Where Should
I Sit?
Not all seats are created equal. From floor vs. balcony to decoding "obstructed view," here's how to pick the perfect spot for your budget.
Always match Section, Row, and Seat to your ticket. Look for legends: ADA (Accessible), GA (General Admission), or OB (Obstructed View).
Use interactive maps to zoom in. Check if you're behind a stage, near a speaker, or in a "Limited View" zone before buying.
Floor seats offer immersion but flat views. Balconies offer perspective but distance. Choose based on what you value most.
01The Levels Explained
Floor / Orchestra
Best for: Intimacy, facial expressions, and feeling the energy.
In theaters, these are ground-level seats closest to the stage. You'll see every detail, but front rows might require looking up at a steep angle. In arenas, "floor" often means flat seating.
Warning: Arena floors are often flat (not sloped). If a tall person stands in front of you, your view is gone.
Mezzanine / Loge
Best for: Balanced perspective, full stage views, and sound quality.
The first elevated level. Prized for musicals and large productions because you can see choreography and set designs without craning your neck. Front mezzanine rows (A-C) are often considered "premium" and priced accordingly.
Balcony
Best for: Budget, "big picture" views, and acoustics.
The highest level. You get a bird's-eye view of the entire production. Great for large-scale shows, but you won't see facial expressions. Be aware that balconies are often steeply raked (angled), which is great for sightlines but tough if you're afraid of heights.
02Event Type Matters
- Center Stage / 360°: Higher seats still offer great views as action rotates.
- End Stage: Avoid extreme sides unless you only care about audio.
- Sound Quality: Sit near the sound mix board (usually floor/lower bowl center) for the best audio balance.
- Hockey/Basketball: Center court/ice at moderate elevation (lower bowl rows 10-20) lets you see plays develop better than glass/courtside.
- Football: Lower level between 30-yard lines is ideal. Upper deck midfield offers an "All-22" tactical view.
- Baseball: Behind home plate for purists; outfield bleachers for atmosphere and home run balls.
03The "Obstructed View" Trap
"Obstructed View" means something—a pillar, railing, speaker, or overhang—blocks part of your sightline.
Common Culprits:
- Support Pillars: Common in older ballparks (e.g., Fenway) and theaters.
- Overhangs: Rear orchestra seats might miss action at the top of the stage set.
- Equipment: Cameras, soundboards, or lighting rigs can block views.
The Strategy:
- Check Labels: Look for "Limited View," "Side View," or "Rear Stage."
- Verify Online: Use sites like A View From My Seat to see real photos from that section.
- Ask Ushers: If the view is terrible and the event isn't sold out, ask politely if you can move.
Quick Decision Guide
Useful Tools
Before you buy, check the view from your seat using these third-party resources: