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If you’re planning a live event – no matter the size, venue type, or nature of the event – you’ll want to feel confident about your seating plan. Making a well-informed decision about the number and placement of seats will ensure the best possible experience for your audience.

General admission and reserved tickets are the most common ticket types in the industry and are likely the ticket type you will choose between for any live event. 

Reserved tickets are a popular choice for attendees who would like the best view or who want to sit in a group, while general admission tickets are often preferred for those who like to move around at an event.

As both music and sports events are predicted to grow by 2024 and surpass $20 billion in revenue, event organizers who understand their audience's seating needs will have a greater likelihood of success. The global events industry market is expected to reach a revenue of 2.1 trillion by the year 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2023 to 2032.

Over the last twenty years, we’ve gained deep insights into seating and meeting audience preferences. We are ready to share the most essential information to help you make informed decisions about seating for your next event.

General Admission: Something for Everyone

What Does "General Admission" Mean?

General admission (GA) is a type of ticket that allows a person entry to an event but does not guarantee a specific seat assignment. 

With a general admission ticket, you may be given a specific area to sit or stand in, but you won't have a specific seat reserved for you. General Admission ticket holders are usually admitted to an event on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

One of the main benefits of General Admission tickets is that they are often less expensive than Reserved Seating tickets. They are also usually easier to obtain for popular events since there are typically more General Admission tickets available.

In addition, General Admission tickets allow for flexibility, allowing you to move around and experience the event in different ways.

What is General Admission Seating?

General admission seating refers to a type of ticketing and seating arrangement commonly used at venues and events where specific seat assignments are not provided.  Instead, it's typically first-come, first-served, with people choosing their own seats or standing areas upon arrival. This approach is common in music venues, festivals, and some sporting events. It offers flexibility for venues and often lower ticket prices, but may lead to early queuing for better positions. All ticket holders have equal access to the available space, including seated and standing areas, depending on the event.

Benefits of General Admission:

  • Attendees can stand or sit wherever they’d like.
  • Attendees move about the event space.
  • Check-in is faster.
  • No need for a seating chart.
  • Easier to sell last-minute tickets.
  • No need to worry about orphan seats.

Challenges:

  • Attendees must arrive early to find a good spot.
  • There is a greater chance of chaotic seating.
  • Attendees may be more aggressive in selecting their spots.
  • Attendees may not buy merch or refreshments for fear of losing their “good spot”.
  • Might not work best for some audience types, such as the elderly or families with young children.

Best Scenarios for Choosing GA:

  • Music festivals and high-energy concerts
  • Nightclub events
  • Art gallery openings
  • Casual sporting events
  • Networking mixers

Reserved Seating: A Premium Event Experience

What Does "Reserved Seating" Mean?

Reserved seating is a type of ticket that allows you to choose and reserve a specific seat at an event ahead of time. With a reserved seating ticket, you know exactly where you will be sitting and can plan your arrival accordingly. 

This can be especially convenient if you have special accessibility needs, are attending with young children, or just want to ensure you have a good view of the stage or performance area.

With reserved tickets, event organizers allow patrons to choose their seats and venue sections. This way, patrons don’t have to rush, as their seats will be available whenever they arrive—even late, in some cases.

If you are hosting a large event like a music concert or a game, offer reserved seating to prevent long queues or impatient crowds outside the venue.

Some ticketing apps include built-in features like reserved seating, which allows attendees to pick their seats according to their preference or the current social distancing policy.

The screenshot displays Softjourn's Virtual Map Technology (VMT) in action, showing an easy and user-friendly process of reserving seats for an event.

The screenshot displays the process of reserving seats for an event using Softjourn's Venue Mapping Tool (VMT).

Benefits of Reserved Seating:

  • Guests can pick their seats before the event.
  • Early sales are encouraged.
  • Prices will differ depending on the seat location.
  • Attendees with disabilities, children, or the elderly will feel confident knowing they have a spot that’ll work well for them.
  • Families and friends can be sure they’ll sit together.
  • There is less confusion during seat-finding.
  • Patrons feel more secure to leave their seats to buy merch and refreshments.

