Hollywood Bowl | Los Angeles Philharmonic & Chicago - The Musical In Concert - Best Seats Guide

Expert Recommendations for Classical Concerts at Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl's unique shell-shaped amphitheater offers different acoustic experiences depending on your seating choice. For classical concerts featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Chicago - The Musical In Concert, here's our expert breakdown of the best sections for every budget and preference.

Best Value Tickets (Under $110)

• Section J2, Row 21 ($93): Excellent mid-range view with good sound projection from the shell. Slightly angled view of the stage.
• Section G2, Rows 17-18 ($97-$112): Central location with direct sightlines to the stage. Rows 15-18 offer the best balance of price and view in this section.
• Section S, Row 5 ($110): Super seats at bowl's rear - surprisingly good acoustics with full view of the shell's light shows.

Sweet Spot Tickets (Good Availability & Price, $110-$160)

• Section F2, Row 7 ($105): Premium bench seats closer to stage with excellent sightlines. The 7th row avoids being too close for optimal orchestral sound.
• Section G1, Rows 19-20 ($106-$121): Left-side counterpart to G2 with similar benefits. Row 19 is particularly well-priced for its position.
• Section D, Rows 11-13 ($125-$148): First terrace boxes with table service option. Row 11 provides the best value in this premium section.

Higher Tier Options ($160-$250)

• Section E, Rows 2-17 ($134-$170): Center terrace boxes with the best acoustics in the house. Row 16 offers particularly good elevation.
• Section J1, Rows 18-20 ($128-$241): Closer counterpart to J2 with more direct stage views. Row 18 is a standout value here.
• Terrace Boxes 2-6 ($212-$243): Elevated side sections with unique angled views. Terrace 2 has the best center-facing perspective.

Premium & Last-Minute Options ($250+)

• Pool Circle (Sections F-G-H, Rows 5-15): The closest regular seating ($273-$354). Section H, Row 15 puts you just behind conductor position.
• Garden Boxes ($792-$1263): Ultra-premium front-center seating. Box 4 (Rows 442-443) offers the most exclusive experience.
• Ramp Boxes ($601): Wheelchair accessible premium seating with the easiest venue access.

Acoustic Considerations

For classical performances, the Hollywood Bowl's sound behaves differently than pop concerts:

• Sections D-F (Rows 10-20): The "acoustic sweet spot" where shell reflections create the most balanced orchestral sound.
• Super Seats (Rear sections): Surprisingly good audio quality due to the bowl's natural amplification - best for those prioritizing sound over view.
• Terrace Boxes: More reverberant sound - excellent for full orchestral pieces but slightly less precise for soloists.

View Considerations

• Center Sections (D-G): Unobstructed views of entire orchestra and shell projections.
• Side Sections (J-K): Angled views that may partially obscure far-side musicians but offer unique perspectives.
• Front Rows (1-5): Can require looking up at stage - better for musicals than orchestral viewing.

Our Top 3 Recommendations

1. Section G2, Row 16 ($109): Best overall value with perfect balance of view, sound and price.
2. Section D, Row 11 ($125): Premium terrace experience at mid-range price with table service option.
3. Section F2, Row 7 ($105): Closest affordable seats with direct sightlines to all performers.

Remember that the Hollywood Bowl's bench seating can be tight - consider renting seat backs for classical performances where you'll be sitting for longer periods. For the best experience with both orchestral and musical performances, choose seats between rows 7-20 in center sections.