My sister told me to "sit in the front row" at school. I did, and I'd never want to sit in the back row. There is an unobstructed view in the front, plus I can hear better. I have also noticed there is a tendency for people who are 6'2" and taller and those who have BIG hair to do the same thing.
In the old days every church in Mn filled up from the back. The last seats taken were always in the front row.
Just the culture.