general admission

/ˌdʒɛnərəl ədˈmɪʃən/

Meaning

This term refers to a ticketing scheme where entry is granted, but no specific seats are assigned. Attendees usually sit or stand on a first-come, first-served basis, often in a designated area like the lawn or main floor. It is commonly used for concerts, festivals, and sporting events.

Examples

  • We bought general admission tickets, so we need to get there early to grab a good spot near the stage.

    We bought general admission tickets, so we need to get there early to grab a good spot near the stage.

  • Is the concert general admission, or do we have actual seat numbers on our tickets?

    Is the concert general admission, or do we have actual seat numbers on our tickets?

  • I prefer general admission because I like being able to move around and dance during the show.

    I prefer general admission because I like being able to move around and dance during the show.

  • The venue has a small balcony with reserved seats and a large floor for general admission.

    The venue has a small balcony with reserved seats and a large floor for general admission.

  • General admission was much cheaper, but standing for four hours straight was pretty exhausting.

    General admission was much cheaper, but standing for four hours straight was pretty exhausting.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ I bought a general entrance ticket.

    ✓ I bought a general admission ticket.

    'General entrance' is a literal translation in some languages. In English, the standard industry term is 'general admission.'

  • ✗ Are we going to the general admissions?

    ✓ Are we going to general admission?

    'Admission' is typically used in the singular form when referring to this type of ticket or seating area.

Related Expressions

first come first servedstanding room onlylawn seating

Practice

  • Since it's ___, we should queue up at least an hour before the doors open.

    💡 A type of ticket with no assigned seats.

    Show answer

    general admission

  • I couldn't get a seat upstairs, so I had to buy a ___ ticket.

    💡 Entry level ticket for the standing area.

    Show answer

    general admission