front row

plural front rows

1. In an auditorium or sports venue, the line of side-by-side seats closest to the stage, playing field, or other location where the activity of interest is occurring.

   The double-breasted blazer which is on every front row this season came with an elbow-length sleeve for spring, while jumpsuits, a signature of the label, came slinky and tailored or in a blowsier boiler suit silhouette.

   2017 October 2, Jess Cartner-Morle, “Stella McCartney lays waste to disposable fashion in Paris”, in the Guardian

2. UKball gamesThe row of players who participate in a scrum with direct contact with the opposing scrum.
3. figurativelyThe forefront; a situation where one is exposed to the latest developments.
4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see front, row.