Side Seats vs. Center Seats: A Guide to Kooza by Cirque du Soleil

Kooza is an exciting live entertainment show from the brilliant creative minds of the Cirque Du Soleil entertainment group. It’s a tale of human connection that explores themes of fear, power, and identity through the self-discovery adventures of The Innocent. 

This incredible show premiered in 2007 and takes place in a traveling Big Top tent where every seat is the “best seat in the house.” It combines stunning acrobatics with hilarious clowning in a colorful, world-class performance that will delight people of all ages. 

The SeatSecrets team recently visited Kooza in Seattle and tried out different seating locations under the Big Top. We were excited to see if the high-energy acrobatics and clowning of Kooza would be as exciting and imaginative as the aquatic world of acrobatics displayed in “O” by Cirque du Soleil.

Our comprehensive guide compares center seats vs. side seats at Kooza, and our personal experience at the show will help you choose the best seating location. We’ll also outline the VIP and Premium ticket options to help you plan the perfect Big Top experience.

About Kooza by Cirque du Soleil

Kooza takes you back to the pure form of Cirque du Soleil on a journey of hope. The show’s international cast pays tribute to traditional circus acts with an electrifying fusion of acrobatics and the art of clowning. 

This whimsical show takes its name from the Sanskrit word Koza, meaning box or treasure, which describes the show’s main concept of a circus in a box.

The show’s central character is a naive and endearing clown called The Innocent, who receives a mystical big red box. He opens the box and is magically transported to an electrifying world filled with whimsical characters like the King, the Clowns, and the Mad Dog.

He travels under the watchful eye of an enigmatic Trickster with unique powers.

The Trickster follows along on The Innocent’s journey, fulfilling a crucial role as the audience’s guide through this exotic visual world.

A stunning show of acrobatics

Kooza is a breathtaking experience featuring high-energy acrobatics, aerial feats by trapezists, skillful contortionist performances, and more.

Each acrobatic performance dials up the intensity to a new level, from traditional circus arts like Diablo juggling to unicyclists, high-wire performers, and the nail-biting Wheel of Death.

The slapstick of a traditional circus is provided by a panoply of comic characters, offering a comedic break between the intense acrobatic acts. The audience also gets involved with the show as the performers move along the aisles and interact with the spectators. 

Kooza is a non-stop riot of energy that delivers a captivating display of aerial acrobatics and bold slapstick comedy. This unforgettable experience takes you into the Innocent’s world, and the showstopping finale will bring you to your feet.

This Cirque du Soleil show is a thrilling, emotional ride suitable for the whole family. However, the frequent loud noises and moments with no lighting might be too intense for some young children.

Side Seats vs. Center Seats at Kooza

Unlike a regular theater, the seating chart for Kooza has standard and premium seating almost around the full circle of the tent, with the stage in the middle. 

The rows of seats in the Big Top are gently banked to give seats at the back of the tent a slightly elevated position. This ensures most seating locations have a clear view of the stage.

For our Kooza experience, the SeatSecrets team booked tickets in two locations: center seats close to the stage and side seats towards the back of the tent.

The photo on the left was taken from center seats and the photo on the right was taken from seats at the side of the stage.

Center Seats

Center seats for Kooza offer a prime view from directly in front of the stage. Selected seats in sections 101, 102, and 200 are reserved for premium and VIP seating, which is also available in the front row of sections 201- 202 and side sections 103-104. 

We booked center seats at the front of section 101, which is ideal if your top priority is a close view of the stage. From here, you’ll see the stunning set design and nail-biting acrobatics clearly.

Our seats were in Row A, which is actually the third row of seats. Sitting here offers a more comfortable view than front-row seats, which are so close to the stage that you have to look up at the performers. 

Even though people were sitting in front of us, our third-row seats gave us a clear and up-close view of the skillful acrobats without needing to crane our necks upwards uncomfortably. 

However, sitting this close to the stage means you’ll have to turn around to watch the floor-level action and could miss some of it. This won’t be so much of a problem if you choose seats further back at center stage.

Side Seats

We also booked side seats in section 206, which offers some of the cheapest Kooza tickets. As you can see, our seats had clear sightlines to the stage, and the banking meant that our views weren’t blocked by the people in front of us. 

This is an excellent location if your top priority is watching Kooza in comfort. From this position, you can see everything happening on the stage without turning your head left and right or looking up at the aerial acts.

High-numbered seats in sections 103 and 104 have a partly-limited view of the stage. However, the performers often repeat tricks in different parts of the stage to ensure everyone has a good experience no matter where they’re sitting. 

Our seats were close to the aisle, so we also had a great view of the floor-level action when the artists interacted with the audience. We were pretty close to one of the lighting pillars, but it didn’t obstruct our stage views. 

However, this location limited our view of the musicians at the back of the stage. It wasn’t a problem for us, as we were more interested in watching the acrobats and clowns, but it’s something to consider when choosing your seats.

