Seating in US shows (GIANTS)

I, for one, can't wait!

I think there are benefits to both ways to do tickets. I don't think one is better than the other - it's what people are used to. If you're used to GA, you like GA. If you're used to reserved seating, you like reserved seating. There are pluses and minuses to both. In both instances, you have to presume that even if you are in your seat or even if you are in the spot you're comfortable in the GA section, you can't predict weather, crowd pushing or obnoxious drunk fellow "fans" to spoil the show for you... So, neither way is better. It's just different and pointless to argue which you prefer, because it's just that - a preference. (Sometimes however, it comes across, whether intentional or not, as a flimsily veiled attempt to piss on the US or on Europe, depending upon who is doing the pissing...)

Swings & Roundabouts!!

Depends what u want from the concert. Whilst US is more relaxed, guarenteed space - u have to pay alot of money to get anywhere near the band. I guess the good thing about Europe is u can choose how to do it.

There is good reason why a good number of the larger venues for the most part have seats in the US for concerts.

Most American's remember the stampede that occured at the Who show back in the late 70's early 80's where several people were trampled to death when the doors opened?? There was an uproar from many parents, legislators, as well as the artists, that the safety of the fans was of the utmost importance, so promoters and venues went to seating areas on the floor of venues pretty much right after that awful occurrence.

Now that being said, there are still GA "pits" for some acts during "some" tours (U2 being one of them) but they are controlled with the amount of people allowed in and also patrolled by security to make sure that it is safe.

I've been to a few GA shows at smaller venues (Fuel in 2001 and the Goo Goo Dolls in 2002) and there is no way in hell I will ever try and stand front and center again. Me and my friends all came away from the Fuel show with the thought that we got away with our very lives (while our Swedish friend had the best time getting to the barrier). I guess since she's used to GA, it wasn't bad for her. One of the girls got hit with a drumstick in the head, I got trampelled and pushed and shoved left, right and sideways till I couldn't take any more and the only way out of the front was to "body surf" out over the front barrier (pretty embarassing to do it upside down in front of the lead singer I might add). We learned our lesson at that show and at the GGDs this past fall we watched from the rear of the crowd (and it was VERY crowded too).

I'll take a seated venue in the US any day of the week cause most people here are used to that and wouldn't know how to behave at a GA event.

But, and this is a BIG but -- I'll be sure to be at the next UK leg of a Bon Jovi tour with my Sambora Sister Liza (who I didn't get to go with, but was at the barrier in front of Richie at all 4 shows she attended and had the BEST time!!). Since GA is the norm there, people take care (for the most part anyway) not to be rude or step on others or crush them.

Just my opinion as a concert-goer for almost 30 years!! **Now ducking to avoid anything hurled in my direction**

Oh NO!!!! Someone awoke Linda (love ya Lin ) I am not even going to get into this one.

My preference, go to a venue, get my fc seat and go home. Day of the show, go to the show, get my seat, sit during opening act and party my ass off when Jovi comes on. No pushing, no shoving and if i need a breather, I have someplace to sit. Then go home and do it all the next night. I hate GA seating, have done it for some shows, definitely do not prefer it.

Come and Join us for Giants!!!!!!!!

Beth

Well, Mike, you're right... money does play part of the role but not all. The tickets are more expensive to be in the better seats but sometimes its not that much different than the rest of the house. There are sometimes lawn seats which are GA but those are at outdoor shows and are the cheapest seats in the house, the furthest away (and I think the most fun..)
It's only when people opt to buy tickets from brokers and scalpers and EBay that the tickets closest to the stage start to be SO much more expensive than the next level of tickets.

I think people opt to buy tickets from brokers because that is the only way to get close. You will not find first, second or maybe even third row seats through Ticketmaster. At least not for the shows here.

No, but you can through the FAN CLUB

Yes, I understand that, but I am talking about most big shows around here. Not only BJ.

True, but the problem with the fanclub is that you have to buy the tickets in person at a box office month before the show. And people who live far from the venue can't drive for hours or even fly just for buying tickets.