When attending a concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, there are a few key factors to consider when deciding which section provides the optimal experience. The stadium capacity reaches over 80,000 seats, so section choice can significantly impact factors like view, sound, and overall environment. Careful consideration of your priorities and the type of concert can help determine the ideal section for your musical experience.
Prioritize View or Sound
One of the biggest factors in choosing a section is deciding whether to prioritize proximity and view or sound quality. Sections closer to the stage or floor will provide a more immersive, up-close experience where you can see the performers and action clearly. However, some of these sections can have obstructed views depending on the stage setup. Sections further back often have a more complete view of giant stages and screens, but the performers will look smaller and more distant. In terms of sound, sections closer to the speakers and away from the stage tend to offer better audio quality, while instruments and vocals may sound somewhat muffled up close.
Best View Sections
If your top priority is being close to the action, some sections to consider are:
- Floor seats: Get right next to the stage on the stadium floor.
- Lower bowl: Sections 100-145 provide clear sightlines near the action.
- Club seats: Sectons 200-235 are more padded seats with access to lounges.
- Red Zone seats: Sections 141-144 offer premium views close to the stage.
Best Sound Sections
For better acoustics that aren’t too close or too far, some recommended sections are:
- Lower midfield: Sections 108-112 avoid stage and speaker obstructions.
- Upper level sidelines: Sections 304-330 are reasonably priced with direct sound.
- Upper corners: Sections 334-344 have improved audio over lower tiers.
- Upper end zone: Sections 416-423 allow you to hear over crowd noise.
Account for Stage Setup
The stage setup and concert production can significantly impact which sections have obstructed views or muffled sound. Stadium concerts often use a rectangular stage spanning the width of the football field facing one set of stands. This creates a lopsided experience where one side views the performers’ backs. For MetLife, the stage typically faces the lower 100 sections and club seating.
Some other stage factors to consider:
- In-the-round stages with action visible from all sides work better for upper deck or floor seating.
- End-stage setups favor central lower sections head-on to the performance.
- Massive stages with video screens benefit cheaper seats further away.
- Low-tech stages reward close floor seats for vivid details.
For example, an end-stage concert would likely have better views in floor sections 110-118 near the front rather than off to the corners. Checking the setup and knowing which direction the performer will face helps avoid painful neck-craning throughout the show.
Stage Views from Sections
Section | View |
---|---|
Floor seats | Immersive view up close |
Lower bowl (100s) | Elevated view of full stage |
Upper level sidelines | Furthest angle from stage |
Upper corners | Side-view of video screens |
Upper end zone | Behind stage, performer backs |
Factor in Price Differences
Section location significantly impacts ticket prices, so budget is an essential consideration. Front floor seats are most expensive, followed by lower bowl, club seats, upper sidelines, then upper end zones and corners. A chart of approximate average ticket prices per section:
Section | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Floor seats | $150-300 |
Lower bowl (100s) | $100-200 |
Club seats | $175-250 |
Upper level | $60-120 |
Upper corners | $50-100 |
Narrowing your section options by budget can help filter choices. Upper sections are best for bargain hunters not wanting to break the bank. Lower bowl and floor seats work better for hardcore fans willing to splurge for premium views. Checking prices for specific rows gives a more tailored estimate.
Ways to Save
While certain sections like the floor inherently cost more, there are some tricks to pay less for premium seats:
- Buy tickets well in advance during pre-sales.
- Join fan clubs and credit card programs for special deals.
- Buy solo tickets versus pairs for more price points.
- Wait until last minute for potential deals on unsold tickets.
- Buy partial view obstructed tickets for possible discounts.