Which is Better? Side Seats vs. Center Seats at Kooza

The photos on the left were taken from seats at center stage and the photos on the right were taken from side seats.

Seats at the center of the Big Top give the clearest sightlines of the stage from head-on. These seats carry a premium price tag, but they ensure you get the best view of Kooza.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for affordable Kooza tickets, side seats will provide a great view of the stage that fits your budget.

Standard Seating at Kooza

Standard seating is available in sections 103-104 and 201-206. Selected seats in the front rows of sections 103-104 and 201-204 are premium seats. 

Ticket holders with standard seats enter through the tent’s main entrance, where you’ll find merchandise stands and concessions. If you want to use the restrooms or grab a snack during the intermission, it’s best to go right at the start of the break to avoid a long wait in line.

Prices for standard tickets to Kooza vary depending on your chosen show time and seating location. Midweek tickets are cheaper than tickets for the show’s performances at weekends, and you’ll pay a higher ticket price for seats nearer the stage. Seats with restricted views are the cheapest Kooza tickets.

You can expect to pay prices starting at $55 for seats at the back of sections 202 and 206 or $44 if you choose seats with restricted views.

Standard seats at the back of section 200 start at $144, and you may find standard seats in sections 101-102 starting at $159.

VIP and Premium Seating at Kooza

Premium seating is available in selected seats in the following locations:

• Sections 101, 102, and 200
• The front row of sections 103-104 and 203-204
• The front 2 rows of sections 201- 202

These locations provide prime seat views and premium amenities for the best Kooza experience possible.

VIP Experience

An exclusive Kooza by Cirque du Soleil VIP package will give you an unforgettable show experience with a range of perks:

• Complimentary VIP Parking close to the Big Top
• VIP Entrance
• Premium seats
• Access to the VIP suite for 1 hour before the show
• Complimentary buffet and full bar
• Drinks and complimentary desserts at the intermission
• Cast Meet-and-Greet sessions (selected performances)
• Private merchandise stand
• Private restrooms

The Behind the Scenes Experience

Behind the Scenes is a premium backstage experience that immerses you in the exotic yet zany kingdom of Kooza.

In addition to the perks listed above, small groups of up to 28 guests receive exclusive backstage access before and after the show. This lets you see areas not usually open to the general public. 

You’ll enjoy access to the VIP suite for refreshments pre-show and during the intermission. After you’ve watched the show from your premium seats, you can also have your photo taken with some of Kooza’s world-class acrobats after the show.

The cost of VIP tickets to Kooza varies depending on the show time, seating location, and the ticket package purchased. Premium Kooza tickets are likely to cost between $286 and $532. They are also available on secondary market websites such as StubHub.

Accessible Seating at Kooza

ADA-accessible seating and wheelchair spaces are available inside the Kooza Big Top. The whole circus ground and all on-site amenities are accessible to ticket holders with reduced mobility. 

The Big Top has accessible entrance ramps for easy entrance and exit, and restrooms are equipped with grab bars.  

Accessible parking is also available within the VIP parking area.

Limited View Seating at Kooza

Although most seats at Kooza have great views, a few seat views are obstructed by the pillars Although most seats at Kooza have great views, a few seat views are obstructed by the pillars supporting the lighting.

High-numbered aisle seats in the following locations may have obstructed views: 

• Row E and higher in sections 101, 102, 103, and 104
• All rows in sections 201, 202, 205, and 206

High-numbered seats in sections 103 and 104 also have viewing angles that limit their view of the stage.

These seat locations offer the cheapest tickets for Kooza by Cirque du Soleil. However, avoid seats in these locations if you want to ensure great seat views.

A VIP Experience at Kooza by Cirque du Soleil

The center-stage location we chose for our Kooza visit in January 2025 included the VIP experience with premium seats and a range of upscale perks.

Arriving at the Big Top

The VIP parking area is right in front of the tent, and the parking fee is included in the cost of premium Kooza tickets. 

We went to watch Kooza on a cold, rainy day, so we were glad there was only a short walk from the VIP parking area to the Big Top. Premium ticket holders can also use the VIP security line for quick entry to the Big Top.

Facilities at The Big Top

Kooza takes place in a large tent, and the show’s facilities are all in temporary buildings. 

Once you’ve been through security, your tickets are scanned at the VIP entrance hall, which is in a high-quality mobile trailer. There were some patio heaters on the VIP terrace outside, but nobody was spending any time outside on the cold day of our visit.

All of the restrooms at the Big Top are portable toilets, and Premium tickets provide access to facilities reserved for VIP guests.

Before the Show

Once we’d got our VIP lanyards, we headed into the VIP suite, where a complimentary buffet was laid out.

A small selection of Kooza merchandise was also available, avoiding the need to stand in line to buy souvenirs at the main merchandise area. 

