Auditorium balcony, e.g.

TIER

Think of a stepped level in a stadium or theater that helps separate rows of seats by height. The word can also describe a rank or category in a system.

This clue is a straightforward example of a definition-style hint. "Auditorium balcony" is a specific instance of a "tier," which refers to a row or level of seating, especially one that's elevated. The "e.g." signals that "balcony" is just one of many possible examples—other tiers could include stadium sections or layered garden beds. No wordplay here, just a direct connection between the clue and the answer.