Choose the Best Section for the Show
The genre and style of the concert can guide whether to choose sections with the clearest views, immersive proximity, or superior sound quality. Here are some recommended sections based on show types:
Concert Type | Recommended Sections |
---|---|
Pop spectacle (Beyonce, Taylor Swift) | Low 100s, Floor |
Rock band (Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses) | Low 100s, Floor |
Festival, various genres | Low 100s, Floor |
Comedy show | 104-108, 118-124 |
Acoustic act | 114-128 |
DJ, electronic dance | 104-124, Floor |
Broadway, theatrical show | 104-134 |
Rap, Hip Hop | Floor, Low 100s |
Lively rock festivals, pop spectacles, and dance DJ sets benefit from being immersed in the action on the floor or front sections. More subtle acoustic shows warrant mid-range sections where sound projects best. For expansive Broadway-style performances, the wide lower bowl offers complete views. Comedy and theatrics thrive in front midsections with direct sightlines. Do your music research to target sections optimized for the show.
Avoid These Sections
While any seat lets you enjoy the concert, some sections are considered less ideal:
- Upper corners (334-344): Furthest from stage, distorts sound.
- Upper end zone (416-423): Looks at performer backs, crowds bottleneck congestion exiting.
- Obstructed views: Check seat numbers marked “Limited View.”
- 200-level corners: Far ends have acute viewing angles.
- Smoking sections: Polluted air unless you smoke.
Before buying tickets, check a detailed stadium map to pinpoint obstructions from overhangs or poles. For the best experience, aim for sections without major drawbacks.
Consider Your Height
Your height and ability to see over or around other fans can influence ideal sections. Shorter fans may want to avoid low railings like field seats where anyone standing blocks views. Meanwhile, upper decks with tiered risers improve line of sight for shorter people. Recommended sections by height include:
Height | Best Sections |
---|---|
Under 5’4″ | 100s, 200s, 300s |
5’4″ – 5’8″ | 100s, 200s |
5’9″ – 6’0″ | 100s, Floor |
Over 6’0″ | Anywhere |
For shorter fans, prioritizing elevated seats in the 100s, 200s, or 300s helps avoid sitting behind much taller patrons. Individual seats in rows with unobstructed railing views also tend to work better than benches or long stretches of floor seating. If below average height under 5’4″, the 200s section balances affordability and unobstructed sightlines.
Ways Shorter Fans Can Improve View
- Bring binoculars or mini telescope.
- Wear platform shoes or bring a cushion to sit on.
- Politely ask taller folks if you can shift to stand in front of them.
- Arrive early to get seats with higher platforms or ledges.
- Avoid pit or standing room only sections.
Shorter concert goers wanting to be up close may want to avoid the rowdy general admission pits right against the stage barriers. Opting for seated sections typically provides better vantages.
MetLife Stadium Sections Overview
Here is an overview of the major sections at MetLife Stadium from field to nosebleeds:
Floor Seats
Field seats without risers right next to the stage. Most immersive and expensive. First rows have best views.
Lower Bowl (Sections 100-145)
Lower horseshoe wrapped closest around the field. Elevated above floor with backs. Excellent sightlines. Sections 115-125 ideal.
Club Seats (Sections 200-235)
Padded seats with exclusive club lounge access. All-inclusive premium amenities and experience.
Upper Sidelines (Sections 300-344)
Upper deck sidelines extending down the length of the field. Decent views for more affordable prices. Sections towards 300s better than 340s.
Upper Corners (Sections 334-344)
Small upper sections tucked into the corners. Very far from stage and often cheaper tickets.
Upper End Zones (Sections 416-423)
Views behind the stage facing performer backs. Usually lowest cost due to poorest viewing.
Checking the stadium map beforehand provides a layout of the various sections to select your concert seats strategically. While any seat lets you enjoy the show, informed choices maximize your ideal mix of view, sound, and budget.
Conclusion
At massive stadium venues like MetLife with over 80,000 seats, section choice significantly impacts concert experience. Prioritizing view, sound, budget, stage setup, show type, height, and aisle access helps determine optimal sections. For well-rounded options balancing great views with mid-tier prices, the front half of the lower bowl like sections 110-125 provide an excellent sweet spot. Floor seats guarantee immersion but at a premium cost. Upper decks offer budget views but are far from the action. Checking online seat views, stadium maps, and ticket prices when buying leads to smart section choices tailored to your concert priorities for a phenomenal live show.