Challenges:

  • More expensive prices.
  • The best seats sell out first.
  • Higher likelihood of orphan seats.
  • Some groups may have to sit apart if there are not enough seats sold together.

Best Scenarios for Choosing Reserved Seating:

  • Theater performances and Broadway shows
  • Formal concerts (e.g., symphony, opera)
  • Major sporting events
  • Conferences and seminars
  • Weddings and galas

Making the Right Choice

When deciding between General Admission and Reserved Seating, consider the following factors:

  1. Event Type: Is it a high-energy concert where you want to dance or a seated performance where you'll want a consistent view?
  2. Personal Preferences: Do you enjoy the freedom to move around, or do you prefer the security of a guaranteed seat?
  3. Physical Needs: Consider your ability to stand for long periods or navigate crowds.
  4. Budget: GA tickets are often less expensive but weigh this against the benefits of reserved seating.
  5. Group Size: If attending with a large group, reserved seating might be easier for staying together.
  6. Arrival Time: Can you arrive early to secure a good GA spot, or do you need the flexibility to arrive closer to the start time?

Tips for Maximizing Your Experience:

  • For GA events, arrive early and familiarize yourself with the venue layout.
  • For reserved seating, check seat maps in advance to choose the best available option.
  • Consider VIP or early entry upgrades for GA events if you want a prime spot.
  • For reserved seating, look for seats that balance view, price, and proximity to amenities.

By understanding these key differences and considering your personal preferences, you can make an informed decision that enhances your event experience.

General Admission vs Reserved Seating: For Event Organizers

As an event organizer, your choice between General Admission and Reserved Seating can significantly impact your event's success, attendee satisfaction, and bottom line. This section will delve into the strategies, benefits, and challenges of each ticketing approach, providing you with the insights needed to make informed decisions for your events.

General admission for organizers

General Admission Strategies

General Admission (GA) offers a flexible and often cost-effective approach to event ticketing. It can create a dynamic atmosphere and is particularly suited to certain types of events. However, it also comes with unique challenges that require careful management.

When to Use GA

General Admission is ideal for events where:

  • Audience movement and interaction are encouraged
  • The experience is not significantly impacted by viewing angle
  • You want to create a more casual, energetic atmosphere
  • Capacity can be fluid
  • You're working with a venue that doesn't have fixed seating

Examples include music festivals, standing-room concerts, art exhibitions, and networking events.

Benefits of Offering GA Tickets

  1. Flexibility in Capacity Management: GA allows you to adjust capacity more easily, potentially maximizing attendance.
  2. Cost-Effective: Generally requires less infrastructure and staffing to manage seating.
  3. Creates a Dynamic Atmosphere: Encourages mingling and can enhance the energy of an event.
  4. Simplifies Ticketing Process: No need to manage complex seating charts or deal with seat selection issues.
  5. Attractive Pricing Options: Often allows for lower price points, making events more accessible.

Challenges and Solutions

  1. Queue Management:
    • Challenge: Long lines can form, especially for popular events.
    • Solution: Implement staggered entry times, multiple entry points, or offer early entry passes for an additional fee.
  2. Overcrowding in Popular Areas:
    • Challenge: Certain areas may become overly congested.
    • Solution: Use barriers or staff to manage crowd flow, create multiple points of interest throughout the venue.
  3. Accessibility Concerns:
    • Challenge: Individuals with disabilities may struggle to find suitable spots.
    • Solution: Designate priority areas with good sightlines and easy access for those with special needs.
  4. Early Arrivals and Camping:
    • Challenge: Fans may arrive extremely early to secure the best spots.
    • Solution: Provide pre-event entertainment, implement wristband systems for re-entry, or offer tiered GA tickets with earlier entry times.

