The O2 Arena seating plan: where to sit, and which seats to avoid

Block numbers change, so think in patterns

The single most useful habit when picking seats at The O2 is to stop chasing a specific block number you saw in someone else's photo. Stage setups change from show to show, and a block that gives a perfect straight-on view for one tour can sit behind a speaker stack for the next.

Instead of memorising numbers, think in patterns: how high you are, whether you are facing the stage or off to the side, and whether anything physical might sit between you and the action. Then confirm the detail on the official seat map for your actual date.

Lower tier: closest, but mind the angle

Lower-tier blocks that face the stage tend to give the best all-round view if your budget allows it, with a clean straight-on line to the main performance.

Side and angled lower-tier blocks are often better value and still close to the action, but some end-stage productions mean you see the side of the set, and a tall rig or screen can clip part of the view. Front rows can also feel surprisingly far back in an arena this size, so check the row, not just the block.

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Upper tier and standing: the trade-offs

Upper-tier blocks facing the stage are usually the budget-friendly sweet spot: you are high up, but central, with a complete picture of the stage and the big screens. The main downsides are steep steps and the height itself, which matters if you are not keen on heights.

The general admission standing floor puts you closest to the artist with the most atmosphere, but you trade comfort for it: hours on your feet, and a limited view if you end up far back. It suits fans who want energy over a guaranteed sightline.

Restricted-view and the role of the screens

Tickets labelled 'restricted' or 'limited view' are cheaper for a reason: a screen, speaker or part of the rig may genuinely block some of what you see. They can be a fair deal if you mainly want to be in the room, but read the seat note before buying rather than hoping for the best.

Remember that almost every seat gets a big screen for close-ups, which is reassuring from upper or side seats. Screen positions shift with each production's stage design, so treat them as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

Before you buy

Check the official seat map and the seller's view notes for your specific event, because the stage configuration (end stage, in-the-round, a B-stage or a catwalk) changes which blocks are best and which are restricted.

This article describes general patterns reported by visitors, not a promise about your show. The full guide goes further with a side-by-side seating table and the rest of the concert-night plan.