Category Gold vs Category 1 at Roland Garros: Which Should You Choose?
Category Gold and Category 1 are both lower-bowl seating options on Philippe-Chatrier Court—the closest you can get to the action without hospitality access. This guide explains the practical differences between these two premium tiers so you can choose the one that fits your priorities.
Category Comparison
| Factor | Category Gold | Category 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Row Location | Rows 1–9 | Rows 10–21 |
| Court Proximity | Closest regular admission | Lower bowl, set back |
| Sightlines | Eye-level with baseline | Slightly elevated view |
| Player Visibility | See expressions, hear calls | Full court perspective |
| Atmosphere | Intense, immersive | Engaged but less intimate |
| Shade Coverage | Limited (closer to court) | More shade options |
| Demand | Very high | High |
| Best For | Once-in-a-lifetime experience | Great view with better value |
For row-by-row details and court orientation, see our Philippe-Chatrier seating guide.
Where Each Category Sits
Category Gold includes Rows 1–9, wrapping around the lower bowl of Philippe-Chatrier Court. These are the closest regular admission seats available—positioned just behind the courtside boxes reserved for players, officials, and hospitality guests.
Category 1 includes Rows 10–21, directly behind Category Gold. You're still in the lower bowl with unobstructed sightlines, but set back from the immediate court edge.
Both categories are below the upper deck and offer excellent views of the entire playing surface.
The Viewing Experience
From Category Gold, you're nearly eye-level with the players. You can see racket spin on serves, hear ball impact and player reactions, and feel the intensity of each point in a way that's impossible from further back.
From Category 1, you gain a slightly elevated perspective. Rallies are easier to follow because you can see the full geometry of the court. You trade some intimacy for a broader tactical view of the match.
Neither is objectively "better"—it depends on whether you prioritize immersion or overview.
Atmosphere Differences
Category Gold seats place you in the most engaged section of the stadium. Players occasionally acknowledge front-row reactions. You're surrounded by fans who chose proximity over everything else—the energy is concentrated.
Category 1 still delivers an engaged crowd, but with more breathing room. The atmosphere is enthusiastic without being overwhelming, which some fans prefer for longer sessions.
Practical Considerations
Shade: Category Gold rows have less natural shade, especially during afternoon sessions when the sun is high. Category 1 seats—particularly in higher rows—may benefit from more roof overhang coverage depending on time of day and seat location.
Access: Both categories enter through the same gates with identical stadium access. Neither includes hospitality or lounge privileges—that's reserved for Box Seats with Club des Loges access. For hospitality options, see our Club des Loges experience guide.
Which Category Should You Choose?
Your decision depends on what matters most:
- Want to be as close as possible → Category Gold
- Prefer full-court view for following play → Category 1
- Attending finals or semi-finals → Category Gold for the once-in-a-lifetime factor
- Attending multiple sessions → Category 1 for value balance
- Sun-sensitive or attending day sessions → Category 1 (more shade options)
- Want to hear and feel the match → Category Gold
Both categories deliver elite lower-bowl tennis at Roland Garros. The difference is proximity versus perspective—and both are excellent choices.
Browse all French Open 2026 tickets to see availability across categories and sessions.