Kennedy Center Opera House | "Porgy and Bess" + "Washington National Opera" Seating Guide

Best Value Tickets (Under $100)

• TR2 (Rows D-F): $74 - Excellent side balcony views at entry-level pricing. Row F has slightly better vertical sightlines over the railing.
• Second Tier Right Center (Row F): $91 - Centered upper-level seating with good stage visibility despite higher elevation.
• Orchestra Right (Row GG): $96 - Side orchestra at floor level, closer to stage but with slight viewing angle.

Sweet Spot Tickets ($100-$180)

• Second Tier (Row F): $103 - Elevated but well-angled central seating with full stage panorama.
• Orchestra (Rows GG-HH): $134-$194 - Mid-rear orchestra benefits from ideal acoustics. Avoid extreme sides.
• First Tier Right Center (Row F): $146 - "Goldilocks zone" - close enough for facial expressions yet high enough for full staging views.

Higher Tier Options ($180-$300)

• TR1 (Rows E-G): $161-$177 - Front balcony with dramatic downward sightlines. Best for viewing intricate choreography.
• Orchestra (Rows AA-DD): $181-$286 - Premium orchestra positioning. Rows AA-BB may feel too close for full staging perspective.
• 1st Tier (Rows E-G): $275-$278 - Closest elevated seating with unparalleled sightlines and acoustic balance.

Premium/Last-Minute Options ($300+)

• Box 17: $422 - Intimate private boxes with unparalleled lateral views, ideal for small groups.
• TR1 Front Rows: $812-$1444 - VIP balcony seats directly overlooking stage - perfect for opera connoisseurs wanting both visual and acoustic perfection.

Viewing Recommendations

• For Budget-Conscious Buyers: TR2 Row D ($74) offers surprising quality for price.
• Best Overall Value: Second Tier Row F ($103) balances price and central viewing.
• Acoustic Perfection: Orchestra Rows GG-HH ($134-$194) in center sections.
• Premium Experience: 1st Tier Row E ($278) provides theater's signature "sweet spot".

Section Comparison

• Orchestra: Rows AA-EE may require neck craning for full staging views. Rows GG-HH ideal for taking in entire production.
• Tiered Seating: 1st Tier > 2nd Tier > TR1/TR2 for sightlines, but higher tiers often better for appreciating complex staging.
• Side Seats: Right sections (TR2, Orchestra Right) have better sightlines to stage-left action in this production.

Pro Tip

For "Porgy and Bess", consider spending slightly more for central seating (Second Tier or mid-Orchestra) to fully appreciate the grand staging. The $103 Second Tier tickets may be the production's best value.