Limited video view seating refers to seats in an entertainment venue such as a theater, cinema, or concert hall that have an obstructed or restricted view of the stage or screen. These seats are usually located at the far sides of the venue and may have pillars, walls, or other architectural features partially blocking the line of sight. Venues offer these seats at a discounted price compared to seats with an unobstructed view.
Why do venues have limited video view seats?
There are several reasons why venues offer limited view seats:
- To maximize capacity – By including some obstructed seats, venues can increase the total number of seats available. This allows them to sell more tickets overall.
- Due to venue design – Many older theaters and concert halls were built with columns, overhangs, and other design elements that unintentionally block views from certain angles. Limited view seating makes use of these obstructed areas.
- To provide affordable options – The discounted pricing on obstructed seats gives budget-conscious consumers access to events they might not otherwise be able to afford.
- To utilize space – For some venues, including limited view seating allows them to make the most of tight, irregularly shaped, or awkward spaces.
While less than ideal, obstructed view seats let venues maximize ticket inventory and give fans a chance to attend events that would otherwise be too expensive.
What are the different types of limited view seats?
There are a few common types of obstructed seating:
- Partial view – The seat’s view is only partly blocked by pillars, overhangs, or other design elements. Patrons can still see much of the stage or screen.
- Extreme side view – Seats are at the furthest edge of the venue, looking at the very side angle of the stage or screen.
- Behind stage – Seats behind the stage or performers, looking out at the audience.
- Obstructed orchestra – Seats in front orchestra sections with blocked sight lines.
- Balcony overhang – Upper balcony seats with views obstructed by the balcony railing and/or ceiling overhang.
Venues usually disclose which types of obstructed views apply to specific seats so customers know what to expect.
What’s the view like from limited view seats?
The viewing experience from limited view seating can vary greatly depending on the type and degree of obstruction:
- In partial view seats, most of the stage or screen is visible, but a pillar, wall, or overhang blocks some peripheral action. Key central aspects remain visible.
- Extreme side view seats let you see the front of the stage but at a skewed angle from the far left or right. You may miss action on the opposite side.
- With behind stage seats, you face the rear of the performers and look out toward the audience. Great for seeing crowd reactions but not the main event.
- Obstructed orchestra seats in the front have view blockage from above but retain a close-up, front-row perspective.
- In balcony overhang seats, you may have to lean left or right to see around obstructions. A low balcony rail could also impede views when seated.
Limited view seats make it impossible to see the entire stage or screen at once. The view may also be distorted from weird angles. But they still let you experience the energy and atmosphere of a live event.
What are the pros and cons of limited view seating?
There are both advantages and disadvantages to sitting in limited view seats compared to regular seats:
Pros:
- Significantly discounted ticket prices – Usually 25-50% cheaper than unobstructed seats
- Get into sold-out shows or high-demand events
- Experience the energy and excitement of a live show
- Chance to attend events you otherwise couldn’t afford
- More casual, relaxed atmosphere – Since views don’t matter as much
Cons:
- Frustrating obstructed views and odd angles
- May miss key action happening on the opposite side of stage
- Possibility of a distractingly close pole or railing
- Difficulty reading supertitles or seeing finer details onstage
- A feeling of being too disconnected from the main action
The huge price difference can make obstructed view seats worthwhile for budget-minded or casual viewers. But serious fans may find the blocked sight lines too frustrating.
Should you buy limited view seating tickets?
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to purchase obstructed view tickets:
- How crucial is it for you to see the entire stage/screen? Limited views may work better for some events than others.
- Check the seat view preview – Many ticketing sites show you exactly what the view will be like so you know what to expect.
- Consider the type of obstruction – Side overhangs aren’t as bad as a pillar directly in your sightline.
- Are you more casual or a serious enthusiast? Hardcore fans may enjoy the event less with distractions.
- Your budget – Obstructed seats let you attend events you normally couldn’t afford.
- Try previewing the seat – If you can walk around the empty venue beforehand and preview the view, even better.
Obstructed view seats are worth considering for more casual viewing situations where saving money is the priority. But pick carefully based on your specific needs.
