[Live Concert Basics] What’s the difference between stand and arena seats?

Last updated:2024/8/4

[Live Concert Basics] What’s the difference between stand and arena seats?

Festival-loving girlImae Mizuki
I got totally hooked on BUMP OF CHICKEN after my best friend introduced them to me in junior high, and that’s when I woke up to music. In high school, a senior led me into the world of melodic hardcore, and I fell for it completely. Heavily influenced by the boyfriend I was dating back then, I’ve been a huge fan of 10-FEET from then until now. After graduating from my days as a hairstylist—spent staring down wigs every day—I now work staff for studios, live houses, and wedding sound, spending my days hunting for new bands. Despite being out at festivals and shows all year round, I’m still a hopeless kid who can’t even do a two-step.

When you go to a live show, what kind of venue do you usually visit?

There are all kinds, from live houses known as “all standing” to large halls with seating referred to as “stands” or “arena seats.”

This time, I’d like to explain the mysteries behind these various seat names.

What are stand seats and arena seats?

[Live Concert Basics] What’s the difference between stand and arena seats?

Live venues with mainly standing sections and arena seats are most often large halls capable of accommodating a substantial number of attendees.

Even for outdoor events, when they are held at venues like stadiums that are usually used for soccer or baseball, both stand seating and arena seating are provided.

What is a standing section?

What is a standing section?These are seats where you can sit in a chair and watch the live performance.。

Most of the time seats are reserved, but for festivals or circuits they may be unassigned (general admission).

It's a bit away from the stage, but it's safe and recommended for those attending with family or anyone who wants to enjoy the concert at a relaxed pace.

What is an arena seat?

In large halls, domes, or stadiums, there are originally no seats other than the stands.

Therefore, partitions such as blocks and sections are created, and the seats prepared for the day of the live performance are called arena seats.

In other words, as I mentioned earlier, when a concert is held at a stadium that is usually used for soccer or baseball,The arena seats are located on the field where the players usually play.That’s how it turns out.

What does “all standing” mean?

As the name suggests, it refers to a venue where all spots are standing-room only.

When an indie band performs or when a local light music club uses the venue, it’s almost always all-standing.

In the case of an acoustic live show, seating may be provided, but at an all-standing live house, unlike in the stands, accommodations are often made with simple, temporary chairs.

That said, one of the unique benefits of an all-standing setup is that the distance between the performers and the audience is very close.

It’s not uncommon to hear that artists who now perform in halls and stadiums used to play in all-standing live houses in front of just two or three audience members.

Which seat should I take?

I’ve explained the characteristics of the seats, but some of you might be wondering, “So which seat should I choose?”

I think seat selection will vary depending on the situation and what you prioritize, so I’ll write about common situations in each area for your reference.

In the case of arena seating

Arena seats are close to the artist’s eye level, making it easier to feel a sense of unity.

There's a high chance you can snag items like towels or picks thrown by the artist.

However, depending on the artist’s genre, this area often sees intense moshing and stage diving, and it’s an area where many experienced concert-goers gather.

Also, since there are no tiers, if you’re in the rows toward the back of the arena seating, it can be a bit hard to see, especially for women.

In the case of standing seats

The biggest advantage of the standing section is that you can rest right away when you get tired.

Also, the spacing between neighbors is wider compared to the arena seats, which is nice.

Those who are attending with their families,moshand/or; such as; or (used to list examples)diveEven those who are afraid of such things can enjoy the live show safely.

However, since there are usually stand seats on the second and third floors, they are far from the stage and you may only be able to see the artist on the monitors.

In conclusion

When getting tickets, I think people sometimes have trouble deciding between stand seats and arena seats.

I’d be glad if this could make it even a little easier for you to decide in such moments.

Enjoy the best live experience from the seat that suits you!