We had 2nd row seats. It was awesome! I think the ponchos were more for effect than any necessary protection. It wasn't messy, although I could see how it COULD get messy if things got out of hand.
On a side note, My DS8 was chosen from the audience to participate on stage for one of thier demos...the drumstick/earlobe thing. It was hilarious!!!! Oh how I wish we had been allowed a camera!!
The show was phenomenal. Worth every penny of the hundreds of dollars we spent!!!