Big concert VIP packages and premium seating
The biggest concerts and arena tours sell out in minutes, and the premium experience has become a category of its own. From official VIP packages curated by the artist to hospitality boxes at venues such as the O2 Arena, there are several ways to elevate a night of live music. This guide explains how concert VIP and premium options are structured, what they typically include, and how to navigate a market where unofficial resale is rife.
How premium concert access works
Unlike sport, concert premium access is shaped largely by the artist and promoter. Official VIP packages are curated for each tour and can range from early entry and a premium seat to meet-and-greets and exclusive merchandise. Separately, large venues sell hospitality boxes and premium seating that apply across many of the events they host. The two routes can overlap, so it helps to understand which you are buying.
Official VIP packages versus venue hospitality
An official VIP package is tied to a specific tour and artist, and is sold through the official ticketing channel for that event. A venue hospitality package — a private box or premium seating tier — is sold by the venue and is broadly consistent across the concerts it stages. VIP packages tend to focus on the artist experience; venue hospitality focuses on comfort, dining and the lounge environment.
Hospitality boxes. Private suites at the venue with catering and premium views.Premium seating
Concert premium routes compared
| Route | Typical inclusions | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Official VIP package | Premium seat, early entry, merchandise, sometimes meet-and-greet | Curated per tour and sold through the official ticketing channel |
| Venue hospitality box | Private box, catering, dedicated entrance and lounge | Sold by the venue; consistent across many events |
| Premium seating tier | Best-located seats, sometimes with lounge access | A higher seating category within general sale |
Inclusions vary widely between tours and venues. Always check what a specific package contains before buying.
What a hospitality box typically includes
At major arenas such as the O2, a hospitality box usually offers a private or shared suite with a dedicated entrance, premium views of the stage, catering and drinks, comfortable seating and a more relaxed environment than the general bowl. It is a popular choice for groups and for those who value comfort and service as much as proximity to the stage. The exact offer depends on the venue and the box tier.
Premium concert routes at a glance
- Official VIP. The artist-curated package — the only route to extras such as meet-and-greets or exclusive merchandise.
- Hospitality boxes. Private suites at the venue with catering and premium views.
- Premium seating. The best general-sale seats, occasionally bundled with lounge access.
- Authorised resale. The only safe way to buy tickets being passed on for a sold-out show.
Securing premium concert access
- 1
Decide what matters most
The artist experience and extras point to official VIP; comfort and dining point to venue hospitality.
- 2
Find the official channel
Buy VIP packages through the tour’s official ticketing, and hospitality through the venue.
- 3
Check the inclusions
Confirm exactly what the package contains — seating, extras, catering and entry arrangements.
- 4
Act fast and stay official
Premium options sell out quickly; never buy VIP or hospitality from unverified resellers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an official concert VIP package?
- It is a premium experience curated for a specific tour and sold through that event’s official ticketing channel. Depending on the artist, it can include a premium seat, early entry, exclusive merchandise, a hospitality area and sometimes a meet-and-greet. Inclusions differ from tour to tour, so check the detail for the show you want.
- What is the difference between a VIP package and a hospitality box?
- A VIP package is tied to the artist and tour and focuses on the artist experience, sold through official ticketing. A hospitality box is sold by the venue, offers a private suite with catering and premium views, and is broadly consistent across the events that venue hosts. They serve different priorities.
- Are concert VIP packages from resellers safe?
- Treat unofficial VIP and meet-and-greet offers with great caution, as these are a common form of concert fraud. Buy official VIP packages only through the tour’s official channel and any resale only via an authorised platform.
- What does a hospitality box at an arena include?
- It typically offers a private or shared suite with a dedicated entrance, premium views of the stage, catering and drinks, comfortable seating and a relaxed environment. The exact inclusions depend on the venue and the box tier, so confirm before booking.