What is a limited view?
A limited view refers to a seat that has some type of obstruction, either partial or full, that impacts the view of the event taking place. This could be a pole, railing, overhang, or other structural elements that block the attendee’s line of sight to the stage, field, or main area of focus. Venues classify seats as limited view if there is anything that noticeably hampers what you are able to see from that vantage point.
Common Causes of Limited View Seats
There are a few main reasons a seat may be designated as limited view:
- Support pillars – Large venues like arenas or theaters need pillars and overhangs to support the infrastructure. These structural elements can block the view.
- Railings – Safety railings at the front of elevated seating sections can impede the view.
- Stage equipment – Speakers, lighting rigs, and other stage/production equipment may limit the view in certain seats.
- Non-centered seats – Seats on the far left or right ends of a row that are not centered to the main stage or focal point.
Venues try to minimize limited view seats as much as possible when designing the layout, but some amount of obstructed seats are generally unavoidable in large venues.
How Venues Indicate Limited View Seats
Venues use a few different ways to indicate that a seat has a limited view:
- On seating charts – Seats will be marked as “Limited View” or “Obstructed View” on online or printed seating charts.
- During ticket purchase – When buying tickets online or over the phone, the agent and/or website will note that the seats have an obstructed view.
- On the ticket – The actual ticket will say something like “Obstructed View” or “Limited Sight Lines” on it.
- With a disclaimer – There may be a disclaimer notice when buying the tickets that states something like “A portion of seats in this price level have limited or obstructed views.”
This allows buyers to be aware that the view is compromised in some way before purchasing the tickets. Signage and ushers at the venue will also indicate limited view areas.
Why are Some Seats Limited View?
There are several reasons why a venue may have seats with limited views, including:
Venue Design
As mentioned, support pillars, railings, overhangs and other structural elements can obstruct views. The orientation of seats and the stage/focal point also plays a role. Venues aim for optimal viewing angles, but imperfect sight lines are unavoidable.
Venue Type | Typical Causes of Limited Views |
---|---|
Arenas | Support pillars, upper deck overhangs, giant screens or speakers hanging from rafters |
Theaters | Support pillars, balconies, lighting fixtures |
Stadiums | Railings, upper decks, non-centered seats, video boards |
Prioritizing Capacity
Venues need to balance view quality with maximizing seating capacity and ticket revenue. Filling in obstructed areas with additional seats, even if they have imperfect views, allows them to increase capacity and ticket sales.
Pre-existing Buildings
Venues that host events in older, pre-existing buildings often have limited view seats due to pillars, columns, balconies and other legacy architecture that can’t easily be changed. The obstructions are essentially “baked in” to these types of venues.
Temporary Stages
For concerts or shows in large spaces not designed specifically for performances, temporary stages are erected. The temporary nature can create less than ideal seat angles and views in parts of the venue.
Utilizing Multiple Levels
Having upper decks and balconies allows venues to add a lot more seating. But the tradeoff is these elevated sections inherently have their views impacted by lower decks and overhangs.
Do All Venues Have Limited View Seats?
The vast majority of large venues will have at least some seats with obstructed views. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Small, intimate venues – Music clubs, small theaters under 1,000 capacity, comedy clubs etc. may have clear sight lines throughout.
- Venues designed for optimal viewing – Some newer arenas and stadiums specifically engineer sight lines as a priority over maximum capacity.
- Outdoor seated venues – Outdoor amphitheaters where all seats face a stage in one direction tend to have fewer obstructions.
That said, it’s rare for an arena, large stadium, concert hall or other big venue not to have limited viewing in parts of the stands. Compromises between capacity and unobstructed sight lines are usually unavoidable.
Percentage of Seats with Limited Views
There are no hard rules and it varies greatly, but very roughly:
- Arenas – 15-25% limited view seats
- Stadiums – 10-20% limited view seats
- Theaters – 10-15% limited view seats
- Amphitheaters – 5-15% limited view seats
So attendees should generally expect that a portion of seats will have compromised sight lines in any major venue.
Are Limited View Seats Cheaper?
Often, yes. Since the viewing experience is degraded, venues will discount tickets in obstructed areas compared to seats with clear views:
Discounts for Limited Views
Obstruction Type | Typical Discount |
---|---|
Partial obstruction | 10-25% cheaper |
Severe obstruction | 25-50% cheaper |
The discount is usually proportional to the degree of limitation. A minor obstruction like a thin pillar may only be 10% cheaper, versus a severe blockage warranting a 50% price reduction.
This allows venues to still derive some revenue from partially impaired seats rather than leaving them empty. Fans get discounted pricing in exchange for accepting the obstructed view.
Exceptions
While limited seats are often discounted, there can be exceptions:
- Hot shows sell out – For extremely popular concerts and games, even obstructed seats may sell at full price.
- Obstructions don’t affect experience much – Being off to the far side may not detract from some events.
- Higher vantage point offsets obstruction – Sitting up high can mean an object far below has minimal impact.
So there are cases where limited view seats may not be discounted if demand is high or the obstruction is minor. But typically fans will save money in exchange for the downgrade in view.
Are Fans Notified at Purchase?
