Verona Arena Opera Seats-Splurge on Best Seats?

NO!!!! a THOUSAND TIMES NO!!!! You'll miss a huge part of the experience. I go about every other year. I don't get the cheapest seats but if you look at the seating chart on line, about half way back on the sides is an excellent place. I sit on the stones - just bring (or rent there) a cushion. You need it otherwise besides a sore bottom, it will be toasted. The view, the sound are just fine. My suggestion, get there early and sit on the first row below the walkway (best seats, no knees in your back). Watch as they finish setting the stage, the arena fills up with about 20,000 people and best of all: when the candles are lit you know you're in a special place with the best view! Your surrounded by some tourists but mainly younger Italians enjoying their own country's music. Doesn't get much better. There are 'chairs' right in front of this section. They really don't look very comfortable to me.

Thanks so much. Do you remember the name of this section and how much it cost?

Gradinata Settore D. They are about 25 euro. I like this section because the sun goes down behind you so you aren't staring into it. I always buy a cushion at a store (there's a grocery store on the opposite side of the Piazza Bra and through the gate) - thicker than what they rent at the arena. Even if you're not an opera fan, this is a very unique Italian experience. As a singer myself, hearing opera here has completely changed my way of singing here in the States or when I'm singing in Italy. It is anything but boring, or a couple of people trying to be heard over a big orchestra and chorus . . . that's for sure! It's a study in the power of emotions, human encounters, and the human condition.

Thanks Robert, a thousand times thanks

You're more than welcome. They sell ice cream, water, beer, wine inside the arena (you'll hear/see them walking around). Bathrooms are outside the arena in trailers . . . not too bad by 'stadium' standards but I'd go before leaving your hotel. Some very wonderful singers on the roster for this summer!

Verona opera is a thrilling experience and certainly embodies the term “grand opera.” A couple years ago I attended both Trovatore and Aida - seeing the stairs and top of the arena lit by torches was unforgettable.

The Aida performance was delayed by a “strike” in which the stagehands walked onto the stage, read a statement of their concerns/grievances in Italian, English, and German. Then they walked off and it was on with the opera. A very civilized way of making their point.

I agree completely about the seating recommendation although I opted for the next level on the sides - comfortable seats and still a fraction of the cost of a performance at the Met. Do not, however, plan on moving to a closer empty seat at the interval - ushers patrol the aisles and protect the seating plan. They will ask to see your ticket and politely but firmly redirect you if you’re out of your section. There is no need, however, to sit in front - taking in the full specter of the arena is easier with a view from the middle or back.

Enjoy the experience and be amazed at unamplified voices reaching all 20,000 seats. It was truly a highlight of my time in Italy!