Best Practices for Implementation

  1. Clear Communication: Provide detailed information about the GA policy, arrival times, and what attendees can expect.
  2. Use Technology: Implement digital ticketing systems for easy check-in and crowd management. Consider RFID wristbands for large events.
  3. Create Zones: Divide the venue into different GA zones to help manage crowd flow and provide variety.
  4. Staff Training: Ensure all staff are well-trained in crowd management techniques and emergency procedures.
  5. Enhance the Experience: Offer rental services (e.g., locker rentals), create multiple attractions throughout the venue, and consider offering GA upgrades on the day of the event.

Reserved seating for organizers

Reserved Seating Strategies

Reserved seating provides a structured approach to event organization, offering attendees guaranteed spots and often allowing for tiered pricing strategies. While it can enhance the experience for many events, it also requires more detailed planning and management.

When to Use Reserved Seating

Reserved seating is particularly suitable for:

  • Formal events (e.g., galas, award ceremonies)
  • Performances where viewing angle is crucial (e.g., theater, sports)
  • Events with a seated dinner component
  • Conferences and seminars
  • Venues with fixed seating arrangements

Benefits of Offering Reserved Seats

  1. Premium Experience: Attendees know exactly where they'll sit, reducing anxiety and improving overall satisfaction.
  2. Tiered Pricing Opportunities: Ability to charge more for prime locations, potentially increasing revenue.
  3. Crowd Control: Easier management of audience flow and seating.
  4. Group Accommodation: Ensures families or groups can sit together.
  5. VIP Treatment: Ability to reserve the best seats for VIPs, sponsors, or as upgraded options.

Challenges and Solutions

  1. Complexity in Planning:
    • Challenge: Creating seating charts and managing seat selection can be time-consuming.
    • Solution: Utilize advanced venue mapping software to streamline the process.
  2. Potential for Unsold "Orphan" Seats:
    • Challenge: Individual unsold seats can be difficult to fill.
    • Solution: Implement dynamic pricing or offer last-minute deals to fill these seats.
  3. Higher Staffing Requirements:
    • Challenge: More personnel may be needed to guide attendees to their seats.
    • Solution: Invest in clear signage, digital seat mapping, and well-trained ushers.
  4. Limited Flexibility:
    • Challenge: Difficulty in adjusting capacity or layout once seats are sold.
    • Solution: Consider holding back some seats for last-minute release or upgrades.

Best Practices for Implementation

  1. Intuitive Seat Selection: Use a user-friendly online system that allows attendees to easily view and select their seats.
  2. Clear Communication: Provide detailed seating charts and information during the ticket purchase process.
  3. Accessibility Considerations: Ensure adequate accessible seating options and easy paths to these areas.
  4. Flexible Pricing Strategy: Adjust prices based on demand and seat location to maximize revenue.
  5. Buffer Zones: Consider leaving some seats or rows unsold to create space between groups, if needed for comfort or safety.
  6. Upgrade Opportunities: Allow guests to upgrade their seats for an additional fee, even on the day of the event.

Hybrid Approaches: Combining GA and Reserved Seating

In many cases, a hybrid approach that combines elements of both General Admission and Reserved Seating can offer the best of both worlds. This strategy can cater to different attendee preferences and maximize venue utilization.

Strategies for Hybrid Ticketing:

  1. Sectioned GA: Divide the venue into different GA sections, each with its own price point.
  2. GA + VIP Reserved: Offer general admission for the main area with a reserved VIP section.
  3. Timed Entry GA: Sell GA tickets with different entry times, allowing earlier entrants first choice of spots.
  4. Partially Reserved: Keep certain areas or levels reserved while leaving others as GA.

Benefits of Hybrid Approaches:

  • Caters to a wider range of attendee preferences
  • Allows for more dynamic pricing strategies
  • Can help manage crowd flow more effectively
  • Provides upsell opportunities from GA to reserved options

Implementation Tips:

  • Clearly communicate the different options available to avoid confusion
  • Use color-coding or distinct branding for different ticket types
  • Train staff to manage the complexities of multiple ticket types
  • Consider offering upgrades from GA to reserved seats on the day of the event

By carefully considering these strategies and adapting them to your specific event and audience, you can create a ticketing approach that enhances the attendee experience while meeting your organizational goals.

