Feature:

The Best Seats in the House

Want to see 10 of the world’s most exciting events from seats that most people don’t even know exist? Here’s how.

01 THE FIFTH MAN SEAT AT THE FINALE OF THE EXTREME SAILING SERIES Almería, Spain

This year’s Extreme Sailing Series European tour, where eight 40’ catamarans race just meters off the shoreline, has already kicked off—which means that now is the time to plan for next year’s race. The Extreme 40vessels are nearly twice the size of Olympic catamarans, and with a top speed of 40 knots, they’re faster too.

Cost: Starting at $4,440 for up to eight people

Contact: Louise Close, louise@ocevents.org, 44.77.9522.0063, extremesailingserieseurope.com

Join the Race

The 40s are raced by four-man crews, but every boat has a fifth seat reserved for VIPs and journalists. As the fifth man, you’ll serve as ballast when the boat heels in high winds. No experience is required, but if you’re prone to seasickness, this is not the adventure for you.

Insider info

Last year’s finale, in Almería, Spain, attracted some 85,000 spectators; this year’s finale, also in Almería Oct.9 to 12, will likely draw even more. Visit the VIP lounge on shore for a respite before and after the race.

02 THE ROYAL BOX AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE London

For centuries English monarchs and their kin have patronized the Royal Box at this iconic London theater; Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were on hand for last spring’s premiere of Aida. But the box, which peers down upon the stage, is open to all. It seats six and connects to the elegant Retiring Room, where patrons can host dinner for 10 with butler service. It also (important for royalty) has a private bathroom.

Cost: $7,700 per event

Contact: Katherine Cox, katherine.cox@roh.org.uk, 44.20.7212.9264, roh.org.uk

Meet the performers

Royal Box patrons can dine with the cast of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the first full-length ballet at the theater in 15years, following opening night on February 28, 2011.

Insider info

These galas happen just twice a year and sell out very fast.

03 LEGENDS SUITE AT FENWAY PARK Boston

Arrive early to tour the field and watch batting practice from the Green Monster seats, an excellent place to catch a BP home run. The suite itself, above home plate along the first-base side, may have the best view in Fenway. Just next to it, with perhaps a slightly less good view, is the owners’ box.

Cost: $15,000 to $20,000 for up to 20 people (price varies per game)

Contact: Will Droste, wdroste@redsox.com, 617.226.6483, redsox.com

Hang out with a legend

Legends Suite patrons get to watch most of the game with a Red Sox Hall of Famer such as Carlton Fisk or Fred Lynn.

Insider info

For big games (think Yankees), the Legends Suite sells out within weeks after it becomes available in December.

04 SKYVIEW SUITE AT WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS AT CENTRE COURT London

Escape the crowds at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships in a Skyview Suite with a stunning view of the London skyline. Enjoy afternoon tea, Champagne and a four-course meal on the balcony, while following the day’s matches via flat-screen TV. When you’re ready, ushers will escort you to seats behind the umpire.

Cost: Semi-Finals/ Finals matches,

$3,000 to $5,760 per person

Contact: Keith Prowse Hospitality, enquiries@ keithprowse.co.uk, 44.84.5125.4800, wimbledon.org

Mingle with the athletes

To meet the competitors, inquire about the annual pre-Wimbledon party, held at the Kensington Roof Gardens for the past four years.

Insider info

The pre-Wimbledon party, run by the Women’s Tennis Association Tour, is an invitation-only event. Becoming a sponsor will get you spots on the guest list. Contact Andrew Walker, senior VP of marketing, for details at awalker@wtatour.com or 4.20.7386.4120.

05 VIP LEVEL AT IL BALLO DEL DOGE AT PALAZZO PISANI MORETTA Venice, Italy

Venetian-born designer Antonia Sautter, founder of the Ballo del Doge, fashions her masquerade in the style of 15th century Venice. Now gearing up for its 18th edition next March 11, the Doge’s Ball, named after Venice’s erstwhile political leaders, is hailed as the best of Venice’s annual Carnival because of its extravagance. In-the-know celebrants request an invite to the uppermost of three floors for access to a memorable feast and costumed performances by musicians and other artists. Costumes are a must, and Sautter’s Atelier Venetia offers more than 1,000 elaborate designs ranging from medieval to 1920s styles.