Responsible ticketing platforms and box offices will indicate at the time of purchase if seats have any vision restrictions. Ways this is communicated:
Online Ticket Sites
Major ticketing websites like Ticketmaster will note next to the seat listing if views are obstructed, for example:
Section 209, Row 12, Seats 1-2 – LIMITED VIEW
This gives buyers a chance to consider the impact before purchasing.
Phone Purchases
Box office agents are supposed to inform buyers over the phone if seats have limited views. Responsible agents will say something like “I can offer seats in section 104, but please be advised those seats have an obstructed view.”
In-Person
At a physical box office, staff should also let customers know face-to-face if there are view limitations for available seats. Signs may also be posted indicating obstructed views.
On Tickets
Once purchased, the ticket itself will usually indicate if the view is obstructed. SeatGeek for instance prints “Limited View” right on the ticket as a reminder.
So in most cases, both online and offline, buyers are made aware at the time of purchase if seating has visual impairments. This allows them to factor it into the buying decision.
Can You Exchange Limited View Seats?
Most major ticketing platforms and box offices allow exchanges if seats have an obstructed view that was not disclosed:
Examples of Exchange Policies
Company | Exchange Policy |
---|---|
Ticketmaster | Refunds or exchanges if obstruction not indicated. |
AXS | Exchanges allowed for undisclosed obstructions. |
StubHub | “Clear view” guarantee or 120% credit. |
If obstruction was not indicated originally, customers can usually swap seats for better ones or get a refund.
If obstruction was properly disclosed at time of purchase, exchanges are less common. But some vendors still allow it as a courtesy, especially for major obstructions.
At the Venue Box Office
If the original seller does not permit an exchange, the venue’s on-site box office may assist, again especially for substantial unexpected obstructions. But they are not obligated in this case.
So exchanges depend on policies and how the obstruction was communicated initially. But undisclosed major obstructions can often be accommodated.
Who Has the Best Views?
While limited views can happen throughout a venue, there are sections that tend to have clearer sight lines:
Best View Areas
Venue Type | Best View Seats |
---|---|
Arena | Center sections, front half of lower bowl |
Stadium | Midfield seats, lower sidelines, club seats |
Theater | Center orchestra, front mezzanine |
Amphitheater | Front sections near center stage |
Being centered facing the stage or action, closer to the floor, and away from overhangs yields clearer lines of sight. Sections on extreme ends or under upper decks have more obstructions.
Seating Charts
Seating charts will indicate limited view areas and can guide optimal seat selection. Unobstructed seats tend to be more expensive, so budget affects options too.
Sightline Tools
To preview sight lines before buying, there are tools like:
Virtual View from Seat
- SeatGeek – Offers virtual seat views from different locations.
- Ticketmaster – Some venues have interactive 3D seat previews.
- Vivid Seats – 3D venue viewer shows obstructed areas.
- StubHub – Lets buyers preview view from listed seats.
These help assess potential obstructions before purchasing tickets. Some also have filters to exclude limited view listings.
Should You Avoid Limited View Seats?
Whether to rule out limited view seats depends on:
Factors to Consider
- Type of event – Obstructions impact some performances more than others.
- Degree of obstruction – Minor vs. major sightline issues.
- Discount amount – Bigger discounts make impairments more tolerable.
- Your budget – May determine options available.
- Whether disclosed – Unexpected obstructions are more frustrating.
While many fans try to avoid limited views altogether, others find them worthwhile if the price discount is substantial enough.
When to Consider Limited Views
Limited views may be acceptable if:
- Obstruction is minor – Small pillars may not bother you.
- You just want to be there – Diehard fans prioritize attendance over perfection.
- Discount is major – Saving 50% could outweigh obstructions.
- Tight budget – Limited views may be only affordable option.
Just be sure you are informed of the restrictions before purchasing.
How to Get the Best Views
To maximize your chance of clear sight lines, follow these tips when purchasing tickets:
Buying Strategies for Best Views
- Consult venue seating chart – Identify unobstructed sections.
- Read seat listings closely – Note any disclosed view limitations.
- Ask box office reps about views – Don’t hesitate to inquire.
- Utilize view preview tools – Virtually check the seat view if available.
- Avoid ends/corners – Stay centered for direct angles.
- Aim lower bowl – First level has less overhang issues.
- See multiple shows – Attend other events first to preview options.
While obstructions can never be avoided fully, following these guidelines when buying tickets gives you the best shot at scoring stellar seat views.
Dealing with Obstructed Views
If you do end up with limited views, here are some ways to cope:
Making the Best of Obstructed Seats
- Arrive early to assess – You may have more options than you thought.
- Sit as close to aisle as possible – Increase viewing angles.
- Bring compact binoculars – See around some obstructions.
- Shift positions – Stand/lean for better views during key moments.
- Watch screens if available – Arena video boards show replays.
- Take some photos but enjoy the moment – Don’t just watch through your phone.
While less than ideal, focusing on the positive and applying some creativity can help overcome view challenges.
Conclusion
Limited view seats are a reality at most major event venues. But being aware of why obstructions happen, policies around exchanges, tools to preview views, and strategies to secure optimal seats can help fans get the best experience possible. Obstructed views don’t have to ruin the event, especially if discounts provide fair value. With the right approach and managed expectations, you can still have an amazing time even from limited seats!