When Going to a Concert, Where You Sit or Stand Matters

Going to shows can be a transformative experience filled with wonder and energy and great music. It can also be a sweaty hellscape that leaves you with ringing ears, smelling of spilt beer.

Every concertgoer has their preferred experience for seeing artists live. Some want a picture of the whole thing while certain audiophiles crave perfect sound. Others want to get in the pit and dance. Whatever your idea of a great concert experience, where you sit (or stand as the case may be) makes all the difference.

Casual Observers

If you are going to see a band you don’t know that well and your primary interest is that of a curious bystander, consider the middle back of a general admission show or side of the stage in a larger arena. If you are standing up, being able to take in the overall is critical without the crush of the crowd. If you have the option of seats, the side of the stage is a great way to see not just the performance, but things going on behind the scenes. This is a great option for musicians as well, just make sure you are on the side of the person you actually want to watch.

Visual Learners

Love the spectacle of it all? Want to see every backup dancer and every bright flashing light? Get to the back of the crowd in an elevated position. You might not be the closest to the artist, but you’ll be able to see everything. In a venue like Toyota Center, that means the back lower section 10-20 rows up to make sure you aren’t blocked by anything below. In a more general admission setting, the key is to get up higher than the people in front of you like a balcony at 713 Music Hall or House of Blues.

The Audiophile

If you love the auditory experience of a great show, look for the mixing board and get as close to it as possible. Audio engineers position themselves at a venue for a reason. The center of the room gives them stereo separation of the sound system and helps them to get the best picture of how everything is actually sounding. In big arenas, that often means being on the floor or in the first couple rows in the lower bowl. In smaller venues, you will probably have to cram yourself in front of the sound guy. But, leave them alone because that job is difficult enough without people asking for more delay on the lead vocal.

Active Participants

Dancers, mosh pitters, this is for you. Keep in mind that this is much more attainable at general admission shows where you can force yourself to the front and party like a rock star. Obviously, proceed with caution. The larger the crowd and the hotter the weather if you are outside, the more dangerous it can be. For big arenas, it means ponying up big bucks to get a seat down front. It’s the only way to be close to the action and might even allow you to interact with the artist. Of course, if you just want to dance, you can to that any damn where you please, so have fun!

For the Claustrophobic

Yes, there are music lovers who also happen to struggle in crowded environments. It can be panic inducing and downright terrifying. For you folks, the choices are somewhat more limited, but not unattainable. Consider more outdoor shows like the ones at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion where you can bring a lawn chair and sit in the expanse of grass. If you must go to a show in more cramped corners, get there early and scope out a spot in the back near an exit. It will help ease some of the discomfort that comes with dealing with so many people.

The Option to Sit Down

If you are someone that doesn’t want to stand for long periods of time or has a physical disability, make sure the show you go to is not entirely general admission. You MIGHT be able to find a seat like a barstool or similar (House of Blues has some) if you get there early enough, but if not, you could be in trouble. For seated shows, ideally pick somewhere that is easy to access – the end of a row or a seat towards the back. It will make it much easier to enter and exit and keep the show enjoyable for both you and your seat mates.

Just Happy to Be Here

If you just want a good time, don’t even bother worrying about it. Show up, hang out and dance like everyone is watching you because, nowadays, they might be!