Making the Most of GA

When the time comes to buy tickets for your next concert, you generally have two options: buy reserved seats or go the GA route. In this article, we will be discussing the latter option and giving you a few tips on making the most of GA tickets.

What is GA, and how is it different from reserved seating?

So what is GA? To put it simply, GA or General Admission applies to seats or standing sections that are not reserved, and get occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. While purchasing your tickets, there may be a listed section, row, or seat number, but this information does not refer to a specific seating location.

Reserved seating gives you an assigned section, row, and seat, which is ideal for more formal or seated events. Many venues use a hybrid approach with GA, reserved, and VIP areas so you can pick the vibe you want.

Typically with GA ticket listings on TicketSmarter.com, the Additional Information section on the ticket selection screen will offer more detail on the type of GA seating, which can range from LAWN, PIT, or Standing Room Only, SRO.

What are the advantages of buying GA tickets?

The main advantage of buying GA tickets is the price. Since general admission areas do not come with a fixed seat, they are generally the most inexpensive option. General Admission tickets are great for smaller groups or people attending a concert solo. Without the restriction of assigned seating, you are free to move around and find another spot during the show.

You can also find GA tickets at major festivals on TicketSmarter, including beachside sets at Hangout Music Festival at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/hangout-music-festival-tickets and a wide mix of genres at ONE Musicfest at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/one-musicfest-tickets. If you want a classic camp-and-dance weekend, see Bonnaroo tickets at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/bonnaroo-music-festival-tickets and Outside Lands at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/outside-lands-music-and-arts-festival-tickets.

Along with these perks, purchasing GA tickets offers a chance for people to experience one of the best parts of festivals: camping. Take a break from the constant day-to-day grind and grab tickets for popular festivals like Bonnaroo or Electric Forest.

Should I choose lawn, pit, or SRO?

Lawn GA: Most budget-friendly. Good for picnics, big screens, and a relaxed vibe. Bring layers for changing weather and aim for shaded areas at daytime shows.
Pit or floor GA: Closest to the stage with the highest energy. Expect long standing periods and tighter crowds.
Standing Room Only, SRO: No seats, often on concourses or dedicated open areas. Great if you like to move around and catch different angles.

Tip: If you want both security and energy, buy a reserved seat and spend part of the show in GA if the event allows re-entry between areas.

How to secure a great GA spot

Arrive early based on your goal. For barricade-level pit views, show up well before doors. For a comfortable lawn blanket setup, arrive around gate time.
Scout the venue. Identify entrances, restrooms, concessions, water stations, and big screens as soon as you enter. According to crowd-management best practices, plan your egress route and follow posted entry and exit rules to avoid unsafe crowding, and look for trained crowd managers if available NCS4 FEMA/DHS training resources.
Pick smart positions. At concerts, stand behind someone shorter and look for natural sightlines. At daytime sets, prioritize shade.
Plan for breaks. If you leave a GA spot, you may not get it back. Coordinate with your group and set a meeting point.

Many festivals offer early entry or tiered GA passes that include priority access. These can be worth it if you want closer positions with less wait time.

Why should I consider camping?

Whether it be Coachella, Lost Lands, or another multi-day music festival, you will want to get camping passes. Camping creates an elevated festival experience and allows attendees the chance to get the best spots for the show. Along with the scheduled festival events, there might be campground parties that make the camping experience lively.

Typically people will show up to the festival grounds early, either the morning of or even the night before, and camp out in their car nearby the festival grounds. Camping ensures that festival attendees will be among the first to claim prime GA spots. You can spend the night having fun with friends, exploring the campgrounds, and relaxing before getting ready for the festival the next day.

For 2025 planning, you can compare GA lineups and camping vibes across Texas Music Festival at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/texas-music-festival-tickets and MusicFest 2025 at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/musicfest-2025-tickets so you match your travel plans with the viewing experience you want.

Camping strategies for better GA views

Arrive early to pick a convenient campsite. Many campgrounds open the morning before the event and early-entry pass holders may get closer lots.
Practice your tent setup at home and pitch in daylight if possible.
Mark your site with a flag or LED so you can find it fast at night.
Follow campground rules on tent size, chairs, and load-in procedures.
Pack light but smart: phone, ID, payment, earplugs, water, and weather layers.

Safety and comfort tips for GA

Stay hydrated in lines and during long sets; public health authorities advise locating emergency exits and medical points on arrival, staying hydrated, and watching for heat illness signs at large outdoor events, so bring water, plan breaks in shade, and know where on-site medical services are located CDC travel to mass gatherings guidance.
Dress for changing conditions and consider ear protection; hearing health groups recommend earplugs to reduce the risk of permanent noise induced hearing loss ASHA guidance on hearing protection.
Keep belongings close and avoid valuables you do not need.
Stick with your group when walking to and from parking.
Check venue maps and entry assignments, especially if your GA ticket tier uses specific gates.

Cost and value: GA vs reserved seats

GA can be the most affordable way into a show. At some events, GA tiers closer to the stage or with early entry can cost more than upper-level reserved seats. Reserved seating often costs more in premium areas but guarantees your view and reduces time spent waiting in line. Choose based on your priorities: flexibility and energy in GA, predictability and comfort in reserved.

For more information on TicketSmarter and to secure your seat for the next big event, visit TicketSmarter.com and follow us @TicketSmarter on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

FAQs: General Admission tickets and festival planning

How do GA tickets differ from reserved seating?

GA on TicketSmarter is first-come, first-served without a fixed seat, while reserved seating assigns a specific section, row, and seat. GA offers freedom to move and dance, and reserved seats offer predictability and clear sightlines.

What are the benefits of buying GA tickets?

GA tickets on TicketSmarter are often the most affordable option and let you move around to find your preferred view. They are great for solo fans and small groups who want flexibility and a high-energy environment.

How can I get a good spot in a GA pit or standing area?

Arrive early, know your gate, and head straight to your preferred side of the stage. Identify restrooms and water stations on arrival. If you leave your spot, you may lose it, so plan breaks with your group. Also consider early-entry GA tiers or VIP upgrades if you want less waiting and better positioning.

Lawn, pit, or SRO: which GA section should I choose?

Choose lawn for value and space to relax, pit for proximity and energy, and SRO for flexible movement. On TicketSmarter, the Additional Information on each listing shows which GA type is offered.

Do camping passes help me get better GA views?

Yes. Camping often positions you closer to entrances and can include early load-in benefits. That makes it easier to line up early and claim prime GA spots for major sets you care about.

What should I pack for GA and festival camping?

Keep it minimalist: charged phone, ID, payment method, earplugs, water, sunscreen, and weather layers. For camping, add a practiced tent setup, shade options, and a marker to find your campsite.

Are there risks to consider with GA at large concerts?

Expect longer standing times, tighter crowds, and no guarantee of reclaiming a spot if you leave. Use common-sense safety, watch your belongings, and review venue maps and entry procedures. Professional crowd management guidance recommends following posted rules and identifying egress routes to avoid unsafe crowding NCS4 FEMA/DHS training resources.