water. Prices are on par with sporting events and theaters. Cash and cards accepted.
Nearby Dining
If looking to grab a real meal before or after the show, several restaurants are within walking distance:
Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Legal Sea Foods | Seafood | $$$ |
Jerusalem Pizza & Falafel | Middle Eastern | $ |
Eastern Standard | American | $$ |
Getting to the Venue
The Leader Bank Pavilion is located alongside Northern Avenue in Boston’s Seaport District. Here are some transportation options for getting there:
- The T – Take the Red Line to South Station, then Silver Line bus to Courthouse Station.
- Commuter rail – Arrive at South Station, 15 minute walk away.
- Parking – Limited garage parking on-site, more garages nearby.
- Rideshare – Lyft, Uber drop-off zone on D Street.
- Water taxi – From Long Wharf and other harbor locations.
Give yourself plenty of time, as traffic and transit delays are common on event nights. Bag restrictions may apply.
Conclusion
Visiting the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston for a concert is an unforgettable experience. While all seats provide a view of the entertainment, some sections and rows are better than others. For a truly memorable night, opt for front orchestra rows A-F or loge boxes 1-12. Arrive early, plan transportation, and soak in the iconic Boston venue!