The urge is understandable.
Your favorite [insert artist/group] is coming to town, so of course you hope to snag front row seats.
Why wouldn’t you want to be as close as possible to get sprinkled with Roger Daltrey’s sweat or witness the bow scraping the violin strings, right?
Well, contrary to popular belief, those seats under the nose of the stage aren’t the pinnacle of perspective.
In fact, it’s usually the seats several rows from the stage or, depending upon the production, the front of the balcony, that present the most ideal sight lines and sound.
In an effort to aid in your ticket-buying process, we chose a specific event at several area venues and asked their representatives: “What’s the best seat in the house?”
Some were more specific than others, but all should provide a basis to guide you the next time you need to analyze a seating chart.
Alliance Theatre
The show: “Into the Woods”
The seat: Center Orchestra, Row G, Seat 101
Why: According to house manager Shana Orr, any seat in the Center Orchestra between rows D and H is prime property.
Atlanta Symphony Hall
The show: Classical concerts
The seat: Loge seats
Why: The first row of the second balcony is considered the best for acoustics and a full view of the orchestra. For pops concerts, the first four orchestra rows are the most sought-after.
Philips Arena
The show: Jay-Z and Kanye West
The seat: Section 103, Row J, Seat 16
Why: Bob Williams, president of Philips, chooses this spot because it puts you at eye level with the artist — “close enough for it to feel personal and far enough away to enjoy the entire production” — and offers a perfect sound mix. Since it’s a club-side seat, it also allows access to the venue’s diverse restaurants and VIP parking.
Fox Theatre
The show: “Wicked”
The seat: Loge, Row AA
Why: It’s the best spot to absorb the spectacle of the set, said Russ Belin, vice president of Broadway Across America, which is presenting the show. He also suggests seats in the lower orchestra section for those who prefer a zoom-lens view of the actors’ facial expressions and costume details.
Gwinnett Arena
The show: Foo Fighters
The seats: Sections 111-112, Row M
Why: The band just changed its stage production to a 360-degree setup, so those behind the stage will be at arm’s length (or so) of the band.
The show: Cirque du Soleil’s “Dralion”
The seat: Section 100, Row M
Why: Because of the 4-foot-high stage setup and simultaneous acts during a Cirque production, the section allows for a panoramic view.
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
The show: Roger Daltrey
The seat: Section 104, Row D, Seat 1
Why: Venue folks cite the great view over the orchestra section and easy access to two different aisles to get to concessions, bathrooms or the VIP club.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
The show: Atlanta Ballet
The seat: Center Orchestra, Row E, Seats 101-102 or 117-118
Why: Managing Director Michael Taormina said the aisle provides a full view of the entire production, including lighting, set, costumes and, of course, choreography. End seats also give you a few-second advantage to bolt for the lobby during intermission.
Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
The show: Toby Keith
The seats: Section 204, Row CC
Why: Not only is the section perfectly centered to the stage, but it’s also elevated above the lower 100 level, which provides a clean view of the stage and video screens. Also, its location next to the mix board ensures the best sound. Lakewood general manager Akeasha Branch recommends the spot for any show at the venue.
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