I’ve visited Mechanics Bank Arena countless times and can tell you it’s one of Bakersfield’s premier entertainment venues. Whether you’re planning to catch a concert, sporting event, or show, choosing the right seat can make or break your experience.
As someone who’s sat in nearly every section of this 10,000-seat arena, I know the importance of understanding the seating layout before purchasing tickets. From the floor seats that put you right in the action to the upper-level sections that offer a bird’s-eye view of the entire venue, each area provides a unique perspective. I’ll help you navigate the various seating options to ensure you get the best value and viewing experience for your next event.
Key Takeaways
- Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield has a capacity of 10,225 seats for concerts and features three main seating levels: Lower Bowl (101-124), Club Level (201-208), and Upper Bowl (301-324)
- The arena’s floor seating is flexible, transforming between concert setup (Sections A-F), basketball configuration, and hockey layout, with each offering unique viewing experiences
- Premium seating options include 20 luxury suites and Club Level seats with exclusive amenities like private entrances, dedicated food service, and enhanced comfort features
- For concerts, sections 108-112 in Lower Bowl and 207-209 in Club Level offer optimal views, while sections 109-111 provide the best basketball viewing experience
- The venue is fully ADA-compliant with 108 wheelchair-accessible seats, companion seating, and family-friendly sections featuring alcohol-free zones and kid-friendly amenities
- Ticket prices vary significantly by section and event type, ranging from $35-$85 in Upper Bowl to $2,500-$4,000 for Luxury Suites, with multiple purchasing options available through official channels
Mechanics Bank Arena Seating
Mechanics Bank Arena stands as Bakersfield’s premier indoor entertainment venue, hosting diverse events from concerts to sporting competitions.
Venue Location and Capacity
The arena sits at 1001 Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield, California, anchoring the city’s entertainment district. With a maximum capacity of 10,225 seats for concerts and 8,751 for basketball configurations, this multi-purpose facility serves as the largest indoor venue in Kern County. The venue features 300 club seats and 20 luxury suites, accommodating both general admission and VIP attendees.
General Arena Layout
The arena’s bowl-style configuration includes three primary seating levels:
- Lower Bowl: Sections 101-124 wrap around the arena floor in a horseshoe pattern
- Club Level: Sections 201-208 offer premium amenities and elevated sightlines
- Upper Bowl: Sections 301-324 provide cost-effective options with panoramic views
The arena floor transforms based on event type:
- Concert Setup: Features reserved floor seating or general admission standing room
- Basketball Layout: Includes retractable seating sections for optimal court viewing
- Hockey Configuration: Converts to accommodate a regulation-size ice rink with corner seats removed
- Main Entrance: Located on Truxtun Avenue
- Box Office: Adjacent to the main entrance
- Concession Areas: Positioned on each level
- Restrooms: Distributed throughout all three levels
Understanding the Seating Sections
The seating layout at Mechanics Bank Arena follows a strategic design that maximizes viewing angles for every event type. I’ve identified distinct characteristics for each seating section based on my frequent visits to various events.
Floor Level Seating
Floor seating transforms based on the event format at Mechanics Bank Arena. For concerts, Sections A-F offer 20 rows of chairs with direct stage views. During basketball games, these sections convert to courtside seats in Sections 1-4, positioned just 10 feet from the action. VIP tables occupy this space during special events, featuring 8-10 seats per table with dedicated wait service.
Lower Bowl Options
The Lower Bowl spans Sections 101-122, creating a 360-degree view around the arena. Each section contains 20 rows with clearly marked aisles every 12 seats. I’ve found Sections 103-107 provide optimal stage views for concerts while Sections 101-102 and 108-109 offer excellent side-angle perspectives. For sporting events, Sections 112-116 deliver perfect center-court or center-ice positioning.
Upper Level Views
Upper Level seating includes Sections 201-228, elevated 45 feet above the arena floor. These sections feature 15 rows per section with a steeper incline than the lower bowl, ensuring unobstructed sightlines. Sections 203-207 present direct stage views for concerts while Sections 212-216 provide comprehensive aerial views of sporting events. The last 5 rows in each section include back-wall support for additional comfort.
| Section Type | Number of Sections | Seats per Section | Total Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Level | 6 (A-F) | 200-300 | 1,500 |
| Lower Bowl | 22 (101-122) | 250-300 | 6,000 |
| Upper Level | 28 (201-228) | 100-150 | 2,725 |
Premium Seating Experiences
Mechanics Bank Arena offers exclusive premium seating options that combine comfort with superior amenities. I’ve experienced these premium offerings firsthand during multiple events, documenting the distinct advantages of each option.
Luxury Suites
Mechanics Bank Arena features 20 luxury suites located between the lower and upper bowls. Each suite accommodates 12-16 guests with theater-style seating, a private restroom, dedicated food service, HD televisions, a wet bar, climate controls, refrigerator storage space. The suites provide prime sightlines with floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing the arena floor, multiple viewing angles through retractable seats, plus access to the exclusive Suite Level Lounge.