Cost: $2,017 per person

Contact: Antonia Sautter, info@ballodeldoge.com, 39.04.1522.4426, ilballodeldoge.com

Meet celebrities

You never know who’ll be there—that’s part of the fun—but previous revelers have included everyone from Prince Henrik of Denmark to Peter Gabriel and Vivienne Westwood.

Insider info

Sautter gets requests for invites for the following year starting the week after the ball.

06 JOCKEY SUITE AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY 2011 AT CHURCHILL DOWNS Louisville, Ky

Since hundreds of thousands of spectators descend on Churchill Downs for the famed horse race, you’ll appreciate some private space. Lease of a Jockey Suite includes 24 tickets, catering and open bar for the Kentucky Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the night before the derby.

Cost: $98,000 per suite

Contact: Robin Sewell, rsewell@kyderby.com, 502.638.3859, kentuckyderby.com

Meet the Owners

Talk thoroughbreds with the owners of Derby entries, many of whom attend the Derby Eve Gala the night before the race. Tickets run about $300 per person and benefit the American Lung Association. derbyevegala.org

Insider info

Director of Suites Robin Sewell was booking suites for the 2011 Derby before the 2010 event took place.

07 TRACKSIDE YACHT AT MONACO GRAND PRIX 2011 Monte Carlo

Because of elevation changes, narrow streets and tight corners, the Monaco race (May 18 and 19) is considered the most demanding test in Formula One. With a view unobstructed by the crowds and fences along the public grandstand, watch the cars zip by from the comfort of a private yacht.

Cost: Starting at $3,200 per person with hotel

Contact: EdMurdoch, ed@fugare1.com, 44.77.0348.1262, fugare1.com

Meet an F1 driver

Race hospitality company Fugare1 can arrange for a driver to visit your yacht or other location. The cost is included in top-priced offerings; arranged alone or in conjunction with lower priced à la carte arrangements it ranges from $6,000 to $37,000.

08 THE PRESIDENT’S CLUB AT THE RYDER CUP Newport, Wales

Observe the precision required to shoot below par at the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. The President’s Club clubhouse overlooks the 16th hole, a challenging par four with deep bunkers on each side that threaten to sweep errant balls down the hillside.

Cost: Up to $2.23 million for yacht charter

Contact: Niall Barrett, niall.barrett@virtuosogolf.com, 44.20.3178.8435, virtuosogolf.com

Play with a Pro

In the days after the Ryder Cup, golf marketing firm Virtuoso Golf can arrange a day with European team captain Colin Montgomerie. After breakfast and a brief clinic to practice your swing, play 18 holes with a Ryder Cup great.

Insider info

Ask about mooring a yacht in Cardiff Bay, 18 miles from Celtic Manor. Cardiff is the capital of Wales and a growing cultural center.

09 SUITE AT SUPER BOWL XLV AT COWBOYS STADIUM Dallas, Texas

All suites at Cowboys Stadium feature windows with unmarred sightlines that can be opened, and with suite locations in eight different areas and five separate levels of the stadium, there are plenty of viewing options. Pick the upper suite levels on the 50-yard line for the best view of the game.

Cost: $75,000 to $150,000, suites hold about 30

Contact: JohnWallace, PrimeSport, john.wallace@primesport.com, 800.591.9198, primesport.com

Meet the legends

Corporate hospitality service PrimeSport can arrange for former players and coaches to visit suites during the event.

Insider info

Since the NFL takes over the stadium for the Super Bowl, you can’t go through stadium sales to get a suite. PrimeSport expects to have a handful of suites available up to four months in advance of the Feb. 6, 2011, game.

10 Sundance Film Festival “An Artist at the Table” Dinner Park City, Utah

The Artist at the Table evening is the place to mingle, dine and watch the first screening on opening night, Jan. 20, 2011. Part of the ticket price is a contribution to the Sundance Institute, which supports indie film and theater artists. This year’s dinner was the first of its kind.

Cost: 2010 ticket price was $1,250 per person (2011 price TBD)

Contact: Hathaway Jakobsen, hathaway_jakobsen@sundance.org, 310.492.2321, sundance.org

Meet artists

The event seats at least one artist or film maker involved with the Sundance Institute at every table.

Insider info

The 2010 event included host Robert Redford, film maker Morgan Spurlock and actor Joseph Gordon Levitt.