When it comes to getting the coveted front row at a concert, you have to be skilled and determined. If a concert has assigned seats, you will have to do your best when purchasing tickets. General admission tickets, while usually the cheapest you can buy, have a different cost. When there are no assigned seats, it is "who can save themselves." It won't be an easy ride to the front row, but it will be worth it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Planning Ahead
Step 1. Try to buy front row tickets as soon as they are on sale
If the concert venue or music artist has a contact list, sign up. Sometimes they will offer a ticket pre-sale, which can increase your chances of landing a limited front row seat. If you're willing to spend a little more, you can even consider buying a VIP package that often comes with the best seats. Whether you're trying to buy through a presale or through the regular sale, be sure to set an alarm and be on the website where the tickets are sold right as they go on sale. The faster you are, the more tickets to choose from.
- If there are no front row tickets available, you can try the "big risks, big wins" approach of waiting until concert day to check again. Some venues will release more premium seats just before the doors open. Typically these are the seats that the artist or venue management reserved and ended up unused.
- Sometimes you can even find front-row tickets through resellers or through websites like Craigslist. However, you may not be able to get tickets until just before the concert and buying them from an unauthorized seller has its risks.
Step 2. Arrive just as the doors open if you have general admission tickets
Sometimes this is just an hour before the concert starts and other times it is several hours. Depending on how dedicated you are to getting a front row seat, you should arrive as early as possible. You can locate a good spot before the venue starts to fill up. Of course, this is the easiest way to get a front row seat without having to fight the crowd.
- Sometimes you have to take this step to the extreme and camp before a big concert. You may have to camp in line to get front row tickets. You can learn all about camping overnight here.
- Getting there really early or camping can turn a simple concert into a weekend-long event. Take your best friends with you and turn it into a party.
Step 3. Bring the right supplies
If it's an outdoor venue, you could reserve your spot with picnic blankets or loungers. Sunscreen and a bottle of water (if allowed) are also helpful so that you can stay comfortably in your place. If it is an indoor venue and there are no seats, you will need to wear comfortable shoes so you can stand up without pain. Research the venue beforehand so you know what to expect and what items are allowed.
- It is also important to consider the venue to ensure that you dress appropriately. If you're going to be cramped in a small bar, you may want to wear fewer clothes so you don't overheat. If you're going to an outdoor concert, you may want to bring a jacket for colder temperatures after the sun goes down.
- Another "supply" you should carry is a good cell phone battery. You will need a fully charged cell phone to ensure the entire concert lasts. You don't want to risk being separated from your friends without a cell phone.
Step 4. Reduce your fluid intake a few hours before the concert
This sounds ridiculous, but there is no way you can save your spot if you are constantly running to the bathroom. Not only does saying "I ask" not work at a concert, but you will also have to fight a crowd of people and stand in long lines. To avoid this, just cut back on your water or alcohol intake well in advance.
Sometimes, going to the bathroom is unavoidable. Never mind! Unless you are alone at the concert, you can take turns going to the bathroom with whoever you are. This way, one of you can save the place
Part 2 of 3: Maneuvering to the Front Row
Step 1. Take the path of least resistance
It's probably not wise to charge in a crowd. Instead, try to get as close to the front as possible by weaving down one side of the crowd, along the perimeter. Once you've gotten as close to the front as you can with this method, try wiggling sideways through the crowd.
People are likely to be more willing to let you pass if you come from the side rather than pounce on them from behind. They may think you are looking for a new place rather than trying to sneak in front of them
Step 2. Hold hands with your friends
This is especially important in crowded venues, where there is a risk of separating from the people you have gone with and getting lost. Hold hands so that you can meander through the crowd like a chain. You won't be able to walk side by side in a crowd, so just hold hands firmly and stick together.
If the crowd is more aggressive, there is always a chance that you will become separated from your friends. In these situations, it is important for everyone to have cell phones so that they can be found safely. If there is no service on the premises, make sure they have a designated meeting point
Step 3. Be aggressive but courteous
This is most important to the person at the front of your human chain. You have to be a bit energetic to move around people but you still have to say "please" and "thank you". People will be much more willing to help you if you treat them with respect.
- If someone doesn't move even after saying "please," you can get a little more aggressive.
- Don't be afraid to speak louder and force your way through people. You will most likely never see those people again, but you will always remember to see the artist up close.
Part 3 of 3: Defend your position
Step 1. Sacrifice the beer
You will never keep your place in the front row if you go to line up at the concession stand. Even if you send a friend to fetch the drinks, you run the risk of winning over a larger group of viewers or being permanently separated from your friends. If you can, put down the beer to make sure you keep your spot.
- If the venue is less crowded, smaller, or simply easier to navigate in general, don't hesitate to take a chance.
- Rebellious attendees may try to carry a bottle of alcohol. If it is not confiscated when you enter, it can help you keep your spot and save you money.
Step 2. Take a position of power
If you look submissive and insecure, other attendees behind you and next to you will have no problem bumping into you and taking your place. Instead, stand confidently to declare your space. Keep your legs hip-width apart and your shoulders back. Keep your head up. Don't be afraid to take up your rightful front row space.
If attendees bump into you or try to steal your place despite your posture of power, have a powerful attitude to complement. Speak loud and clear. Make firm eye contact and tell them to back off
Step 3. Dance, sing and have fun
If you are in the front row, you have to prove that you deserve to be there. If you're standing solemnly with your arms folded and looking nonchalant, the more intense fans are likely to usurp your spot. Dance, sing and go crazy at the concert. After all, if you're in the front row, there's no way you're not having fun.