Zone Seating: How It Works & Is Vivid Seats A Good Choice?
Is the thrill of the event worth the gamble of the seating arrangement? Zone seating, a method offering flexibility in venue selection, presents both exciting possibilities and potential pitfalls for event attendees.
Zone seating, at its core, is a ticketing system where a venue is divided into distinct areas or zones. Unlike reserved seating, where specific seats are assigned, or general admission, where seating is first-come, first-served, zone seating allows attendees to choose their seats within a pre-defined section. This approach is often employed on platforms such as Ticketmaster and Vivid Seats, offering a middle ground between rigid assignments and complete freedom.
Vivid Seats, a prominent player in the online ticket marketplace, utilizes zone seating, among other strategies. This approach gives customers a broad range of options, from premium front-row experiences to more budget-friendly choices in less exclusive areas. The platforms appeal is heightened by its ease of use, allowing fans to search for tickets by date, venue, city, price, quantity, and even seat location. Vivid Seats also offers a 100% buyer guarantee, promising secure transactions and ticket delivery, which builds customer trust.
Here's a snapshot of Vivid Seats, offering key details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Vivid Seats |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founders | Jerry Bednyak and Eric Vassilatos |
| Primary Function | Online ticket marketplace (secondary market) |
| Services | Buying and selling tickets for sports, concerts, theater, and more |
| Seating Arrangements | Zone seating, reserved seating |
| Customer Base | Fans nationwide |
| Notable Feature | 100% Buyer Guarantee |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.2 stars (based on 26,279 reviews at the time of review) |
| Customer Service Recognition | Named to Newsweek's list of Best Customer Service three years in a row |
| Website | Vivid Seats Official Website |
The advantage of zone seating is flexibility. It allows attendees to choose a price point and general area, without the potential for disappointment if the only available seats in a reserved system are far from the action. This can be particularly attractive for large venues or events with a wide range of ticket prices. Furthermore, zone seating can offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to general admission, where the pressure to arrive early and secure a good spot is high.
However, zone seating also has its downsides. While you get to pick your zone, the exact seat location within that zone is often undetermined until you arrive at the event. This can be a gamble, and you might not get the view you hoped for. Also, if you are attending with a group, zone seating does not guarantee that everyone will be able to sit together, especially if the event is popular and tickets are selling quickly. The lack of precise seat selection can sometimes lead to a feeling of uncertainty and can be a disadvantage for those who prefer to know exactly where they will be seated.
Compared to other seating types, zone seating occupies a unique space. Reserved seating provides the security of a specific seat, guaranteeing a precise location but often at a premium price. General admission, on the other hand, offers the lowest price point but requires significant planning and early arrival to secure a favorable spot. Zone seating attempts to balance these extremes, offering a degree of choice and affordability, but with the trade-off of less precise control over seat selection.
Vivid Seats approach to zone seating reflects its core philosophy of blending order and freedom. By offering a wide range of events and seat options within defined zones, Vivid Seats caters to diverse preferences and budgets. Customers often praise the easy search and checkout process, and the fact that Vivid Seats often has tickets to events that are sold out elsewhere. The company is also known for its customer service, which has received accolades, including being named to Newsweek's list of Best Customer Service multiple times. The responsiveness of Vivid Seats to reviews, both positive and negative, on platforms like Trustpilot, further indicates a commitment to customer satisfaction.
The experience of using Vivid Seats can vary. While many customers express satisfaction, some have raised concerns about surprise fees or difficulties with customer service. Reviews offer a mixed bag, with some customers reporting seamless transactions and others encountering problems with ticket delivery or refunds. The Trustpilot score of 4.2 stars, derived from thousands of reviews, indicates a generally positive customer experience, but also underscores the importance of doing your research and understanding the terms and conditions before purchasing tickets.
Recent customer experiences include those who have used Vivid Seats to attend the Real Madrid Arsenal game, highlighting the platforms global reach and its ability to provide access to high-demand events. Others have noted the clear and concise checkout process, a feature appreciated by many. The presence of a game center and a rewards program, where users can earn stamps and receive benefits, adds to the overall customer experience. There are, of course, negative reviews, with some customers citing issues such as problems contacting customer service or unexpected fees at checkout. These experiences underscore the fact that, while the majority of users seem to have a positive experience, it is important to be aware of potential pitfalls.
For events at venues like the Alamodome, Vivid Seats provides interactive seating charts and seat views, allowing potential attendees to better understand the different zones and choose accordingly. This visual tool can be invaluable in assessing the pros and cons of each zone. Whether a customer seeks front-row seats or a balcony view, Vivid Seats aims to provide the tools necessary to make informed choices.
Vivid Seats' position in the ticketing ecosystem is that of a secondary marketplace. Unlike primary marketplaces, such as box offices, Vivid Seats facilitates the buying and selling of tickets between fans. This means that ticket prices may fluctuate based on demand. This is in contrast to primary ticket vendors, which sell tickets at face value. The secondary market often provides access to tickets that are sold out elsewhere, but at potentially higher prices. Vivid Seats, as a secondary marketplace, relies on its relationships with trusted sellers to offer an unmatched selection of tickets for popular events worldwide.
The evolution of Vivid Seats from its founding in 2001 by Jerry Bednyak and Eric Vassilatos shows its adaptation and growth in an increasingly digital market. Over the years, the company has catered to a wide range of events, including sports, concerts, music festivals, musicals, and comedy shows. Its continued focus on customer service, combined with its expansive selection of tickets, has helped it remain a significant player in the online ticketing space.
Zone seating offers a middle ground between fixed seating and free-for-all general admission. For those who want the flexibility to choose their price and general area, zone seating may be the right choice. But, if having a specific seat is crucial, a reserved seat might be a better option. It's a balancing act and the best choice is ultimately determined by the individual's preferences and priorities.
Consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully when choosing this ticketing option. For example, at the Alamodome, exploring an interactive seating chart can offer further insights into the arrangement of the zones and help you make the most informed decision. With the right planning, your experience with zone seating can be an enjoyable part of the event.
