
Welcome to SeatGeek Front Row, where SeatGeek employees share their firsthand experiences and best tips for getting the most out of live events. For this edition, SeatGeek Enablement Content Specialist and Las Vegas local Ash Rojas shares a guide to the best seats at Sphere.
I've been to the Sphere in Las Vegas many times for concerts, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that where you sit can completely change your experience.
I'm a Las Vegas local, an avid concert-goer and a huge fan of live production, so the Sphere is pretty much my dream venue. I've experienced everything from the energy of the general admission floor to the incredible views from the 200, 300 and 400 levels.
I've seen Anyma three times, No Doubt twice and caught performances from Dead & Company, Metallica and Tomorrowland Unity. I've stood against the barricade, watched the massive screen come to life from the upper levels and experienced how different productions take advantage of Sphere's technology.
I'm also someone who pays close attention to the details that make a concert special, from the lighting and stage design to the sound and visuals. At the Sphere, those elements are a huge part of the experience, and your seat determines how you experience them.

After several visits to the Sphere, I've developed some pretty strong opinions about where to sit. Here's everything I've learned about the best seats at Sphere, including my favorite sections, what to expect from each level and the tips I'd give anyone buying tickets for the first time.
If you've never been to Sphere, the first thing you should know is that choosing seats here is very different from picking seats at a traditional concert venue.
At most arenas, getting closer to the stage usually means getting a better view. At Sphere, that's not necessarily the case.
The venue's defining feature is its enormous wraparound LED screen, which stretches above and around the audience. Depending on the concert, the visuals can be just as important as the performers themselves. Sometimes, the entire screen becomes part of the performance, creating the sensation that you're somewhere completely different.
The Sphere has a general admission floor and four main seated levels: the 100s, 200s, 300s and 400s. The lower you sit, the closer you generally are to the stage. As you move higher, you get a stronger view of the massive screen and graphics, although the artists appear smaller.
Another thing that makes Sphere different is its technology. Some seats even let you feel the music through vibrations in your seat, which is a really cool part of the experience. The best part? The sound is insane no matter where you're sitting.
I also love how futuristic the entire venue feels. Before you even walk inside, you're greeted by massive animated displays covering the outside of the building. Once you're inside, there's even more to explore in the atrium before you head to your seats. No matter how many times I've been, walking into the main auditorium and seeing that enormous screen still blows me away.
It's a big part of why I keep coming back. Every production uses the space a little differently, and I've found that your seat can completely change which elements of the show you appreciate most.
Here's what I'd want to know about each seating level before buying tickets.
If your main goal is to get as close to the artist as possible, the general admission floor can’t be topped. I've experienced it at both Anyma and No Doubt, and it's a completely different experience from watching a show in the seated sections.
When I saw Anyma from the floor, it felt like being at a futuristic rave. Everyone was dancing, the energy was peak and being surrounded by the crowd made the entire experience that much more exciting.
My second No Doubt show was a little different. I'm a huge fan of drummer Adrian Young and bassist Tony Kanal, so I made sure to get a spot right against the barricade on their side of the stage. I ended up just a few feet away from them, which was amazing. I barely paid attention to the visuals because I was so focused on watching the band, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.

The biggest downside to the floor is that you miss a lot of what makes Sphere so special. The massive screen stretches above and behind you, so you'll spend a lot of time looking up or turning around if you want to see everything. You're also standing throughout the show, and you miss out on the seats that let you feel the music through vibrations.
If you want to be close to the stage but would rather have an actual seat than stand on the floor all night, the 100 level is worth considering.
These are the lowest seated sections at Sphere, putting you closer to the performers than the other seated levels.
But the biggest thing to watch out for when buying 100-level tickets is the overhang from the 200 level.
Around row 24 and beyond, the overhang can block the upper portion of the screen, creating what's sometimes called a "cave effect." Instead of being surrounded by Sphere's enormous visuals, you're sitting underneath a balcony with part of the screen hidden from view.
I haven't personally sat in the 100 level, but after experiencing Sphere from several other perspectives, I'd be hesitant to buy tickets toward the back. If you're considering seats that far back, I'd go for a front-row seat in the 200 level instead. That way, you're still relatively close to the stage without missing a big part of what makes Sphere so special.
If I could choose any seat at Sphere, it would be the first row of the 200 level. I've sat there twice, once for No Doubt with a VIP package and again in section 211 for Anyma. Both times showed me why these are some of the most sought-after seats at Sphere.
What I love most about the 200 level is that you get the best of both worlds. You're close enough to feel connected to the artist, but you're also elevated above the floor, giving you an epic view of the massive screen and the crowd below. You can take in everything happening around you without constantly turning your head or looking straight up.
When I saw Anyma with John Summit opening, I sat in the first row of section 211, and it was one of my favorite experiences at Sphere. I could see the entire screen without anyone blocking my view, while still feeling the energy of everyone dancing on the floor and in the upper levels.
My No Doubt experience was just as memorable, but for a completely different reason. I was sitting in the first row of the 200 level when oranges started flying into the crowd during "Don't Speak," and I actually caught one! It's a fun reminder that you're still close enough to feel part of the action, even when you're not standing on the floor.

The biggest downside is the price. The 200 level, especially the first few rows, can be one of the more expensive seated areas at Sphere. You'll also still find yourself looking up to appreciate some of the visuals extending across the dome.
But after experiencing so many different parts of Sphere, I can say that the first row of the 200 level is my favorite place to sit. If you're going for the first time and want to experience both the artist and the mind-blowing visuals, this is where I'd recommend looking first.
The 300 level is a great option if you want to appreciate everything happening on Sphere's massive screen without paying the higher prices that often come with the 200 level.
I watched Metallica from the first row of the 300 level, near the center, and I had an awesome view of both the stage and the visuals.
If you're considering this level, I'd look at sections 305, 306 and 307, which are sometimes referred to as the "Director's Seats" because of their central location and excellent views of the screen.
But there were two things that stood out to me during Metallica that I think are worth knowing before buying tickets.

