Platinum seats offer an enhanced concert-going experience with additional amenities and perks compared to standard tickets. Concert venues and promoters use platinum seats as a premium ticket option to generate more revenue. While the exact inclusions can vary between venues and events, platinum seats typically provide the following features:
Prime Location
Platinum seats give you access to some of the best seats in the venue. They are usually located closest to the stage in the front rows or sections. This gives platinum ticket holders the most immersive and up-close experience during the concert.
Front Row
Front row seats put you right next to the stage. You’ll be just feet away from the performers and get a view that few others can match. This proximity allows you to clearly see expressions, guitar work, and other details you might miss farther back.
Floor Seats
Floor seats place you directly in front of the stage on the ground level, usually among the first few rows. You’ll get an unobstructed view of the band and be surrounded by the most enthusiastic fans.
Lower Bowl
Platinum seats may be located in the lower bowl or levels closest to the stage. Even if you aren’t front and center, you’ll be among the first section of seats with excellent sight lines.
Comfort and Space
In addition to location, platinum seats also emphasize comfort and extra space.
Wider Seats
Platinum seats tend to be wider with more legroom than standard seats. This allows you to relax without feeling crammed in next to other concertgoers.
Cushioned Seats
Many platinum seats have cushioned chairs rather than bleachers or backless benches. This greater comfort helps enhance the experience when you’re sitting for hours during a concert.
Elbow Room
With platinum seating, there is also generally more elbow room per seat compared to regular ticket options. You won’t have to worry as much about inadvertently bumping into people on either side of you.
Exclusive Perks
In addition to prime viewing and comforts, platinum tickets unlock special amenities unavailable to those with standard tickets.
VIP Entrances
You can access the venue through VIP entrances that are separate from general admission. This allows you to skip long lines and get inside faster.
VIP Lounges
Platinum tickets grant access to exclusive VIP lounges. These lounge areas have upscale furnishings with a relaxed atmosphere, and some also provide complimentary food and drinks.
Merchandise Discounts
As a platinum ticket holder, you may get discounts on select merchandise at the concert. This can potentially save you money on souvenirs like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.
Gift Bags
Some concerts provide platinum seat holders with VIP gift bags. These can include coupons, limited edition items, promotional merchandise, and other concert mementos.
Platinum Seat Prices
Given the desirable location and extra amenities, platinum seats come at a premium cost compared to standard tickets. Here are some example platinum seat prices for different types of concerts:
Concert Type | Platinum Seat Price Range |
---|---|
Major Rock/Pop Act (i.e. The Eagles, Ed Sheeran) | $500-$1,500+ per seat |
Reunion/Legacy Act (i.e. Guns N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones) | $750-$2,500+ per seat |
Music Festival (i.e. Coachella, Lollapalooza) | $1,000-$5,000+ pass |
Broadway Musical | $200-$500+ per seat |
Comedy Show (i.e. Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld) | $100-$300+ per seat |
As you can see, platinum pricing varies greatly depending on the act, with iconic legacy performers and big music festivals commanding the highest premiums. While the costs are high, fans are often willing to pay more for the full platinum experience.
Are Platinum Seats Worth It?
Whether platinum seats are “worth” the higher price depends on your budget, priorities, and other considerations:
Pros
- Get the best seats in the house
- Unforgettable up-close experience
- Comfort amenities like legroom and cushions
- VIP perks not available to general admission
- Exclusive lounges and gift bags
- Convenient separate entrances and merch discounts
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than regular tickets
- Limited availability – sell out extremely fast
- May be overkill for more casual fans
- Costs can add up quickly for a group or family
- Worst seats of platinum section still expensive
For hardcore fans seeing a “bucket list” show or act, platinum seats may be the ultimate splurge. The hefty price brings you closer than ever to the stage and gives a more comfortable, exclusive experience. However, casual fans on a budget don’t necessarily need to spring for platinum access.
Many venues also now have other premium options like VIP packages that offer some platinum-lite perks for less money. These can provide happy medium seating that adds some amenities without the massive platinum price tag. Ultimately it comes down to your own budget and how important the prime location and other upscale perks are for your enjoyment.
How to Get Platinum Seats
Here are some tips for securing elusive platinum seats:
- Buy early – Platinum seats are extremely limited, so purchase as soon as sales begin.
- Use presales – Take advantage of fan club and credit card presales days before the general public on-sale.
- Aim for front rows – The first few rows tend to be classified as platinum and sell out fastest.
- Shop resale – If platinum seats immediately sell out, check secondary sites like StubHub which may have marked up platinum options.
- Be ready online – Have accounts set up ahead of time and be ready on your computer right at the on-sale time.
- Act fast – Use speedy checkout options and submit your order as soon as you select seats, as platinum sell out in seconds.
- Consider VIP – VIP packages can offer some platinum-style perks for less money and better availability.
Persistence and perfect timing are key to scoring the top platinum seats. Prepare ahead of time and be ready to purchase the moment they go on sale to beat out other fans vying for those prime spots.
Conclusion
Platinum seats deliver an unparalleled concert experience through prime location, comfort amenities, and exclusive VIP access. You pay a hefty premium for platinum over standard tickets, but for hardcore concert fans, the benefits can make it worthwhile. Just be prepared to act quickly when purchasing, as platinum’s combination of limited quantity, high demand, and ideal location means these seats sell out fast.