Why Offer Various Ticket Types?

Using multiple ticketing types has several advantages, including that customers can find exactly what they are looking for and discover deals that work best for them. 

While most people will usually opt for General Admission, if they see that they are " sold out,” they may still consider buying more expensive Reserved Seating tickets.

The fear of missing out is a powerful tool that motivates potential customers to shop, especially if the offer is adjusted to their needs. 

For example, offering family packages that bundle tickets will likely encourage attendees to purchase more expensive tickets so they can sit together.

Additionally, event organizers may consider adding other revenue-increasing options, such as early bird tickets and discount codes, but people will often go for the most straightforward option.

Ultimately, patrons appreciate the gift of choice, and by allowing buyers to select between General Admission or Reserved Seating tickets, you give them the option to decide what works best for their unique situation without overwhelming them with too many choices.

 

Spotlight: Softjourn’s Virtual Map Technology (VMT) for Reserved Seating

Smart event organizers know how valuable a functional seating plan is and how it directly affects venue capacity and the overall number of tickets sold. 

If you’d like to leverage a venue mapping tool to ensure every visitor can find the most comfortable seat, we recommend partnering with experts who can help you take advantage of the full potential of your venue.

Softjourn’s VMT solution allows venue managers and event organizers visualize their venue and better plan for events. The benefits of the VMT tool are twofold: it provides more comfort to audiences and it helps event managers define venue sections (including accessibility and companion seats), generate accurate price models, and reduce orphan seats.

Softjourn's Virtual Map Tool (VMT) is a powerful tool designed to assist event organizers in managing reserved seating efficiently. While it doesn't offer 3D visualization, it provides advanced features that significantly enhance ticketing for venues of all sizes.

Key features of Softjourn’s VMT include:

  • Interactive Venue Mapping: Event organizers can create custom, interactive maps that represent the exact layout of their venue. This includes seating sections, aisles, VIP areas, and more, allowing for precise control over ticket categories and pricing.

  • Orphan Seat Prevention: One of the standout features is an algorithm designed to prevent unsold single seats, commonly called "orphan seats." This ensures that ticket buyers cannot leave a single empty seat between purchases, maximizing the sale of all available seats.

  • Seat-Picking Tool: VMT includes a user-friendly seat-picking tool, allowing attendees to select seats with just a few clicks. The system supports color-coded seating charts for different ticket categories, enhancing the customer experience and simplifying seat selection.

  • Flexible Seat Arrangements: Event organizers can easily create and modify seat configurations, including options for general admission and reserved seating. The tool also allows for whole-table bookings, ideal for events that host groups or VIP experiences.

  • Integration Capabilities: VMT is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing ticketing platforms, ensuring smooth ticket sales and event management operation.

Using Softjourn’s VMT, event organizers can optimize seating arrangements, improve customer satisfaction, and increase ticket sales. The tool is ideal for events that require precise seating management, from concerts to conferences, and provides a streamlined solution to maximize revenue and improve the attendee experience.

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively implementing ticketing strategies is crucial for success as the events industry continues to grow and evolve. Whether opting for General Admission, Reserved Seating, or a hybrid approach, each strategy offers unique benefits and challenges.

General Admission provides flexibility and can create a dynamic atmosphere, making it ideal for music festivals, art exhibitions, and networking events. It offers cost-effective solutions for organizers and often lower-priced options for attendees. However, it requires careful crowd management and consideration for accessibility.

On the other hand, Reserved Seating offers a more structured experience, guaranteeing specific spots for attendees. This approach suits formal events, theatrical performances, and conferences. While it can be more complex to manage, it allows for tiered pricing strategies and can provide a premium experience for attendees.

Hybrid approaches combining GA and Reserved Seating elements can offer the best of both worlds, catering to diverse attendee preferences and maximizing venue utilization.

