AIBU to myself over stressing about the seating plan at the Taylor Swift Era's tour

[Swiftie1989]

I thought I would type this here purely because someone may actually know and its stressing me out really bad. We have tickets for the Wembley event and thought we had an unobstructed VIP ticket - There are no indications on the seating plans of any obstructions and the seats are advertised as the best views. However in the press for the Edinburgh event people are reporting that their VIP view was blocked by a tent with electrical equipment in it. I thought this would not affect me as the tents are shown on the seating plans for Edinburgh and there are none shown on the seating plans for Wembley. However none are shown on the seating plans for the Liverpool event either but drone shots clearly show these tents have been put up.

I have tried asking AXS if that despite being advertised as the best views are there any notes in my T&Cs for the tickets that my view may be obstructed but they wont answer the question.

Wembley will not engage in any conversation at all about seating.

I imagine on the day I would just have to ask to move but does anyone have any advice - I think I am just being really unreasonable to myself to worry at this stage to the extent that I am stressing.

I have attached a sample picture of what I am talking about.

I think this is a legitimate concern because your ticket will have been expensive and the whole point is to see Taylor. I would assume the tents will be there, some are equipment but some are the ‘real VIP’ areas where celebrities sit, the one obstructing the view at Edinburgh that has been all over the news was full of people (I could see into it from where I was).

I don’t have advice beyond keep trying to contact them, via social media etc. Good luck.

You are completely not being unreasonable as I am having the exact same panic having seen the photos you have shown! I’ve paid so much for our seats that I think are close to the area in question! Not sure there is anything we can do because they won’t be able to move us if all the seats are taken - which they will be! 😢

i have seen video that shows these tents are there but have also seen some seats are covered by black sheets where I assume the venue has checked. Still am very worried but the advice is to check the view as soon as you arrive and then talk to customer services asap. I have been told don’t raise it with the stewards only customer service. Then collect lots of photo evidence because if this is an obstructed view we would be entitled to partial refund (advice from citizen’s advice) Although that misses the point as we want to see TayTay. I also spoke to STAR the dispute resolution people for these things and they said to trust in the venue who are familiar with these situations as stage layouts often take venues by surprise when they arrive on site.

lets all hope it works out and I hope you have a great time.

I did see on TikTok that some people who complained nicely to stewards were moved to a better area.

I think the likelihood of this happening at Wembley is far slimmer. I was at Edinburgh and have been to many concerts at Wembley; Wembley is VAST compared to both Murrayfield and Anfield. With that and seeing the pictures from last night, the sound tents should be much further back and the premium seats will be much further forward as there is so much more space for those seats at Wembley. I also noticed last night that there is a section of seating behind the sound tents blocked off with black sheeting (I presume the ones with the blocked view).

Saying that, I’d pay money to go and sit there, I want to go again- she’s incredible!!!

I don't see how you're meant to get there then spend the whole concert on the phone to customer service to get moved? That's ridiculous

I read something online that the VIP bit is nothing to do with how good the seats are and all do to with the merchandise or something that you get with the tickets?

Not sure how true that is but it was floating around TikTok the other day.

Sorry I wasn’t clear - By Customer Service there is a physical desk on site not a phone number. I think they may actually be called Guest Services but these are best placed to reseat people. So I am told anyway.

The package I bought was listed below so this is what I think I have paid for. I suppose it will be an unforgettable seat if it looks at the back of a tent. But joking aside the point made to me by STAR and Citizens advice is that nowhere in the literature is a mention of a possibility of a restricted view backed up by the seating plans that do not show any obstruction unlike the Edinburgh plans that had four grey lumps on them. This is the code of conduct they have signed up to and they must warn us of potential view issues.

It’s Been A Long Time Coming Package
One Unforgettable Reserved Seated Ticket
Special Set of Four (4) Taylor Swift Prints
Exclusive Taylor Swift VIP Merchandise
· Commemorative Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour VIP Tote Bag
· Collectible Taylor Swift Pin, Sticker & Postcard Set + Souvenir Concert Ticket
· Special VIP Tour Laminate & Matching Lanyard

TayTay? Is she really known as that?

Yes we’ve purchased the VIP tickets as well. I knew VIP didn’t mean you get the VIP treatment but I just cannot understand that they might be able to charge over £600 for a ticket that ends up being restricted. I was up last night trolling through photos and videos and didn’t come up with much hope to be honest. Do you mind me asking what section you are in - we are in section 120 and our seats aren’t very high up which is my main concern because if they were high I think we’d be ok 😢

We’ve just had VIP tickets with fantastic view. Do you have your seat number and zone and have you checked them on aviewfrommyseat.co.uk

We are in section 102 row 7. We did use a view from my seat at time of purchase. But at time of purchasing the tents were not on the plans and there was no mention of them. I would absolutely love my seats if there was nothing between me and the stage.

I think there is not a lot we can do about it at the moment. All I know is that I will have my ‘Mum’ head on when we get there and if my daughter can’t see anything because of a tent I will be doing something about it! You can’t charge people over £600 and not expect a fight on your hands - as it stands you wouldn’t even be able to see the big screens properly!

You've bothered citizens advice with this 🙄

I would imagine Citizens Advice have more important things to do.

I think you’ll be fine! I was there last night and it was so well organised and no one was near the sound tents etc.
Just go and enjoy it, she was incredible!

OP your VIP tickets are about the merchandise not the seats.

I saw Taylor last week at Anfield. I really don't think there would be a bad seat. She was up and down the stage all night. Large screens etc.

Stop worrying and over thinking.

Have a fab time. I'm not a fan (DC are) but it was excellent, as we're Paramore

I think the best you can do is get to your seat asap and get to customer services sharp if there’s an obstruction. It’s a lot of money and as you say they should warn you in advance of any issues.
She is indeed up and down the stage, spends time halfway down the stage and some songs are on the large main stage. Try not to stress as there’s little you can do before you get there

Citizens Advice has a separate Consumer helpline so won’t be taking up time from people needing help with debt etc. The volunteer service also says you can talk to them about anything.

If you can’t see on the day, do approach a steward. These things are checked in advance and 9/10 times they’re sorted before you get there, but if you’re nice and not a dick about it they will usually be able to move you.

As youre VIP, they are going to be focusing on making sure you can see. I wouldn’t worry about shit you see on socials, a lot of people seem to love pretending they had VIP tickets and an obstructed view for some reason, it’s a known thing. No idea why they do it but they do!

It actually is to do with seating, the locations of VIP are selected specifically.

If something changes in the show design that’s going to mean those seats are obstructed view, everyone prioritises sorting that out because VIP buyers paid a lot and will, understandably, kick off if they can’t see, and nobody wants to be refunding VIP packages.

Really? You’re going to go and have a go at a member of staff who didn’t sell you the ticket, or put the tent up, just because your little darling can’t see the stage properly?! Give yourself a shake and remember it’s a human being just doing their job before you go in all guns blazing. It’s just a concert, enjoy the atmosphere and maybe think again about spending so much on tickets. Hope you enjoy the concert.