We are headed out that way in a few weeks, and it just so happens that a band I really want to see will be playing there. Now, in looking at tickets online, I see I can get general admission tix, and I’m good on that concept, but I can also get “Dinner tickets” for ticket price + $20.
Now, I don’t think I’m far off in assuming that you get seated and you get food with the dinner ticket, but has anyone does this? How is the view from where you sit? It seems like it would be hard to have general admission and have a large seating area where people can eat, and have both groups of people be able to see. If i can have a good view of the stage and have someone bring large amounts of alcohol to me during the show, I think this will be the way to go.
Who knows whats up? Thanks.
I’ve seen a few shows at the GAMH, but “dinner tickets” has never been an option. Then again, the bands I’ve seen there aren’t exactly the kind you’d necessarily think would be better enjoyed while eating dinner.
I’ve never done it, but I’ve been to the venue and see where they serve the food. IIRC*, it’s laid out like an Old West music hall, with the ground floor being a standing-room-only area in front of the stage, and a mezanine/balcony level with tables for dinner seating. So you wouldn’t be up close to the band, but you would be guaranteed a seat and a view. Waitresses serve the seating areas.
- I get the GAMH, The Fillmore, and the Warfield confused all the time, but I think they’re all laid out similarly. There are some pictures at the GAMH’s website that bear out my hypothesis. A trip to tickets.com wouldn’t give me venue information, but you might have better luck…
Are these dinner seats on the floor or the second level? The second level viewing angle is kinda steep I think, and some of the stage can be cut off if you’re not right on the rail. If the seats are on the floor I think that the stage is sufficiently high enough that all should be able to see.
I wish I could help more. I’ve been there a number of times, but only for general admission shows.
On a positive note, the place isn’t that big, and the sound is good.
FYI: The easiest place to park around there, that I know of, is the movie theatre on Van Ness a couple blocks away. It ain’t cheap, though.
The GAMH web site, in case you haven’t seen it already.
I usually park at the Japantown Parking (or on the street around Japantown, near the Fillmore) and then take the 38 over the hill (east). It drops you off right there, IIRC.
The only shows I saw there had general seating on the bottom level in the middle/open area, with the dinner seating on the perimeter on both levels. I would think the biggest danger with the dinner tickets is that you get a support beam obstructing your view. I wandered upstairs once and it is indeed a bit steep, especially if you’re sitting above near the back.
Dinner tickets are worth it at venues with similar floor plans, (like the Fillmore), but definitely not at the Great American.
Although you get a table upstairs people can and will squeeze between you and your table to see over the balcony. It’s not enforced like the Fillmore. The food menu is rather limited and they add 10% to each food order.
The only thing I can see that would make it worth it is that the Staff makes an effort to make sure your seats and table remain reserved, but if you don’t mind standing, don’t bother.
You are correct that large amount of alcohol is the way to go. It’s not like you’re going to a swanky fancy dinner in the Tenderloin. 