VIP Package Questions
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forget 64:
Previous outdoor and indoor McCartney concerts that I've been to they are at least the 2 side sections next to center. If there are more than 3 floor sections others were sometimes included. Try and find out the seat numbers. If you can get seats in the sections next to the center section then IMO they are worth it, otherwise being on the outside away from center section aren't worth it.
Especially in a stadium. You don't want to be too far out on the sides.
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All I can tell you is that my friend paid $2,000 for the front row package at Wrigley field a few years ago and was so far to the side, she couldn't see Paul when he was at the piano. That's not worth anything close to $2,000, even with sound check (which is AWESOME!!!!!). She was so devastated at how bad the seat was, but she never complained to anyone. I don't think indoor arenas are that bad, but still, I wouldn't buy a seat if it's on the very ends. You also have to contend with the boom cameras. The VIP packages are a great option, if you want to get your dream seat and go to sound check!! It's expensive, but to me worth it. I had always dreamed of being in the first row, but after my friend's experience, I went with the $1,500 package and sat 3rd row center in Memphis. I can't afford to do it again, but I have no regrets. It was worth every penny!!!!!!!!
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I agree. I did the $1500 in Memphis and was 4th row center, and in Atlanta 3rd row center. Much better than front row way off to the side (unless you can get the seats that are closest to the center section)
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thenightfish:
forget 64:
mrm512:
I agree. I have done VIP route about 12 times. Since front row seats are on the side, you don't have a straight-on view of Paul. I prefer Hot Sound, and try for center section. You are never, ever going to meet Paul just from buying a VIP ticket, so you can't go into it thinking that or you will be sorely disappointed. That said, the VIP experience is great (or else I would not have done it 12 times!) but I'll warn you - once you do it, it's hard to go back to the "cheap seats."
The Soundcheck experience varies from venue to venue but basically it is what was said above - large group, escorted to room to wait, then escorted to Soundcheck where you are a whole section removed from Paul and the band, but it's a fun experience. Then you go back to have a meal. Sometimes you have free drinks, sometimes you have drink tickets, and sometimes you have a cash bar. They may give you the time and access to one of the vendors before the crowd gets there so that you can buy some merchandise. They will also give you your VIP gift - which has been in the past a backpack, a tote bag, or a duffel type bag, and generally includes some kind of water bottle and concert program. I highly recommend the experience!You are so right!!!! The VIP experiences are addictive!!
New merch this year...big canvas tote with a zipper lid, a small throw blanket, small dated poster and date commemorative ticket. No more backpacks! 
Ha ha - I have about 5 backpacks but I can't bring myself to give any of them away! Glad to hear it's something different this time, and would love to see the poster. Sort of sad not to get a program though.
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I lucked out. Bought a program in Memphis (and they didn't give us one) Didn't buy one in Atlanta, but it came with the backpack and water bottle!
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Out of interest,how far away is the stage from the front row? I ask because last year at a Jocelyn Pook concert I was in the front row and my knees were touching the stage.
I assume that wouldn't happen at a Paul McCartney concert. -
Kestrel:
Out of interest,how far away is the stage from the front row? I ask because last year at a Jocelyn Pook concert I was in the front row and my knees were touching the stage.
I assume that wouldn't happen at a Paul McCartney concert.I'm kinda bad with calculating distances so someone jump in if I'm wrong. He's probably 4 feet from the edge of the main stage, then another 8 feet of the rising stage plus another 3-4 feet between the rising stage and the barrier. Add that up and your looking at at least 16-17 feet away. For outdoor arenas the distance is even a little greater - particularly when it's at a festival. This image should give you a bit of an idea (though it's from Bonnaroo so imagine there's seats instead of standing), also there's a couple youtube videos from London in 2015 shot from side/rear view seats that show you Paul in relation to the front row. http://wttsfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/McCartney7.jpg
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Did they have the rising stage for Bonnaroo? Or is that what the guys are leaning on...the ones facing the audience?
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Nancy R:
I agree. I did the $1500 in Memphis and was 4th row center, and in Atlanta 3rd row center. Much better than front row way off to the side (unless you can get the seats that are closest to the center section)
The problem with the hot sound package in the UK is you're not guaranteed the middle block, i know people last year who got stuck with 7th row in the side blocks, the same blocks the front row people got. From what i read on this forum it does sound like in the states hot sound gets you the middle block rows 3 to 5, which is great
Hit and miss over here like i said though 
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Eeee Cor Blimey:
Nancy R:
I agree. I did the $1500 in Memphis and was 4th row center, and in Atlanta 3rd row center. Much better than front row way off to the side (unless you can get the seats that are closest to the center section)
The problem with the hot sound package in the UK is you're not guaranteed the middle block, i know people last year who got stuck with 7th row in the side blocks, the same blocks the front row people got. From what i read on this forum it does sound like in the states hot sound gets you the middle block rows 3 to 5, which is great
Hit and miss over here like i said though When the seats come up, you can agree to take them or not based on where they are. I knew ahead of time exactly where my seats were (section 2--the middle--and where in the section I was--to the left of the middle as you face the stage--one was row C, seat 10 and the other was row D, seat 14) My Atlanta ticket in the 3rd row (C) was the best!!
