The short answer: Section 409 is the final section on the left side of the 400-level. You are literally at the edge of the seating bowl. And here's the surprising truth: it still delivers. The screen curves so dramatically at this angle that you feel like you're peeking inside the world rather than watching from outside. You lose a sliver of far-right content, but the core story stays centered. The apples? No. The monkeys? Distant. The wind, snow, and vibrations? All there. If you're here because it's what you could afford, stop stressing. You did okay.
You're looking at Section 409 and wondering if you've gone too far. Maybe it was the last option. Maybe the price was too tempting. Maybe you're just doing your homework before clicking buy. Whatever brought you here, you need the unvarnished truth: are these seats a mistake or a miracle?
Here's that truth: Section 409 is not a mistake. It's just a different experience. Let's explain.
Direct Section 409 reviews are rare—because the people sitting there are too busy enjoying the show at a discount to post about it. But here's what we found from the far-left edge generally.
Sat way off to the side, Sphere is insane, it works from everywhere.
The theme is consistent: people worry, then they relax, then they enjoy. The Sphere's design is forgiving in ways traditional venues are not.
Let's break down exactly what you're getting at the very edge.
The Extreme Wrap Perspective: Section 409 is where the seating bowl meets the wall. From here, the screen doesn't just wrap around you—it looms over you on your left side. You lose the ability to see the far-right edge of the dome without turning your head. But here's the key: the important stuff is never on the far-right edge. The creative team at Sphere stages action center-forward. You will see Dorothy. You will see the Witch. You will see the Emerald City. What you miss is peripheral filler, and most people don't even notice it's gone.
All the Feels, Literally: Here's what matters most: the physical effects are not angle-dependent. The wind during the tornado hits every seat. The vibrations during the Witch's appearances travel through the entire structure. The synthetic snow falls on every section. The beam-forming audio finds you wherever you sit. You are not watching a movie on a screen—you are inside a machine designed to deliver sensation. Section 409 gets all of it.
The Apple Drop Truth: You already know: Section 409 does not get apples. The physical souvenir apples fall in the 200s and 300s, with occasional strays into the upper 100s. In 409, you are too high and too far. But here's a perspective shift: you get the best view of the apple drop. You see the apples rain down on the sections below like a magical storm. You watch the chaos. You stay above it. For many, that's actually the better seat.
The Monkey Distance: The animatronic monkeys fly through center airspace. In Section 409, they are small figures against the massive screen. You track them easily. You see their flight paths. But they do not swoop into your row. If you have kids who might find giant flying monkeys terrifying, this is a blessing in disguise.
The Price Can't Be Beat: Section 409 is consistently among the cheapest seats in the entire building. Standard Admission here frequently drops below $125, especially for early-week shows. You are paying less than dinner for two to experience one of the most advanced entertainment venues on Earth. That is not a compromise. That is a steal.
The 400-level requires commitment. One attendee in nearby Section 405 described climbing to their seat as feeling like they were "scaling the Sphere" with steps as steep as a stadium . Another warned that lighting on the steps is minimal—bring a phone light or small flashlight to navigate safely .
Section 409 is at the far end of the concourse. The walk is longer. The climb is steeper. If mobility is a concern, consider this carefully. If you are able-bodied, treat it as part of the experience. You earn that view.
You've chosen the edge. Now pick the best row on it.
Rows 1-5 (The Front Row Edge): Sitting near the front of Section 409 puts you closer to the action below. You have a clear sightline to the stage with fewer heads in front. Row 4 specifically was noted by a family attendee as a positive experience .
Rows 6-12 (The Budget Sweet Spot): In these middle rows, you are high enough for confidence but not so high that the steepness becomes overwhelming. This is where most casual buyers will land, and reports suggest satisfaction.
Rows 13-20 (The True Summit): The back rows of Section 409 are the highest and farthest from the stage. The climb is significant. The height is real. But attendees who make the trek report that the view remains stunning. From this altitude, you see the entire production as a complete composition. If heights don't bother you, these rows offer maximum panorama for minimum price.
Pro Tip: Look for seats at the very end of rows for easier access and exit. The walk from the concourse is long—end-of-row seats make the return trip shorter.
You wanted certainty. Here it is.
Buy Section 409 tickets for Wizard of Oz immediately if:
Skip Section 409 only if:
For everyone else, Section 409 is not a mistake—it's a masterstroke of budget planning. You are getting the sensory immersion, the audio, the vibrations, and a unique edge perspective for the lowest possible price. Walk in with the right expectations and you will walk out a fan.
You will experience all of this from the most affordable seats in the building.