Aug 6, 2025
·Emily Kho
When it comes to buying tickets for your favorite game or concert, where you sit can make or break the experience. That’s why understanding stadium seating charts is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
With a little insight and the right tools, you can skip the guesswork and head straight to the seats that match your vibe, your view, and your budget.
Whether you're catching an NFL game, attending a concert or heading to a playoff matchup, this guide will show you exactly how to navigate stadium seating charts like a pro—so you can buy with confidence every time.
How to Read a Seating Chart: Sections, Rows and Seat Numbers
At first glance, a stadium seating chart might look like a sea of numbers and colors—but once you understand how they’re laid out, they become your best friend.
Most stadiums are divided into sections—usually three tiers:
Lower Level (100s): Closest to the field or stage, often the most expensive
Club or Mid Level (200s or Club sections): Elevated view with added amenities
Upper Level (300s and above): Most affordable, often great for a full-field perspective
Within each section, rows typically start with the letter A (or number 1) and move back alphabetically or numerically. The seat numbers usually start from one side of the section and go left to right.
That said, some venues reverse this layout—another reason to consult the chart closely before buying.
Pro tip: For concerts or end-stage events, center seats are usually in highest demand—but sometimes the best value is found just a bit off-center in lower demand sections with great angles.
Common Features You’ll See on Stadium Seating Charts
Once you’re familiar with the basics, look out for these common chart features that can help you make smarter decisions:
Field or Stage Orientation: Don’t assume it’s always in the middle. Many concerts use end-stage setups, and sports events can have special sideline or end-zone configurations.
Shaded Areas or Symbols: These often represent club seating, ADA-accessible sections or VIP experiences.
Color Coding: Most charts use color to indicate price tiers or ticket availability—reds and oranges usually mean higher prices, while greens and blues are more affordable.
Obstructed Views: Some stadiums include icons or notes to flag partially obstructed seats. Always check the seat view or notes for these warnings.
Knowing how to interpret these features can save you from overspending or ending up in a seat with a blocked view.
SeatGeek Tools That Make Planning Easier
SeatGeek takes seating charts to the next level with tools designed to help you make more informed choices.
Here’s what you can use:
Interactive Seat Maps: Every event page features a zoomable, clickable seat map so you can see what’s available, what it costs, and how the view lines up. Hover over any section for real-time pricing and availability.
Deal Score®: This SeatGeek-exclusive rating system ranks each listing based on price and seat quality. A high Deal Score means you’re getting serious value.
Seat View Photos: For many venues, you can preview the exact view from your seat before you buy. No more surprises when you arrive.
Filters: Narrow your results by price, quantity, row, section or ticket type (e.g., mobile-only or resale).
Together, these tools give you a clearer picture of what you’re paying for—literally.
Bonus: Comparing Seating Charts Across Venues
Not all stadiums are built alike. If you’ve ever been to a football game in a domed stadium versus an open-air arena, you know the layout can completely change the experience. So how can you compare different venues when buying tickets?
SeatGeek makes this easy by standardizing the layout of its charts across events. So even if you're looking at SoFi Stadium one day and MetLife the next, you can still:
Compare Deal Scores side by side to evaluate ticket value
Use the Seat View feature to preview sightlines and camera angles from similar sections
Apply filters consistently so you’re always seeing what matters most to you—be it price, view or accessibility
If you're traveling for a big event, this ability to compare across venues is especially helpful. You can feel confident booking seats at a stadium you've never visited before, knowing exactly what to expect when you get there.
Final Thoughts
Seating charts are more than a static map—they’re your blueprint for a better event experience. And with SeatGeek’s smart tools, you can go beyond guessing and start planning your perfect night out, game day or live show.
From understanding the layout to using Deal Score and Seat View, every chart is your chance to make a smarter choice.
So the next time you're shopping for tickets, don't just scroll—zoom in, compare and pick the seat that’s right for you. Because when you know how to read the map, every seat can be the best seat in the house.