Best seats at the AO Arena: floor, lower tier or upper tier?

The AO Arena, opened in 1995 as the NYNEX Arena and long known as the Manchester Arena, is one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe. Its bowl is built on a 360-degree layout on two tiers, around a central floor that is used for standing or seating depending on the show. The best seat depends on what you want: the floor for proximity and atmosphere, the tiers facing the stage to see the whole production.

Seating plans change from one show to the next (end stage, in the round, reduced capacity): the arena itself says that each show's configuration is displayed on the Ticketmaster event page. Always check the plan at the time of booking.

How the arena is laid out

The arena's FAQ explains how to read your ticket:

• The floor: unreserved standing, or seated floor blocks usually numbered from left to right when facing the stage (blocks A, B, C, D and so on);
• The lower tier (100 level): all blocks starting with a 1;
• The upper tier (200 level): all blocks starting with a 2.

For a standard show with an end stage, the fixed tiered seating starts at block 102 and runs anticlockwise to block 115. Seats are numbered from 1 upwards: in blocks 102 to 105 and 202 to 205, seat 1 is the closest to the stage, whereas in blocks 112 to 115 and 212 to 215, it is the furthest.

Public sources put the arena's maximum capacity at around 21,000 to 23,000, depending on the configuration.

Understanding the ticket labels

The arena uses a few labels that are worth knowing before you buy:

• Side view: on the side of the stage, with possible restrictions, for example not being able to see the screens;
• Restricted view: some obstruction from production or stage equipment;
• Rear view: on shows sold in the round, open seats behind the stage. The sound is unaffected, but you see the artist through the back of the stage set-up.

These tickets can be good value, but read the label carefully before paying.

The best seats for what you want

To be close to the artist

The standing floor, as close to the front as possible. Note that the arena does not allow under-14s on the floor for standing shows, nor crutches or walking aids, for safety reasons.

To see the whole show

The tiers facing the stage, at mid-height. In an end-stage configuration, the lower-tier blocks opposite the stage give a straight view of the screens and lighting, without heads in front of you.

For the best sound

Stay in line with the stage. On the floor, the middle of the hall, a little in front of the sound desk, is the classic spot for a balanced mix. In the tiers, face-on seats are generally better than seats far to the side.

With children

A seat in the tiers, facing the stage, near an aisle. According to the arena, children aged 14 or under must be accompanied by an adult, and under-14s cannot go on the floor for standing shows. Check the specific conditions of each event.

Seats to think twice about

• The tier blocks closest to the stage on each side when the stage is at one end: the angle is sharp, and these are often sold as side view.
• Seats behind the stage, when they are on sale: check whether they are labelled rear view.
• The back of the standing floor if you are not tall: the floor is flat.
• High rows in the upper tier if stairs are a problem: the arena publishes the number of steps to each row in its access guide.

Accessible seating

The arena has dedicated accessible seating in blocks 105, 108 and 109. Tickets marked AP (accessible platform) and CP (camera platform) are both level-access and wheelchair accessible; the camera platform simply holds fewer guests. Accessible seating in row X requires ten steps with a handrail, with three more steps for each row further back. An induction loop covers seating area 114 and accessible platforms 108 and 109.

Accessible tickets, and free personal assistant tickets for those who are eligible, are booked through Ticketmaster at the time of purchase; they cannot be added afterwards. The arena's accessibility team can be contacted at accessibility@ao-arena.com. On arrival, the City Rooms entrance, reached by lift from Victoria station, is the closest to the accessible platforms.

Our tips for the floor

• Doors usually open an hour to an hour and a half before the event, according to the arena. It discourages early queuing: there are several ways into the building, so arriving very early does not guarantee being first in.
• Floor ticket holders are directed to the City Rooms entrance (blocks D to J and unreserved standing) or Hunts Bank (blocks A to C): check your ticket.
• Travel light: backpacks, holdalls and large bags are not allowed in.

Once you have your seat, read our guides to getting to the AO Arena, parking and where to eat nearby. After the show, share your experience and write a review.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best seats at the AO Arena?

To see the whole show, the tiers facing the stage at mid-height. For proximity and atmosphere, the standing floor. The layout depends on each show, so check the plan when booking.

What is the difference between the 100 and 200 levels at the AO Arena?

The 100 level is the lower tier and the 200 level is the upper tier. Blocks starting with a 1 are in the lower tier, those starting with a 2 in the upper tier.

What does "side view" mean on an AO Arena ticket?

It means a seat to the side of the stage, where some of the view may be restricted, for example the screens. "Rear view" seats are behind the stage on in-the-round shows.

Where is accessible seating at the AO Arena?

In blocks 105, 108 and 109. AP and CP positions are level-access and wheelchair accessible; row X requires ten steps with a handrail. Book through Ticketmaster.