Regardless of the chosen strategy, leveraging modern technology and tools such as venue mapping software, digital ticketing systems, RFID technology, and event apps can significantly enhance organizational efficiency and the attendee experience.

Remember, the key to successful event ticketing lies in understanding your audience, carefully considering the nature of your event, and choosing a strategy that aligns with your goals. By doing so, you'll be well-positioned to create memorable experiences for your attendees and achieve success in the thriving events industry.

As you plan your next event, consider the insights and strategies discussed in this guide. Adapt them to your unique circumstances, and don't hesitate to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for your events and audience.

If you are interested in using our Venue Mapping Tool to drive more people to your events, we’re happy to discuss how it’ll work for your unique venue and let you demo the latest in venue mapping technology.

FAQ

Is general admission standing?

Yes, "general admission" (often abbreviated as "GA") typically refers to a type of ticket that does not have a specific seat associated with it. Instead, attendees with general admission tickets are usually allowed to stand or sit anywhere within a designated area, often on a first-come, first-served basis.

In the context of concerts or live events, a general admission ticket often means that attendees will be standing, especially if the event is at a venue where the main floor area is flat and without seating (like at many concert halls or nightclubs). This allows for a more dynamic and often more intimate experience between the performers and the audience, but it can also mean that visibility might be limited if you're behind taller people or far from the stage.

It's always a good idea to check the specifics of the event or venue when purchasing a GA ticket to understand the setup and any potential limitations.

Why are some tickets to the GA floor in a concert cost more than the others?

There can be several reasons why some tickets on the general admission (GA) floor at a concert cost more than others:

  1. Early Entry/VIP Access: Some tickets may include early entry or VIP access to the venue, allowing ticket holders to enter before regular GA ticket holders. This can provide a better chance of securing a spot closer to the stage.
  2. Reserved Sections: Although GA typically means first-come, first-served, some venues may have reserved sections within the GA floor area. These sections may be closer to the stage or offer other benefits, resulting in higher ticket prices.
  3. Ticket Package Inclusions: Certain GA tickets might be part of a package that includes merchandise (like t-shirts or posters), food and beverage vouchers, or other perks, which can increase the overall cost.
  4. Dynamic Pricing: Some ticketing systems use dynamic pricing, where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. As the concert date approaches or if the event sells well, the prices of the remaining tickets may increase. Read more about dynamic pricing.
  5. Resale Tickets: If the concert is sold out, resale tickets on secondary markets might be priced higher due to demand. These inflated prices can vary depending on the seller and the anticipated popularity of the event.

It's always a good idea to carefully review the ticket details and any associated perks or restrictions before purchasing to ensure you understand what you're getting for the price.

How early should I show up at a general admission concert?

When should you arrive at a general admission concert? The time you should get there depends on the artist's popularity, venue size, and your desired proximity to the stage. Here are some general guidelines:

  • If you want to be as close to the stage as possible, consider arriving several hours before the official door opening time. For highly popular artists, some fans may even line up the night before or early in the morning on the day of the show.
  • If you want a decent spot, but not necessarily at the front, plan to arrive 1-2 hours before the doors open. This should give you enough time to get a good spot while avoiding the most extended lines.
  • If you're content with being farther back in the crowd, arriving 30 minutes to an hour before the doors open should suffice. You'll still get to enjoy the show, but you may not have the closest view of the stage.

It's crucial to be aware of the specific rules and regulations of the venue you're attending. These may include designated line-up areas or items that are not allowed. To avoid any surprises, make sure to check the venue's website or social media accounts for any additional information.

When planning your arrival time, it's important to consider external factors that could affect your journey, such as traffic, parking availability, and the time it takes to get through security and ticketing. By giving yourself extra time to account for these variables, you can ensure a smoother and less stressful concert experience.

Remember, the earlier you arrive, the longer you'll be standing and waiting, so dress comfortably, stay hydrated, and be prepared for varying weather conditions if you're waiting outside.