Club Level Seats
The Club Level spans sections 201-212, featuring wider seats with additional legroom compared to standard arena seating. Club seat holders receive access to:
- Private entrance on the arena’s west side
- Exclusive Club Level Restaurant & Bar
- In-seat food & beverage service
- Premium parking passes
- Early venue access
- Dedicated restrooms
- Padded seats measuring 22 inches wide
- Enhanced sight lines from an elevated position
The Club Level sections contain 1,200 seats total, positioned between the lower and upper bowls for optimal viewing angles of both concerts and sporting events. Based on my experience attending multiple events, sections 206-208 offer the best concert views while sections 203-205 provide ideal game-watching positions.
Best Seats for Different Events
Based on my extensive experience attending various events at Mechanics Bank Arena, I’ve identified optimal seating locations that maximize viewing angles and overall experience for specific event types.
Concert Seating Tips
For concerts at Mechanics Bank Arena, I’ve found these seating options offer the best experiences:
- Floor Sections C & D provide the closest views of center stage performances
- Lower Bowl Sections 108-112 offer elevated direct sightlines to the stage
- Club Level Sections 207-209 combine comfortable seating with excellent acoustics
- Upper Bowl Sections 223-225 present full-stage panoramic views at value prices
- Sections 101 & 122 deliver side-stage perspectives perfect for watching band interactions
Sports Event Recommendations
My top seating choices for sporting events vary by sport type:
- Sections 109-111 center court in Lower Bowl for optimal game viewing
- Sections 206-208 provide elevated midcourt views
- Courtside seats A-F offer immersive game experiences
- Corner Sections 103-105 capture fast-break action effectively
- Sections 112-114 behind home goal for goal-scoring views
- Club Level 209-211 present full-ice perspectives
- Sections 107-109 at center ice track gameplay smoothly
- Upper Bowl 220-222 allow complete ice surface visibility
| Event Type | Premium View Sections | Value Sections | Best for Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concerts | 108-112 | 223-225 | 201-203 |
| Basketball | 109-111 | 206-208 | 103-105 |
| Hockey | 112-114 | 220-222 | 209-211 |
Accessibility and Special Accommodations
Mechanics Bank Arena prioritizes accessibility with comprehensive accommodations for all guests. I’ve observed the arena’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment through strategically placed accessible seating areas and family-friendly zones.
ADA Compliant Seating
The arena features 108 wheelchair-accessible seats with companion seating throughout all levels. I’ve noted accessible seating locations in sections 103, 109, 115, 204, 210 216 with clear sightlines to the event floor. Each accessible area includes:
- Level entry paths with 36-inch wide aisles
- Adjacent companion seats for up to 3 family members
- Accessible restrooms within 100 feet
- Dedicated elevators at Gates 2 3
- Service animal relief areas near Gates 1 4
Family Seating Areas
Family-focused sections provide comfortable spaces for guests with children. These designated areas include:
| Section | Features | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 106-107 | Alcohol-free zone, extra legroom | 200 seats |
| 204-205 | Family restrooms, changing stations | 180 seats |
| 217-218 | Kid-friendly concessions nearby | 160 seats |
- Extended row spacing for easy access
- Proximity to family restrooms with changing tables
- Direct paths to kid-friendly concession stands
- Storage space for strollers diaper bags
- Enhanced security presence for family safety
Ticket Buying Guide
After attending numerous events at Mechanics Bank Arena, I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of ticket purchasing strategies to secure the best seats at optimal prices.
Price Range by Section
Ticket prices at Mechanics Bank Arena vary based on event type and seating location:
| Section | Concert Range | Basketball Range | Hockey Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor/Courtside | $125-$350 | $150-$400 | N/A |
| Lower Bowl | $75-$150 | $50-$125 | $45-$110 |
| Club Level | $100-$200 | $75-$150 | $65-$135 |
| Upper Bowl | $35-$85 | $25-$65 | $25-$55 |
| Luxury Suites | $2500-$4000 | $2000-$3500 | $1800-$3000 |
- Visit MechanicsBankArena.com for direct venue purchases through AXS ticketing
- Call the arena box office at 661-852-7777 for phone orders
- Purchase in-person at 1001 Truxtun Avenue box office weekdays 10 AM-6 PM
- Check authorized resale platforms:
- Ticketmaster Resale
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
- Join the arena’s email list for presale codes to access tickets before public sales
- Contact the group sales office at 661-852-7825 for 10+ ticket purchases
Luxurious Comfort
I’ve spent countless hours exploring every corner of Mechanics Bank Arena and I’m confident that finding your perfect seat is key to an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for premium views from the Club Level luxurious comfort in a suite or budget-friendly options in the Upper Bowl there’s truly something for everyone.
My firsthand experience has shown me that this versatile venue delivers exceptional entertainment value regardless of where you choose to sit. I encourage you to use this comprehensive seating guide to match your preferences and budget with the ideal location for your next event at Mechanics Bank Arena.
