When buying concert tickets, you may come across listings for “restricted view” seats. This refers to seats that have an obstructed or limited view of the stage. There are a few common reasons why certain seats at a concert venue can be classified as restricted view.
Pillars or Overhangs Blocking the View
One of the most common reasons for a restricted view is pillars or architectural overhangs at the venue blocking parts of the stage. Many concert halls and theaters have pillars scattered throughout the seating area to help support the structure and roof. These pillars can block the view from seats behind or beside them.
For example, an arena may have large overhangs over certain sections to provide shade or cover. However, these overhangs can obstruct the view of the top parts of the stage. Seats underneath or close to these overhangs would be considered restricted view because the overhang is blocking part of the view of the stage.
Far Off to the Side Sections
Seats that are extremely far off to the sides, usually at an angle to the stage, can also be classified as restricted view. From these side angle seats, you may not be able to see parts of the stage or giant screens/projectors depending on the concert setup and stage blocking.
For very large arena concerts, the stage is typically set up at one end or in the middle of the venue. Seats that are along the far left and right edges may only be able to see part of the stage and screens. There may be limits on how far the viewing angles of screens and lights extend, causing very side seats to miss out.
Behind the Stage or Production Areas
In some concert configurations, there may be seats behind the stage or production/equipment areas. Seats located directly behind the stage will not have a view of the front of the stage at all. There may be screens showing a live feed from the front, but you will be looking at the performer’s backs rather than seeing them from the front.
There could also be production areas for lighting, sound, and video equipment that can block the views from some seats behind or beside them. For example, being seated behind a tall LED video wall could mean you can’t see parts of the main stage.
Upper Level or Balcony Seats
In some venues, upper level or balcony seats with very high and steep views can have restricted sightlines. From steep balconies, you may only be able to see directly down onto the front part of the stage, making it hard to see the full scope and sides.
Restrictions on balcony rail heights in some venues also mean the view of lower parts of the stage can be cut off. Seats in the front rows of upper levels are often labeled restricted view because the balcony rail obstructs the view of the bottom part of the stage.
Obstructed Views Due to Lighting or Speaker Rigs
The large lighting rigs and speaker/sound systems installed for concerts can sometimes impede views from certain seats. For very elaborate stage productions, there are often huge lighting trusses, grids, and rigs hung from the ceiling above and around the stage. These can partially block views from some seats.
In indoor arenas, there are large speaker arrays hung from the ceiling to provide sound coverage for the whole venue. If you’re seated right beside or behind one of these speaker blocks, it could block some of your stage view.
How Restricted View Seats Affect Your Concert Experience
Having a restricted view seat could impact certain parts of your concert experience:
- You may not get the full visual spectable – Missing parts of the light show, lasers, pyrotechnics or other visuals that are blocked from view.
- Difficulty seeing the performers – Not being able to see band members on specific parts of the stage because they are blocked.
- Missing out on backdrop visuals – Large screens, graphics and other backdrops may not be fully visible.
- Muffled or distorted sound – Sitting behind speakers can block or muddy the sound coming from stage.
- Unable to read lips – For theatric performances, not being able to fully see the stage and performers could make it hard to read lips and see facial expressions.
- Restricted view of surrounding audience areas – Not being able to easily view crowd reactions and other audience areas can take away from the atmosphere.
However, there are some positives to keep in mind if you end up with restricted view seats:
- Cheaper ticket prices – Restricted view seats are usually discounted compared to regular view seats in the same section.
- You’re still in the room – Even with an obstructed view, you still get to experience the energy and atmosphere of the live show.
- Sound is usually fine – You’ll still get to hear the music clearly and feel the bass, even if you can’t see everything.
- Focus on the music – You may find yourself listening to and enjoying the music more since you’re less distracted by visuals.
Checking Your View Before Buying
If restricted view concert tickets are offered for a show you really want to go to, make sure to check out the view before buying if you can.
Many ticket resale sites like Stubhub will provide seat view images from different locations in the venue. This can give you an idea if your view is too obstructed or not. You may be willing to accept a slightly obstructed view to get cheaper tickets.
Venue seating charts will also show you where pillars, overhangs and other view obstructions are located. Choose seats away from these areas if possible.
For theaters and music halls, balcony railings are often a standard minimum height by building code, so you can call the box office to find out if balcony views will be very obstructed. This can help avoid buying tickets that block the bottom part of the stage.
Trying General Admission Instead
If you want to avoid getting stuck with a restricted view seat, consider general admission or “GA” tickets when available. With general admission, there are no assigned seats. You get access to a standing room only section, usually towards the front by the stage.
By arriving early, you can get an up close spot with clear view of the stage. The main downsides are having to stand for long periods and dealing with crowds. For high energy shows where people will be standing and dancing anyway, general admission can ensure you get a nice vantage point.
Using Restricted View Seats to Get Cheap Access
While restricted view seats are not ideal, they can be a smart way to get inexpensive tickets to sold out shows and big name concerts. If you just want to get in the door and aren’t picky about your exact seat location, restricted view tickets offer big savings.
Restricted view sections are also less densely filled since many fans try to avoid them. This means more elbow room. An obstructed view with extra space is sometimes better than an unobstructed seat that is jammed in between other people.
Of course, you’ll have to weigh the level of restriction versus the savings. A total obstruction that blocks the entire stage would take away too much. But a minor obstruction off to the side could be a reasonable tradeoff for 50% or more off regular ticket prices.
Trying to Move During the Concert
One strategy with restricted view seats is to only stay in them temporarily. Arrive on time and sit in your assigned restricted seats at first. But then once the lights go down and the concert starts, try moving to an open unobstructed seat.
There are often empty scattered seats in many sections that didn’t sell. As long as you move to an equally priced section without sneaking down to more premium seats, you can sometimes get away with relocating. Just act like you belong there if an usher questions you.
However, this tactic is risky. You may get caught and forced to go back to your restricted seats. And open seats early on could be taken by late arrivals as the show goes on. But with an obstructed view, it doesn’t hurt to politely try your luck at grabbing a better free seat during the chaos of a concert starting.
Demanding a Refund for Extremely Restricted Views
In some extreme cases where your view is almost fully blocked, you may be able to get a refund even after buying the tickets. If you can clearly demonstrate to the box office that your seats have zero view of the stage, they may refund your money.
Make sure to take photos from the seats showing the obstruction if possible. Printed venue seating maps clearly showing pillars in front of you can also help prove your case.
If you bought from a resale site, contact their customer service with photo evidence right away requesting a refund. If the obstruction is obvious enough, they are more likely grant an exception refund.
Conclusion
Restricted view seats may dampen the concert experience somewhat and aren’t ideal. But don’t rule them out completely. Depending on the type and severity of obstruction, restricted views can offer big savings that make attending live shows more affordable.
Strategies like checking the view beforehand, trying general admission, moving mid-show, or requesting a refund in extreme cases can help overcome some downsides. Weigh both the pros and cons of restricted views to decide if the ticket discount is worth an obstructed perspective.
Getting to see your favorite band or artist live is still an amazing experience, even if parts are visually blocked. With the right expectations, restricted view seats can provide cheaper access without ruining the show. Focus on the music and energy of the crowd, and restricted views may not be so restricting after all.
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