There is no one answer to this question. It depends on personal preference, the music or
performer styles, the stage effects and … the other concert goers.

What I hear a lot is “I want to sit as close as possible to the stage. Are these the best seats?”
For some people … absolutely these are going to be the best seats for them. If they want to
be close to the performers, be amongst the excited crowd that ends up standing or dancing
for most of the show. The energy and excitement of the crowd can make sitting up front an
amazing experience.

On the other hand … if you are wanting to go to the show to enjoy the music and not so much
“actively participate” in it. The closet rows probably aren’t for you. When choosing front
row / ultra close tickets, be aware that the music is likely going to be much louder – which for
some can make for an unpleasant experience. Fans ( in the majority of cases ) tend to stand
and are pretty “active” in the front rows. This can add to the fun and excitement of a show.

If you’re someone who is going to want to sit and enjoy the show sitting very close to the stage
isn’t going to work well for you. You’re likely going to be unable to see or have a limited view
of  the performers or stage as people will be standing in front of you.

You’d be better off either a bit farther back on the main floor but you’ll still find yourself
standing during periods of the show if you want to see the performers over the other concert
goers. Also, in most of the venues the sound quality is pretty good and the sound techs know
how to best make sure everyone can hear well.

So … I usually recommend the seats that are to the right or left in front of the stage on the
tiered riser sections. For example, The Eagles in Chicago at the United Center. It would be
sections 121 and 122 on the right of the stage and 113 and 112 on the left of the stage. In these
sections if people stand you can still see if you choose to sit. The sound will still be fantastic
and the sight lines will be just as good.

You can look at the venue map at the sections and get a pretty good idea of what is going to
be best for you. The final choice is going to have to really be based on the venue itself as they
aren’t all set up the same or some performers will have “runways” that are built out into
the audience.

Sitting in higher sections is not always going to make for a lesser experience … there are
times it will make the experience even more enjoyable and at a more affordable price.