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crazy4beatles:
Kestrel:
Out of interest,how far away is the stage from the front row? I ask because last year at a Jocelyn Pook concert I was in the front row and my knees were touching the stage.
I assume that wouldn't happen at a Paul McCartney concert.I'm kinda bad with calculating distances so someone jump in if I'm wrong. He's probably 4 feet from the edge of the main stage, then another 8 feet of the rising stage plus another 3-4 feet between the rising stage and the barrier. Add that up and your looking at at least 16-17 feet away. For outdoor arenas the distance is even a little greater - particularly when it's at a festival.
Thank you for your reply and the link/photo. That's quite a distance really although I guess most artists at these larger venues incorporate such a gap between themselves and the audience. Most of the shows I attend are at smaller venues and feel a lot more intimate.
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I'm with the group that feels being center is more important than front row. First of all, Paul is usually in the center and the robotic video cameras are very annoying on the sides. You'd think sitting right of center would give you a good view of him at the piano, but I've yet to find that true. He's so far back that if you're too close, it's very difficult to even see him! And often Brian blocks your view of Paul. Study the seating chart carefully before tickets go on sale. Maybe even make notes of acceptable seat locations for each price tier. It's sometimes hard in the heat of the moment to make a good decision so I find this helps a lot. Latest show I gave up 3rd row to the side (+ soundcheck) in favor of 8th row dead center "gold". I was very happy with this decision. Saved me tons of money and I loved my seat!
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When I did the front row package in Lincoln, NE, I could not see a single band member with my own eyes from my horrible seat. I could see Rusty when he came to greet the fans on the side. I watched the concert through the screen on the camera on the robotic arm. Biggest waste of $2,000 in my life. I had called the venue and had been told the seats ran differently than ended up happening.
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maccascruff:
When I did the front row package in Lincoln, NE, I could not see a single band member with my own eyes from my horrible seat. I could see Rusty when he came to greet the fans on the side. I watched the concert through the screen on the camera on the robotic arm. Biggest waste of $2,000 in my life. I had called the venue and had been told the seats ran differently than ended up happening.
So sorry that happened to you!
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Total turnoff for all future shows. Worst concert ever and I stayed to the very end. Had a great view of Paul and band coming off the stage and getting in to their vehicles in the dark. I had seen the fumes of the vehicles but also knew it was close to the end of the concert. Pretty sad when watching the legs of Paul and band getting in to vehicles is the best part of concert.
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You just need to stick with the $1600 seats but be absolutely certain where your seat is before you buy. The seats are numbered left to right as you face the seats (not the stage) at most venues. Or, go for the GOLD VIP and get say, 8th row center or something.
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My $1500.00 seats were terrible too. I was on the aisle in fact. I think they renumbered the seats. I complained too but to no avail. I've posted pics that I took from that far over in other VIP threads.
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I talked to the venue and Ticketmaster on the phone before I purchased the seat and after the concert. IMO, the seat should not have been sold at any price. I was way past the stage, probably 10 chairs between me and the edge of the stage. Worst concert ever. Now if it isn't in a center section on the floor, I would like in the balcony or stay home....
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Nancy R:
Eeee Cor Blimey:
Nancy R:
I agree. I did the $1500 in Memphis and was 4th row center, and in Atlanta 3rd row center. Much better than front row way off to the side (unless you can get the seats that are closest to the center section)
The problem with the hot sound package in the UK is you're not guaranteed the middle block, i know people last year who got stuck with 7th row in the side blocks, the same blocks the front row people got. From what i read on this forum it does sound like in the states hot sound gets you the middle block rows 3 to 5, which is great
Hit and miss over here like i said though When the seats come up, you can agree to take them or not based on where they are. I knew ahead of time exactly where my seats were (section 2--the middle--and where in the section I was--to the left of the middle as you face the stage--one was row C, seat 10 and the other was row D, seat 14) My Atlanta ticket in the 3rd row (C) was the best!!
Oh i know you guys can do that in the states - i just mean here in the UK the company that does the VIP sales tells you absolutely nothing... just "premium seat rows 3 to 8" and people last time got shoved in the side block!
They make you pay, then tell you either months later or even the day of the show. -
Eeee Cor Blimey:
Nancy R:
Eeee Cor Blimey:
Nancy R:
I agree. I did the $1500 in Memphis and was 4th row center, and in Atlanta 3rd row center. Much better than front row way off to the side (unless you can get the seats that are closest to the center section)
The problem with the hot sound package in the UK is you're not guaranteed the middle block, i know people last year who got stuck with 7th row in the side blocks, the same blocks the front row people got. From what i read on this forum it does sound like in the states hot sound gets you the middle block rows 3 to 5, which is great
Hit and miss over here like i said though When the seats come up, you can agree to take them or not based on where they are. I knew ahead of time exactly where my seats were (section 2--the middle--and where in the section I was--to the left of the middle as you face the stage--one was row C, seat 10 and the other was row D, seat 14) My Atlanta ticket in the 3rd row (C) was the best!!
Oh i know you guys can do that in the states - i just mean here in the UK the company that does the VIP sales tells you absolutely nothing... just "premium seat rows 3 to 8" and people last time got shoved in the side block!
They make you pay, then tell you either months later or even the day of the show.
