The Academy only has one standing bit, with a standing ticket you'll get right down to the stage, not really sure why they list some as upper standing. They just scan your ticket and you get through to the bar bit, there is a bit there for standing but no one stops you going right down to the stage. The only time you would get directed up stairs is if you have a seating or balcony ticket.
As for gigs coming up for me -
Got New Found Glory next month, then The Wonder Years at King Tuts, really excited for both of them.
36 Crazyfists in Dundee in October, seen them a couple of times before, always put on a good show.
A Day to Remember have just let slip they have a UK tour in November away to be announced as well so will be getting tickets for that as well as soon as they are out.