Ticketmaster is a popular ticket sales and distribution company that provides ticketing services for many large venues and events around the world. One of the features they offer when purchasing tickets online is the ability to select aisle seats for an additional fee.
What Are Aisle Seats?
Aisle seats are seats that are located on the end of a row next to the aisle walkway. These types of seats provide a few extra benefits compared to standard seats in the middle of a row:
- Easy access to get in and out of the row without needing others to move
- Extra leg room since no one is sitting directly in front
- Easier ability to get up and move around during an event
- Better viewpoint of the stage or field since there is no one sitting directly in front of you
Many people prefer aisle seating because it provides these conveniences over standard seating. At most venues, aisle seats are highly coveted and sell out very quickly.
How Ticketmaster’s Aisle Seat Offer Works
On Ticketmaster, when you are selecting seats for an event, certain aisle seats will be highlighted and labeled as “Aisle Seats”. These seats typically cost a bit more than comparable non-aisle seats in the same section.
For example, a standard seat may be $50 while an aisle seat in the same row would be $70. This gives you the option to pay extra to guarantee an aisle seat rather than the normal seat you would be assigned.
The aisle seat premium pricing applies to all sections, so you may see aisle seats in the upper deck going for $10 more or aisle seats closer to the action going for $20-30 more. The exact upcharge can vary greatly depending on the particular venue and event.
Benefits for Customers
There are a few benefits to Ticketmaster offering aisle seats for an added fee:
- Lets customers pay to select the exact seat they want
- Gives a head start over other customers to get aisle seats
- Provides priority and peace of mind knowing you already have the ideal seat selected
- Opportunity to get an aisle seat even if buying tickets late
Benefits for Ticketmaster
There are also some benefits on Ticketmaster’s end for offering aisle seat selection:
- Allows them to charge a premium and generate extra revenue from highly desirable seats
- Incentivizes customers to purchase directly through Ticketmaster rather than secondary market
- Rewards season ticket holders and loyal customers with first access to aisle seats
- Drives fan satisfaction by providing expanded seat selection options
Are Aisle Seats Always Available?
The availability of aisle seats through Ticketmaster can vary depending on:
- Timing – If you purchase late, aisle seats may already be sold out
- Event Size – Bigger events in larger venues tend to have more aisle seat availability
- Season Ticket Holders – Season ticket owners often get first pick of aisle seat options
- Promotions – Special pre-sales or fan club sales may have early aisle seat access
In general, your best chance at getting aisle seats is to purchase tickets early in the on-sale period. But even buying late you still may luck out, especially in very large venues where there are hundreds of aisle seats. There’s no guarantee, but it’s always worth checking Ticketmaster leading up to the event date to see if any aisle seats opened back up.
Where are Aisle Seats Located in Different Venues?
Where you can find aisle seats will depend on the specific seating layout of each venue. Here are some examples for popular event venues:
Sporting Events
- Football Stadiums – Aisle seats ring the entire lower and upper decks
- Basketball/Hockey Arenas – Aisle seats surround each lower and upper level section
- Baseball Fields – Along the baselines and ends of sections on lower and upper decks
Concerts
- Large Stadiums – Floor seating will have aisle seats around back and sides plus all upper decks
- Theaters – Aisle seats next to sections on orchestra and mezzanine levels
- Clubs – Usually aisles between tables and booths
- Arenas – Surrounding each lower and upper section behind floor seats
Theater & Comedy Shows
- Broadway Theaters – Outside aisles of orchestra, front mezzanine, and balconies
- Vegas Showrooms – Outer aisles of floor seating sections, booths, and upper sections
- Comedy Clubs – Between groups of tables and outside aisle of any seated tiers
Again, every venue will be a bit different, so always check the detailed seat map when selecting your tickets to understand exactly where the aisle seats are located in that particular layout.
Types of Events with Aisle Seat Options
You can find aisle seat premium options on Ticketmaster for most major events including:
- Professional sports – NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS etc.
- College sports – Football, basketball, baseball, etc.
- Concerts – Rock, pop, hip hop, country, jazz, classical etc.
- Theater – Broadway shows, Vegas shows, comedy shows etc.
- Family shows – Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, circus shows etc.
- Award shows – Grammys, AMAs, CMAs, etc.
Really any event that offers reserved seating will typically make certain aisle seats available for a fee when buying tickets on Ticketmaster. The number of aisle seats and upcharge price will vary.
Pro-Tips for Getting Aisle Seats on Ticketmaster
Here are some helpful tips for scoring great aisle seats when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Check for aisle seat availability as soon as tickets go on sale to have the best selection
- Join fan clubs or purchase season ticket packages for early pre-sale access
- Aim for less popular sections/dates where there is less demand
- Be flexible on exact location if buying later when fewer seats are left
- Use Ticketmaster’s interactive seat maps to scout locations before buying
- Filter seat selections by amenities like aisle seats, legroom, etc.
Seat Selection Options Other Than Aisle
In addition to aisle seats, Ticketmaster offers a few other premium seat selection options you may want to consider:
VIP Packages
These packages provide elite seating often near the stage or field plus VIP amenities like exclusive lounge access, free food/drinks, parking, and more.
Platinum Seats
These are seats with exceptional viewing angles, legroom, and other comforts for a premium price in prime locations.
Club Access
Some venues have exclusive clubs for dining, lounges, bars and more that you can purchase access to.
Suite Rentals
Full private suites provide luxury viewing with food/beverage service and amenities; perfect for groups.
Leveraging Season Ticket Packages
Season ticket holders get first pick of seat options, including aisles. Here are tips if you want to become a season ticket holder and get aisle seat priority:
- Look into season ticket plans offered by your favorite sports team or theater
- Calculate which plans offer the best bang for buck based on per game/show pricing
- Factor in any perks like concession discounts or loyalty point programs
- Determine the best payment options – some allow monthly installments
- Review renewal policies – some require multi-year commitments
- Evaluate potential resale value if you can’t attend every event
Season tickets are a major investment but pay off through aisle seat selection and other exclusive benefits.
Comparing Aisle Seats to ADA Seating
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) seating also provides aisle access for wheelchairs and other accommodations. Key differences versus standard aisle seats are:
ADA Seating | Standard Aisle Seats |
---|---|
Reserved for disabled patrons | Open to anyone willing to pay a fee |
Fewer seats available | More plentiful around venue |
No added cost | Higher price than regular tickets |
Permission required to purchase or use | Can be freely purchased online |
Those needing ADA seats should purchase directly through the venue box office, not Ticketmaster. ADA seats cannot be resold.
Conclusion
Aisle seats can make for a much better event experience through easy entry/exit, extra legroom, better views, and the ability to move freely. Ticketmaster provides the option to purchase aisle seats directly for a premium on top of the ticket price.
Timing is key – purchase early for the best aisle seat selection. Joining fan clubs with pre-sale access helps as well. Compare locations via Ticketmaster’s interactive seat maps first to find the ideal aisle seats for your budget and preferences.
While aisle seats cost extra, they are highly coveted and provide significant benefits. If sitting on the aisle matters to you, it’s often worth paying a bit more to secure that prime spot.