First, I actually experienced some motion sickness. Certain visuals made it feel like we were riding on a moving train, and sitting higher up seemed to make that sensation even stronger. If you're someone who gets motion sick easily, that's definitely something to consider.
Second, I couldn't stop looking down at the floor! Watching the mosh pits form and seeing Metallica interact with the crowd made me wish I was down there experiencing it with everyone else. I loved my view of the production, but part of me wanted to be right in the middle of the action.
Overall, I'd recommend the 300 level for anyone who wants a fantastic view of Sphere's visuals while spending a little less than they might in the 200 level. Just keep in mind that you'll feel farther away from the performers, especially during a high-energy rock concert like Metallica.
If you're looking for more affordable Sphere tickets and want a great view of the massive screen, the 400 level is worth considering. These are the highest seats in the venue, so you're farther from the stage, but you get an amazing view of the visuals from above.
I watched Dead & Company from section 409, row 4, and I was blown away by how much of the screen I could see.

I also loved that my seat let me feel parts of the show through vibrations. It's a really cool feature that added to the experience, especially since I was sitting so far from the stage.
But the biggest downside is just how far away the performers are. The band looked tiny from my seat, and I found myself looking down at the floor, wishing I was part of the crowd dancing and spinning along to the music. For a Dead & Company show, where the atmosphere and audience are such a big part of the experience, I definitely felt like I was missing out on some of the fun.
Another thing to know is that the 400 level is steep. If you're uncomfortable with heights, the climb to your seat might be intimidating. If you're sensitive to motion sickness, the visuals can feel even more intense from the upper levels.
Overall, I'd recommend the 400 level if you're visiting Sphere primarily for the visuals or trying to keep your ticket budget down.
After many visits to Sphere, my favorite place to sit is the first row of the 200 level. I've experienced concerts from just about every part of the venue, and nothing beats the combination of being close to the artist, having a clear view of the screen and feeling the energy of the crowd below.
I'm also on the shorter side, so having nobody directly in front of me is a huge bonus. I can sit or stand without worrying about someone blocking my view, and I can enjoy everything happening around me without constantly moving my head.
If I couldn't get those seats, I'd look at the first row of the 300 level, especially near the center. You get a fantastic view of the full production, and tickets can be more affordable than the 200 level.

As for seats I'd avoid, the back rows of the 100 level, particularly around row 24 and higher, would be at the top of my list. The 200-level overhang can block the upper portion of the screen. If I'm paying to experience Sphere, I want to see as much of it as possible.
I'd also think twice about buying GA floor tickets if I were going primarily for the visuals. I've had an amazing time down there, but so much of the screen is above and behind you that it's difficult to appreciate the full production. On the other hand, I'd avoid the upper 400 level if I really wanted to watch the musicians up close.
One other thing to know is that not every seat at Sphere has vibration effects. You obviously won't get them on the GA floor, and some seats in the 100, 200 and 300 levels don't have them either. If feeling the music through your seat is something you're excited about, I'd check with Sphere before buying tickets to make sure your specific seats have that feature.
Ultimately, my advice is to think about what matters most to you before choosing seats. But if you want a little bit of everything, I'd choose the front row of the 200 level every time.
I've also picked up some tricks that can help when choosing seats and planning your visit.
Whenever possible, I try to get the first row of a section. I'm on the shorter side, so having nobody directly in front of me means I don't have to worry about someone standing up and blocking my view.
I also love aisle seats because I can get in and out without squeezing past a bunch of people. It's especially convenient if I want to grab a drink, use the restroom or stretch my legs during a longer show.
I'd recommend arriving about an hour early so you have time to explore the venue before heading to your seat.
There's plenty to see inside the atrium, and I always enjoy checking out the animated displays on the outside of the building. If it's your first visit, give yourself enough time to look around, take photos and grab something to eat or drink before the show begins.
Some of Sphere's visuals can make you feel like you're moving, even when you're sitting completely still. I experienced this myself during Metallica, when certain effects made it feel like we were riding on a moving train.
If you get motion sick easily, I'd recommend choosing a lower level rather than sitting in the upper 300s or 400s, where the sensation can feel even stronger.
Even within the same level, two seats can offer very different views depending on the section, row and any potential obstructions.
Before buying, I'd recommend checking SeatGeek's View From Seat feature to get a better idea of what you'll see from your section. It's especially helpful when comparing tickets at different prices.
Don't automatically assume the most expensive seats are the best ones. After visiting Sphere so many times, I've learned that finding the right seat is more important than simply paying to be closer to the stage.
Whether you're planning to see Metallica, Phish, No Doubt or an experience like The Wizard of Oz, SeatGeek makes it easy to find tickets and compare your seating options.
Before buying, I'd recommend using SeatGeek's interactive seating chart to explore the different levels and the View From Seat feature to get a better idea of what you'll see. You can also use Deal Score to compare ticket values, which is especially helpful at Sphere, where prices can vary so much between sections.
SeatGeek also offers All-In Pricing, so you'll see the total ticket price upfront, and you can set up price alerts to keep an eye on tickets for upcoming shows.
After all my visits, I can tell you that seeing a show at Sphere never gets old. Every artist brings something different to the venue, and choosing the right seat can make the experience even better.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Browse upcoming Sphere events on SeatGeek, compare your options and find the seats that work best for you.