Before Stones’ Stop, Wiltern Will Lose Floor-Level Seats

It’ll literally be standing room only when the Stones roll into the Wiltern Theatre this fall--at least downstairs.

When the Rolling Stones’ tour, which opens Sept. 5 in Boston, reaches the Wiltern on Nov. 4, all floor-level seats will have been removed as part of a $2-million renovation by Clear Channel Entertainment, which operates the 71-year-old Art Deco landmark.

For the Stones show, that will mean general admission on the floor, with neither tables nor chairs in front of the stage, according to a band spokeswoman. The balcony will still be set up for reserved seating.

Ticket-holders’ order confirmation forms indicate whether they have received general admission tickets or seats in one of the reserved seating sections.

Clear Channel announced last summer its intention to revamp the Wiltern’s interior to allow for dinner seating at certain events. Officials at the entertainment giant said the Wiltern’s primary role would remain that of a pop concert facility, with gospel musicals, comedy shows, dance and other events sprinkled into the mix. The plan also calls for a 1,200-square-foot dance floor to be installed in front of the stage and for alcoholic beverages to be served inside the hall as well as in lobby bars, additions Clear Channel officials expect will expand the Wiltern’s potential audience.

The change would increase the Wiltern’s capacity from its current maximum of 2,200 to a figure that Clear Channel officials haven’t specified. The Wiltern is the smallest venue so far announced for the Stones tour, which mixes stadiums, arenas and smaller theaters in various cities. The other Southland stops are Oct. 31 at Staples Center and Nov. 2 at Edison International Field in Anaheim. Tickets are still available only for the Edison Field show, according to the official tour Web site, www.rollingstones.com.