What Are Pit Seats at a Concert?

Pit seats are close enough to touch a performer.

The word 'pit' in pit tickets is shortened from orchestra pit. A traditional orchestra pit is directly in front of the stage and varies in size, depending on the instruments needed for the performance. This area is used for traditional musicals, vaudeville and opera that require live orchestration. Even though concert venues have little use for offstage live orchestration, they use the same terms to distinguish between seating areas. Pit seats are therefore in front of the stage, where an orchestra would be in different circumstances.

Advantages

Pit seats offer a level of intimacy, allowing a fan to reach out and almost touch a performer. This intimacy excites the fans in the pit, so often this area has intensity that inspires dancing, screaming and singing along. If a performer is known for throwing mementos, or themselves, into a crowd, they are likely to land in the pit.

Disadvantages

The pit area is set at the lower end of a rake, so the rest of the audience will see above the heads of the spectators in the pit. A rake is an inclined plane, meaning the ground will gradually rise from pit to the back rows, excluding any balconies. Often the pit does not have seats. If a spectator wants to sit and enjoy a show, the pit is not the place for her. The pit at a popular concert is often crowded. This has the potential to lead to pushing and shoving by spectators who want to get a spot closer to the stage. If drinks are allowed inside the venue, it can lead to spills or a messy floor.

Price

Pit seats are more expensive than other seats. This is due to their proximity to the stage and the performers. Prices vary depending on the venue and the concert type, but sometimes the price gap between pit seats and nose-bleed seats can reach hundreds of dollars. However, a concert that hasn't sold out as expected may offer a large discount on pit tickets. This is because the venue wants the front seats full, not the back rows. If a spectator is purchasing pit tickets from a secondary source on the day of the show, the tickets will be at least twice the price as at the box office. Purchasing pit seats in advance will save money. Many online ticket services offer seating options before a buyer confirms a ticket purchase, so he can select pit seats.

Mosh Pit

Mosh pits are important parts of a rock or heavy metal concert. In this case, the pit is not just a place next to the stage, but an experience in itself. Mosh pits are large, open areas where fans attempt to push their way to the stage. Jumping, dancing and throwing your body on top of the pit are a normal, and encouraged, part of the experience. If you are planning on viewing a rock concert from the pit, be prepared to participate.

References

• Fox Theatre: Seating Chart; 2011
• Fresno Philharmonic: Concert News: 2011