Every seat at the Hollywood Bowl brings its own unique experience. That being said a garden or terrace box affords you your own private space to enjoy dinner, drinks and the performance. Box seats are canvas collapsible chairs in groups of 4 or 6 (even a few 3 and 5) surrounded by wooden partitions.
Most people choose to set up two tables, one on each end. This makes eating a full dinner much easier. Setting these folding tables up (and making sure they are level) can be tricky. Fortunately Bowl volunteers are quick to help. They never ask for a tip but you just feeling good about giving them one.
An alternate table set-up in a 4 person box is to set up a single table in the middle. This configuration is used more for snacking than dinner. be sure to ask for a center table as they are not usually in the box.
A 6 person box combines two end tables with a center table. I have also seen people place the two end tables together on the back of the box like a buffet table.
When picking a box for a show try and not get one on a main isle. While the ushers do a great job keeping folks in order it can be very noisy during the performance.
Make your table spread the talk of your section. Cover the tables with table cloths. Us the table dimensions with a 3”-4” overhang. As a bonus each box also has a built-in wine bottle holder (the 6 person box has two!).
* Boxes can be difficult to get especially for Friday and Saturday shows. Plan early!
We have tickets for JW on 8/31 in Super Seat G1. Given we have never been there I’m thinking about “moving down” to Garden boxes. Is there a rake so if someone tall is in front you can see from behind? Are there seat numbers for the boxes or whoever gets there first gets the seats in the front?
David there is a step in the boxes so that the folks behind can see over the folks sitting it front. The box seats are numbered. See the photo included below. I have seen couples of 2 swap seats so that for dinner they site at the same table and then switch for the performance so that they are side-by-side.
OK thanks. What about rain? I would guess the musicians are covered but we need to bring something? Under what conditions will they cancel an event?
Can you bring your own food, beer and wine?
David if the performance is LA Phil sponsored then you may bring your own food and alcohol. If the event is a leased event like Aerosmith then you may bring food however you must purchase alcohol at the Bowl concession stands.
Also, in looking at stubhub the terrace boxes appear to be more expensive although they are further from the stage. Are they better seats?
Heidi under certain circumstances maybe (way off to the sides) but the Garden section are generally the better seats.
Hi – looking at tickets for a leased event. Would garden box 953 or 822 be a better bet? Thanks!
Interesting Heidi. 953 is more center stage but it is also on the back isle. Too many folks walking but standing behind you. Guess it depends on the event. I think I would take 822. Will still be a great view of the stage and the big screen.
I got seats in 751 seat 3 & 4, yeah! will they be next to each other or one in front of the other
?
TIA
Sheryl take a look in the “Where will I sit?” section of this Hollywood Bowl site page. You can see what the official seat numbering is. However I have seem people in boxes change so they can dine at a table and then later move so they can be side-by-side during the performance.
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/visit/guide-newcomers
hi, where is garden box 10? i can’t find it on the seating charts and someone is offering me tickets there and I’m just trying to figure out if it’s worth paying $35 more to sit there vs. K2 or F2.
Thanks!
Sheryl on the map look way up front. Box 10 is in the second row and will be an amazing experience in the famed Pool section.
Is there a way to find out which box’s seat 4 and which ones seat 6 ? Looking for a list or guide. Thanks!
Plum take a look at this map and zoom in. The boxes of 6 have a black dot near them. Always best to check with the bowl box office to be sure.
hi, any thoughts on difference in experience in center garden vs terrace box seats, and whether garden is worth the extra $$? (both pretty central to stage, price difference about 100$/seat).. thanks!
VL I think it depends on the type of show. In my opinion if it is mostly an orchestra performance then any box section if fine. it is a great venue and the big screens really do a great job of making you feel a part of the show. If it is more of a performer you can not beat being closer. Again just my opinion.
Are the ticket prices for boxes per person or is it the box price? I have always sat in the other areas and was thinking about a box. Are box dinners still available?
Diane usually prices listed are per seat. If you have the means the box is a great way to enjoy any performance. Box service is still available. The Hollywood Bowl offers full service dinners or Picnics to Share. Here is some more info.
I don’t see where my seats are in the pool circle D row 5 seat 13 and 14. The seating chart only shows A B & C? Is it a new row?
Julie if the seats are for a leased event the configuration is up to the producing company. Often I see leased events use rows of folding chairs.
So where exactly do you suppose “Pool D, seats 1-11 and 1-12″ might be?
For leased events (other than The Playboy Jazz Festival) the boxes are removed from the Pool Section and replaced with folding chairs. Each leased performance can change the configuration but often it is as seen here. Did it give a row?