A Concert Ticket Buyer's Guide
I have previously made a blog about the pros and cons of concertgoing versus owning on DVD. To paraphrase while concertgoing allows you to have an enjoyable experience, there are big crowds, iffy sound systems, not to mention that the stage looks like you're in a chopper.
Which brings us to...
...so how do you know whether or not you're getting the right experience or the bang for your buck? It's a knee jerk reaction to want to sit at front row, or to go cheap and buy nosebleed seats.
(Wondering why it's called nosebleed? It's the section of the stadium where the ball could hit you and you're likely to get...a nosebleed).
So, what's the best seat?

Take a look at this picture. It's from a Bon Jovi concert I attended some five years ago. While you can't see me, I was at the center of the stage. As you can see, I had a bird's eye view from the stage and I did not have to slant to the left or the right to better see.
That's Point #1 - Always pick the seat as CLOSE to the center as possible. How do you know which one it is? Every ticket merchandise site (TicketMaster, StubHub, LiveNation, etc.) has a "map" of the venue. You can use this to easily pinpoint where you'll be sitting and how much a few from the stage you have. Try to find a seat that lies in the center of the length of the stage.
Rule #2 - The Middle: As explained, going too high is a good deal, but it will keep you from enjoying the full experience and seeing every detail. Conversely, going too low will only give you a narrow view, and with the sound being loud as it is, you really run a risk of losing your hearing. Again, use the handy interactive maps on the concert sites to make sure you are sitting halfway up from the stage. If it helps, count the number of rows from the stage to the top and then divide in half.
Rule #3 - Middle of the row: It's all about the middle when it comes to attending concerts. Count the number of seats along the middle of the stage and choose the seat(s) halfway through the row.
Bottom line: for the best concert-viewing experience: Middle of stadium, middle of row, middle row itself!
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