Are premium seats worth it?

Auditorium Theatre

Box seats $42–$78
Sight line Costly seats come at a costly angle. Better views down below.
Sound Nothing special
Perks With just four seats in a large box, you get ample legroom.
Verdict Save your cash.

Cadillac Palace Theatre
Center orchestra $85
Sight line Eleven rows back: not too close, not too far
Sound Front and center, couldn’t be better
Perks You can bring lobby-purchased food and drinks into the house, but so can the people with cheaper seats.
Verdict Splurge

U.S. Cellular Field
Scout seats $250–$265
Sight line First 11 rows behind home plate. So close you can see the stitching on the ball.
Sound You’ll hear every syllable of a profanity-laced tirade.
Perks Separate entrance, parking pass, and all the food and booze you can manage
Verdict Splurge

RECOMMENDED: Chicago White Sox baseball guide

Chicago Theatre
Rows HH and GG $50–$150
Sight line Crystal clear—so much so that a comedian may harangue you if you try to sneak in late.
Sound No complaints
Perks Food and drinks allowed in the house (again, this goes for cheaper seats, too)
Verdict Splurge

Lyric Opera of Chicago
Mezzanine box seats Varies, up to $294
Sight line Perfecto. Direct line of sight makes for easy-to-read translations on the overhead translation box.
Sound Bellissima. Acoustics carry the distance.
Perks Guests are allowed late entry—unlike the peasants down below.
Verdict Opera junkies: splurge. Everyone else: save.