Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan is home to the NFL’s Detroit Lions and also hosts major concerts and events throughout the year. With a maximum capacity of 65,000, Ford Field offers concert-goers a variety of seating options to choose from. When looking to purchase tickets for an upcoming show, one of the key decisions is picking the right section that will provide the ideal experience. There are pros and cons to each section, so concert-goers should weigh the factors that matter most to them.
Lower Level Sections
The lower bowl at Ford Field contains sections 101 through 145 and offers seating closest to the stage. This provides great views of the performers and creates an immersive, up-close concert experience. Some key benefits of lower level seating include:
- Proximity to the stage and performers
- Better visibility and sight lines
- Close access to lower level amenities like restrooms and concessions
- Quick exit access through lower tunnels
The first 25 rows or so in the lower level provide the most intimate concert views. Sections 115 through 125 align with the middle portion of the stage, while 101 to 105 and 140 to 145 flank the main stage area. Floor seats in the pit put you right against the stage barricades.
Potential Downsides of Lower Level
While the lower bowl offers that up-close experience, there are some potential downsides to consider as well:
- Higher ticket prices than upper sections
- Can feel far away from the stage if sitting towards the back half of lower level
- Low perspective looking up at stage and performers
- Pillars and overhangs can partially obstruct views in some rows
Club Level Sections
The 200 level at Ford Field is known as the club level and contains sections 201 through 247. These seats are elevated above the lower bowl, providing excellent aerial views of the full stage and stadium. Key benefits of club level seating include:
- Elevated view looks down at the stage and performers
- Exclusive club spaces with full-service bars, seating areas and restrooms
- In-seat wait service from club level vendors
- Generally less crowded than lower level
The middle club sections 215 through 235 provide the most centered perspective facing the stage. Sections on the ends by the 20 yard lines can be angled towards the corners. Club seating offers a nice balance of great views with a more relaxed, spacious environment compared to lower bowl.
Potential Downsides of Club Level
The club level sections come with the following trade-offs:
- More expensive tickets than upper level seats
- Farther distance from the floor and stage action
- Views can be obstructed by lower level overhangs
- Concourses not as easily accessible to lower amenities
Upper Level Sections
The upper deck at Ford Field starts above the club level and includes sections 301 through 345, providing the highest seats in the stadium. Benefits of sitting in the upper level include:
- Most affordable ticket prices
- Panoramic, bird’s eye view of the full stadium and stage
- Great perspective for huge custom stage shows and effects
- Wider, more comfortable seats than lower levels
The upper level sections aligned with the 50 yard line, such as 316 through 326, offer the most centered vantage point. Upper corners like 301 to 303 can provide great end zone views of elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnics.
Potential Downsides of Upper Level
The upper level comes with some possible drawbacks:
- Farthest distance and elevation from the performers
- Narrower rows can make navigating aisles difficult
- Concourses are crowded and lines are long due to limited amenities
- Last to exit stadium after the concert ends
Stage Setup and View Obstructions
The stage location and design has a big impact on seating considerations. Concerts often use a centered stage on the 50 yard line or an end stage stretching from the end zone. An interactive seating chart can show how the stage layout impacts visibility from different sections.
Overhangs from upper decks can sometimes obstruct views from the furthest back rows of club or lower levels. Stadium support pillars scattered throughout levels also partially block views in some seats. Checking the detailed row numbers and views from specific seats is important.
Ticket Prices
Ticket pricing varies greatly depending on the section and row you choose. To demonstrate relative ticket costs, here are average resale prices for an example concert at Ford Field:
Section | Row | Average Price |
---|---|---|
Lower Level Sideline | Row 15 | $325 |
Club Level Corner | Row 10 | $215 |
Upper Level Behind Stage | Row 25 | $125 |
Front row floor seats can go for over $1,000 each for popular shows. Upper levels behind the stage tend to be the most reasonably priced options under $200.
Amenities and Convenience
Ford Field’s amenities and convenience factors also vary by section:
- Restrooms: More restrooms located in lower level. Upper level has longer lines.
- Concessions: More food/drink stands in lower and club levels. Upper level has fewer options.
- Accessibility: Lower bowl best for wheelchair accessibility. Upper level requires more stairs and elevators.
- Parking: VIP lots near main gates for floor seats. General lots a further walk for upper levels.
Best Value Seats
Getting the best value seats often means finding the right balance between price and view quality. Some of the best values based on average resale prices are:
- Lower Level Corners: Provide proximity at a discount to lower sideline prices.
- Club Level Sidelines: Offer great viewing angles at lower costs than lower level.
- Upper Level Front Corners: Closest vantage point from top deck at affordable prices.
For sold out shows, upper deck seats in the first 25 rows between the 25 yard lines provide great budget-friendly options under $150.
Conclusion
When deciding where to sit for a concert at Ford Field, there are several factors to balance like view, price, amenities and more. Fans wanting that front row feeling should target lower level sections closest to the stage, while those looking for cheaper seats can move to the upper deck. Club level provides a middle ground with better views than upper level along with exclusive club spaces. If aiming for the best value, front corners of the upper deck or back sides of lower level often deliver quality seats for cheaper prices. Checking out the stage layout and viewing obstructions beforehand ensures you find the ideal concert-watching spot at Ford Field.