How to Survive a General Admission Floor

Co-authored by Scott Cushman

Last Updated: December 23, 2024 Approved

If you're buying tickets for music festivals or concerts with big-name bands, you might find yourself in possession of a general admission floor ticket. The general admission floor is a standing-room-only space in front of the stage. With no assigned seats, the area is first come, first serve, and tends to be the center for rowdy dance pits and crowd-surfers galore. The floor experience can be incredibly fun and exhilarating, but it can be overwhelming to navigate, especially if it's your first time. By taking a few lengths to prepare for the show - both mentally and physically - you'll be sure to survive and have a great time on the floor.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing for the Show

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The general admission floor is going to be hot and packed with people, so when it comes to dress, choose comfort over style. T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and jeans are safe bets.^{[1]
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Even if it’s cold outside, the floor itself will be too hot for layers. Leave your coat in the car, and if you must bring a layer, choose a light sweater or flannel that you can tie around your waist.

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You’ll be standing and dancing for hours on end, so you’ll want to choose comfortable shoes. Flip-flops, sandals, high heels are bad ideas - your feet will ache, and your toes might get trampled! Instead, opt for sneakers, flats, or any other close-toed, comfortable style.
If you typically wear glasses, consider wearing contact lenses for the concert. General admission floors can get rowdy, and you don’t want to risk breaking or losing your glasses in the commotion.^{[2]
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Regardless of whether the concert is inside or outside, the general admission floor is bound to be hot. Avoid stinking up the floor by applying deodorant before you go to the concert.
The concert experience will likely be long and exhausting, so you’ll want to fuel up before you face the crowds. Eat a substantial meal with plenty of carbs and protein, and be sure to drink plenty of water as well.^{[3]
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Pack a small bag of the essentials. A larger bag or backpack might get in the way on a packed general admission floor, so limit your personal items to a small purse, fanny pack, or drawstring backpack. Avoid bringing any valuables that can be lost, broken, or stolen.^{[4]
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- Be sure to pack your tickets! Some other essential items include your phone, money, keys, and medication.
- Bring a water bottle, or plan on buying bottles at the concert to stay hydrated.
- If the concert is outdoors, bring a travel-sized container of sunscreen.

Part 2

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Finding a Spot on the Floor

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The earlier you arrive to the concert, the more likely you are to find a good spot on the floor. If you want a front-row spot for a large, sold-out event, it is recommended that you show up to the venue up to 6 hours early in order to secure your space.
If you’re not stoked on the front row, it’s still recommended that you show up at least 1-2 hours early in order to find a decent spot on the floor. Otherwise, you'll risk getting stuck in the back where you're unable to see the action onstage.
It's nearly impossible to get back to your original spot once you've left the floor, so it's best to visit the restroom before you enter. Besides, you won't want to miss any of the action once the show starts!
Once you’ve entered the floor, scope out your surroundings to find a spot where you’ll be able to see the show. Try to place yourself behind someone shorter than you. If you’re on the taller end, be courteous to other concert-goers and look for a spot near the side or back of the crowd.^{[5]
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If you want a rowdier floor experience, try to find a spot as close to the stage as possible. You'll be sure to get in on some moshing and crowd-surfing action!
If you're more interested in watching and listening to the show than you are in a sweaty mosh pit experience, opt for a spot a bit removed from the stage. Side and back spots on the floor are also ideal if you're concerned about you ability to enter or exit the floor without much hassle.
Once you find your spot, stand with your feet planted firmly on the ground at a shoulder’s width apart. This stance will help stabilize your balance and establish your personal space. The crowd will probably get rowdy, and people might try to push ahead of you, so it’s important to stand your ground in order to maintain your place.

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Staying Safe

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Be sure you have a mental plan for how to leave the floor as quickly as possible in case of an emergency. If you're worried about your ability to enter or exit, consider choosing a spot on the floor closer to the exits.^{[6]
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Packed crowds on the general admission floor are often prone to theft and pick-pocketing. Avoid getting targeted by keeping your money hidden and concealed at all times while you're on the floor. Keep your money in a small bag, purse, or fanny pack with zippered openings, and keep your bag on the front side of your body where you'll be able to keep an eye on it.^{[7]
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Be aware of the people around you. Especially if you’re standing in or near a mosh pit, be aware of the people around you to avoid taking a stray fist or elbow to the face. Similarly, if you enjoy thrashing around at the height of a concert, take note of the bodies around you to avoid hurting anyone.^{[8]
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- Watch out for crowd-surfers to avoid getting kicked in the head.
- Avoid violence at all costs. If someone pushes or shoves you, keep a cool head and assume it was an accident. If you accidentally shove into a person, be courteous and apologize.
Nothing will stunt your fun on the floor like a bout of dehydration. You’ll be sweating a lot, so you'll need to replenish those fluids in order to keep having fun. Be sure to buy water bottles or bring your own onto the floor, and drink up in between songs and sets.
If you're consuming alcohol at the event, be sure drink in moderation. Getting drunk will put you at a greater risk of getting injured in the tussle of the crowd, so it's best to stick to 1-2 alcoholic beverages.^{[9]
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Because standing room on the general admission floor tends to be close to the main speaker systems at concert venues, it's extremely important to protect your hearing while you're on the floor. Even if you're young and believe your eardrums are invincible, it's best to wear earplugs to be safe.^{[10]
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If you get hurt, feel claustrophobic, or need a breather from all the action, exit the floor and take a break from the concert. The floor can get rowdy, and if you’re hurt or exhausted, staying in the crowd will only make the problem worse. Take care of yourself throughout the show, even if that means losing your spot on the floor.
Dance, sing, move your body, and have fun! On the general admissions floor, no one will judge you for having a good time. Don’t be afraid to let loose and enjoy the moment.

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What is the definition of general admission?

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Merriam-Webster defines it as: “a fee paid for admission to a usually unreserved seating area (as in an auditorium or stadium).” While this may vary from country to country, the idea is usually that the seating or standing area is not reserved and operates on a first come best served basis (what is "best" depends on your own preferences).

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Are general admission tickets standing?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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This will depend on the event provider’s terms and conditions but yes, general admission tickets usually involve standing for concerts and music festivals. If standing space is provided, it is probably safe to assume that general admission will be for that space. Always check the ticket terms and conditions for certainty; most events now have websites you can check before purchasing tickets.

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What time should you go to a concert?

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This depends on your ticket. If you have general admission, the best time is to be waiting well before the doors even open (sometimes hours ahead), so you can rush to a preferred spot and claim it as yours. On the other hand, if you have an assigned seat that nobody else can take, you can be more leisurely in arriving closer to start time, remembering though that you still have to navigate crowds and get any refreshments you’d like ahead of the event.

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If you bring a camera, attach it to your body with a wrist- or neck-strap to avoid losing it.

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If you are small, one strategy to get close to the stage is to take baby steps towards the front every time a closer spot opens. Even if it's only an inch difference, it adds up and you'll be in the front by the time the band comes on. It's also a good idea to wait until someone is off guard checking their phone.

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If you bring a sign or poster on the floor, don't hold it up for too long for the sake of people standing behind you.

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