Tips for getting the most out of your limited video view seat
If you do opt for obstructed view tickets, here are some tips to help make the best of the experience:
- Arrive early to claim your seat – This prevents getting stuck with the worst remaining vantage point.
- Bring compact binoculars – High-powered pocket binoculars can see over or around obstructions.
- Sit up straight and lean for better angles – position yourself to maximize what’s visible.
- Watch screens to fill in gaps – Many venues have jumbotrons and screens to see missed action.
- Scope out alternate viewing spots – Sometimes standing at the back or in doorways yields better views.
- Focus on the experience, not just the stage – Enjoy the atmosphere and music, not just the visuals.
- Embrace the discount you received – Focus on the money you saved, not what you may be missing.
Being flexible, preparing properly, and setting expectations can lead to an enjoyable time. But obstructed seats are still a trade-off compared to regular views.
Are limited video view seats good for concerts?
Whether obstructed view seats work well for concerts depends on the type of concert and your personal preferences:
- For classical, acoustic, and jazz concerts, the music itself is more important than the visuals, so your experience may not suffer too much in limited view seats.
- Rock, pop, country, and hip-hop rely more on the onstage spectacle, making unobstructed views more valuable.
- Stadium and arena shows have huge stages and screens that make it easier to still see from partially blocked seats.
- Theater-style venues have tiered seating with multiple overhangs that can significantly obstruct views and sightlines.
Obstructed views may be fine for more casual concertgoers who want to soak in the live atmosphere. But serious fans who want to see all their favorite musicians and moments may be let down.
Should you buy obstructed view tickets for theater performances?
Whether limited video view theater seats enhance or hinder the experience depends on:
- The type of show – Big dance musicals rely more on seeing the full stage than intimate dramas.
- Your familiarity with the story – Enjoying the visuals matters less if you already know the plot.
- Your main motivation – Wanting the full visual spectacle or seeking the social experience affects whether obstructed views are detrimental.
- Seat proximity to stage – Front orchestra seats retain some of the close-up perspective.
- View expectations – Obstructions are already built into ticket prices so you know what you’re getting.
For serious theater fans who prioritize the visuals, unobstructed views are usually worth the additional cost. But obstructed seats may work well for large theatrical spectacles where the energy and pageantry still come through.
How to get cheap tickets without an obstructed view
If you want affordable tickets without sacrificing the view, here are some options:
- Look for seat deals on off-peak nights like weeknights or matinees when tickets are naturally cheaper.
- Buy single seats – pairs and groups cost more so opt for just one ticket if going solo.
- Consider standing room only tickets – you may need to stand the whole time but have an unobstructed perspective.
- Enter lotteries for discounted seats – many shows offer rush tickets via in-person lotteries.
- Join fan clubs – groups sometimes offer member ticket presales and discounts.
- Head to the box office – physical ticket windows avoid online fees.
With some persistence and flexibility, you can often find great sightline seats at affordable prices if you avoid marked-down obstructed views.
Are more expensive seats worth it for better views?
Paying more for premium unobstructed seats improves the viewing experience, but is it worth the higher prices? Some factors to consider:
- How visually important the performance is – Concerts and spectacles benefit more than symphonies or speakers.
- If you plan to attend frequently – Fans who attend multiple times per year get more out of prime seats.
- Your overall budget – Your finances and willingness to pay more for a superior view.
- Seat location – Front and center is better than rear mezzanine, even without obstructions.
- How often tickets are available – Hit shows sell out quickly, making any seats harder to get.
For occasional viewers on tighter budgets, obstructed discount seats may provide the right balance. But frequent and hardcore fans can justify paying extra for immersive, distraction-free viewing from premium locations.
Conclusion
Obstructed or limited video view seating gives you a chance to experience live entertainment at a budget-friendly price, but with sacrifice. Missing visuals from odd angles or behind poles and walls is frustrating for serious enthusiasts who want an optimal experience. Yet the huge discounts can make it worthwhile for casual viewers who prioritize affordability over perfection. With proper expectations and preparations, these seats can provide some enjoyment of the atmosphere and energy. But paying more for unrestricted views yields a superior experience for frequent attendees who can afford the premium.