SeatView UKSeat view questions, answered
The short version: our views are simulated, our ratings compare blocks within a venue, and the seats to fear are the far corners, the under-roof rears and the beside-the-stage blocks.
Are the seat views real photographs?
No. Every view on SeatView UK is a simulated view — an approximation, not a photo — generated from published seating plans, block positions, heights and standard stadium geometry. We label them as simulated everywhere they appear.
How accurate are the simulated views?
They are accurate about the things that decide most of your experience: how far you are from the centre, how high you sit, and whether you are side-on, behind the goal or in a corner. They cannot show obstructions that vary by exact seat (a pillar, a camera platform, a tall person in front), atmosphere, or event-specific staging. Treat them as a shortlisting tool, then check the event seating plan for your exact row.
How are block ratings calculated?
Each block is scored out of 5 using distance to the centre spot, height above the pitch or floor, viewing angle (side-on beats behind-goal for football; distance-to-stage dominates for concerts), and documented quirks such as low roofs, overhanging tiers and stage ends. Ratings compare blocks within one venue — a 4.5 at the O2 is not directly comparable with a 4.5 at Wembley.
Which seats should I avoid at big UK venues?
The recurring traps: upper corners more than 100 metres from the centre (Wembley Block 552), rear rows under a low roof or overhang (Old Trafford S225, the back of Anfield Road lower), and seats beside or behind the stage at arena concerts (The O2 blocks 101 and 418). Each block guide calls out the specific risk for that block.
Why do football and concert views differ at the same venue?
Concerts put a stage at one end (or occasionally in the centre). A behind-goal block becomes a straight-on or behind-stage block, distances to the performer replace distances to the centre spot, and big screens matter more. Block guides flag the standard end-stage layout where it changes the verdict.
What does "restricted view" actually mean?
It means part of the pitch or stage is blocked from that seat — by a roof, a pillar, an overhanging tier, a camera platform or the stage production itself. Sellers must declare known restrictions, but mild versions (a letterbox feeling under a low roof, losing high balls at the far end) are often not declared. Our guides describe these in plain words for each block.
Do you sell tickets?
No. SeatView UK is an independent information guide. We do not sell tickets and are not affiliated with any venue, club, artist or seller.
Can I suggest a correction or a new venue?
Yes — via the contact page. First-hand reports from people who have sat in a block are the best source we have, and we expand to new venues based on demand.