have a ringside view
1. Literally, to have a front-row seat next to a boxing ring (thought to be the best place to watch the match). Wow, you have a ringside view to that fight? They must have cost thousands!
2. By extension, to be in close proximity to a certain situation or event. I unexpectedly had a ringside view when a fight broke out at the bar. Living near this forest my whole life, I've had a ringside view to witness the change in the population of birds.
have a ringside ˈseat/ˈview
(informal) be in a very good position to see something happen: My flat overlooks the central square, so I had a ringside view of the demonstration.At a boxing match or a circus, a ringside seat is one which is closest to the ring.