Best seats at the OVO Hydro: floor, Level 0, Level 2 or Level 3?

Designed by Foster + Partners and opened in 2013, the OVO Hydro is built like an amphitheatre: a round hall around 71 metres across, with steep tiers that bring the audience close to the stage. With a capacity of up to 14,300 depending on the configuration (around 12,300 seated plus standing places, according to Ticketmaster), it is one of the busiest arenas in the world and Scotland's main concert venue.

The seating plan changes for every show: end stage, standing floor or seated floor, reduced capacity. The SEC says the seating plan for each event is displayed when you book: always check it before choosing.

How the arena is laid out

The Hydro is spread over several levels:

• Level 0 (ground floor): the floor (standing or seated), the stage and the main bars. On this level, blocks 001 to 012 have no stairs to access, while blocks 050 to 058 have up to 18 steps, depending on the row;
• Level 1: hospitality suites, restaurants and lounges (Hydro Club, executive suites);
• Level 2: the main tier of seating, split into a front section (blocks 201 to 218) and a rear section (blocks 221 to 238);
• Level 3: the highest seating section (blocks 324 to 335).

The steps: a key detail at the Hydro

The venue publishes the number of steps to each row, and it is worth a look before you buy:

• in the front of Level 2, blocks 201 to 206 and 213 to 218 need between 0 and 15 steps, while the central blocks 207 to 212 need between 9 and 27;
• in the rear of Level 2, from row H to row V, it goes from 16 to 49 steps;
• on Level 3, from row W to row JJ, it goes from 60 to 96 steps.

Lifts and escalators take you to the Level 2 concourse, but most seats on Levels 2 and 3 are reached by stairs with handrails. If stairs are difficult, the SEC recommends blocks 001 to 012, which have no stairs, or blocks 050 to 058, 201 to 206 and 213 to 218, with a maximum of 18 steps.

The best seats for what you want

To be close to the artist

The standing floor, as close to the front as possible. The SEC recommends that children under 14 do not go in the standing area, and discourages early queuing on campus, which does not guarantee a place at the front.

To see the whole show

The front of Level 2, facing the stage. These blocks combine height, a direct view of the stage and screens, and relatively few steps. The amphitheatre shape means that the upper levels are not as far away as in some older arenas, but Level 3 remains high.

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. In the tiers, face-on seats are generally better than seats at the extreme sides.

For more comfort

The Hydro sells two premium seating options for some events. The Terrace, on Level 2, has raised high seats with a ledge for drinks, in-seat service for food, drinks and merchandise, and a welcome drink; it is reached by stairs, so it may not suit everyone. The Nest, on Level 3, offers reserved luxury seats with fast-track entry and access to lounges before and after the show.

With children

Seats in the tiers, ideally in the lower blocks. According to the SEC, all children need a ticket except babies under 12 months on a parent's knee, and children under five are not recommended at concerts other than family shows. A small number of booster seats can be borrowed for the ground floor, on a first come, first served basis.

Seats to think twice about

• The top of Level 3 if you are uncomfortable with heights or stairs: up to 96 steps to the last row.
• Blocks at the extreme sides of the stage in an end-stage configuration: check the angle on the plan.
• The back of the standing floor if you are not tall: the floor is flat.

Seated ticket holders should also know the SEC's "majority rules" policy: if most of the people around you stand, you may stand too; if they stay seated, you will be asked to sit. If you are in front of the accessible seating, you may be asked to remain seated.

Accessible seating

The Hydro has dedicated accessible areas in the bowl with viewing platforms for wheelchair users, ambulant visitors and their companions, near exits and accessible toilets. Wheelchair positions have no steps (ground floor by ramp, Level 2 by lift), while ambulant positions have up to 4 steps with handrails. An infra-red hearing system is available in blocks 204, 205, 206, 213, 214 and 215 on Level 2, depending on the production.

Accessible tickets are sold on Ticketmaster, with one free companion ticket per accessible ticket; proof of eligibility may be requested. For hearing loops, BSL, audio description or more than one companion, call the accessible booking line on 0141 576 3230 or email booking.enquiries@sec.co.uk. On the day, use the East Doors or West Doors, the two accessible entrances.

Once you have your seat, read our guides to getting to the OVO Hydro, 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 OVO Hydro?

To see the whole show, the front of Level 2 facing the stage (blocks 201 to 218), which combines height and few steps. For proximity and atmosphere, the standing floor. The plan depends on each show.

How many steps are there to Level 3 at the OVO Hydro?

According to the venue's step count, between 60 steps for row W and 96 for row JJ. Lifts only go as far as the Level 2 concourse.

Which blocks at the OVO Hydro have no stairs?

Blocks 001 to 012 on the ground floor have no stairs to access. Blocks 050 to 058, 201 to 206 and 213 to 218 have a maximum of 18 steps.

How do I book accessible seats at the OVO Hydro?

On Ticketmaster, with one free companion ticket per accessible ticket, or by calling the SEC's accessible booking line on 0141 576 3230.