The VIP lounge had bar-top tables with high stools and lower tables with seats arranged around them.

However, there wasn’t enough seating for all the VIP ticket holders, so we had to juggle our drinks and plates while trying to find a spot to put them down.  

The buffet was pretty substantial and included items like charcuterie, blackened shrimp with a dipping sauce, smoked salmon, cheeses, crackers, and French bread.

The selection of food was very good but nothing had any allergen labels, which was a problem for the gluten-free member of our party. This is one area where the organizers could certainly have done better.

A range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks was available from the VIP bar, including wines, mixed drinks, juices, and bottled water.

The drinks were served in plastic to-go cups so you could take your drink with you into the Big Top.

There was also a separate bar where you could make tea or coffee, and we were offered bags of popcorn to take to our VIP seats.

The View from VIP Seats at Kooza

You can enter the Big Top 30 minutes before the performance starts. Getting to your seats in good time lets you enjoy a pre-show performance featuring some of the show’s characters. 

Ushers with flashlights will guide you to your seats. The padded seats were comfortable to sit on, but they looked a little worn.

The Big Top is very warm inside, so if you watch Kooza in the winter, it’s a good idea to wear layers you can remove to avoid getting too hot.

Bear in mind that the show might vary slightly between performances. For example, the Wheel of Death act wasn’t included in one of the performances we watched.

Intermission Refreshments

During the 25-minute intermission, we returned to the VIP suite, where the bar was open for drinks, and a selection of salads and desserts was available. Some Kooza costumes were also set up on mannequins in the suite, and it was pretty exciting to see them up close.

The desserts included mini-cupcakes and slices of cake, but nothing had any allergen labels. This meant that fruit was the only safe option for the gluten-free member of our party. There were also some macarons that might have been gluten-free, but trying one wasn’t worth the risk. 

The intermission was just long enough to get a quick drink and grab a bite to eat, and then we returned to our seats for the second half of the show. 

On our way back, all the adults received a canvas Cirque du Soleil bag containing a notebook and a commemorative program, which makes a lovely souvenir of the show. The kids in our party were given a yoyo instead of a gift bag, which they really liked. 

At the end of the show, premium ticket holders exit the Big Top through the same doors as standard ticket holders. Luckily, you’ll soon be back in your car, thanks to the VIP parking being so close to the tent. 

Is the VIP Experience at Kooza Worth It?

Kooza takes you back to the origins of Cirque du Soleil. If you’re watching the show as a family, kids will love the traditional circus arts like Diablo juggling and slapstick comedy as much as the nerve-jangling Wheel of Death act.  

Most of our Kooza VIP experience was excellent. Our VIP seat views were fantastic, and we wouldn’t have wanted to sit any further forward than our seats in the third row. 

However, the VIP suite needed more seating, and we were concerned by the buffet’s lack of allergen labeling.

Our VIP Experience tickets at center stage each cost around $341 plus fees, compared to $79 plus fees for each of our standard seats at the side of the stage. We felt that the price of the VIP experience represented fantastic value, considering the range of added perks and the prime seat views.

Which Seats at Kooza Offer The Best Value?

Ticket prices for Kooza vary depending on the day and time of your show, your choice of section, and how far from the stage you want to sit. 

Side seats at the back of sections 205 and 206 at the sides of the stage start at $55. The Big Top is a small venue, so you’ll still have a good view of the acts from here.

However, avoid the high-numbered seats in these sections, as your view may be obstructed by the pillars.

Which are the Best Seats at Kooza For A Great View?

Even the back rows at the Big Top are only around 100 meters from the stage, and the artists repeat their acts in different locations around the stage. This means practically all seat locations offer a great view and an exciting experience, but you’ll get the best view from center stage.

Choose center seats near the stage for the closest view of the acts, but avoid seats at the very front if you don’t want to spend your evening looking up at the stage.

Sitting further back at the center of the tent will give you a great view of the whole stage without needing to turn your head left and right.

Which are the Best Seats at Kooza by Cirque du Soleil?

Kooza is another amazing Cirque du Soleil experience with a dynamic theatrical landscape and exceptional execution of breathtaking acrobatics. The cast’s remarkable showmanship, stunning costumes, great music, and colossal stage combine to create a truly breathtaking immersive experience. 

Choosing center seats will give you the very best view of Kooza. However, Kooza’s clever set design and circus tent layout ensure almost every seat has a clear view of the stage.

Although tickets for the Kooza VIP experience are expensive, the prime seat views and upscale perks make them good value. You’ll get the best possible view of the show and enjoy VIP benefits like convenient parking and complimentary refreshments.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to VIP Kooza tickets, the great news is that almost every seat in the Big Top provides an excellent view of the stage. In fact, you might prefer to sit further back for an easier view of the floor-level entertainment. 

Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a fantastic time at Kooza by Cirque du Soleil. 

Are you ready to book your Kooza tickets now?