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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Guest Services

Restrooms and water fountains are available on each level of the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby, in the outer corridors on the east and west sides, and off the Bill Gates Sr. Recital Hall Lobby outside the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall.

The use of cameras or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited.

Please take the time to turn off your cellular phones and alarms prior to the performance.

During events, a complimentary coat check is available in the Samuel and Althea Grand Lobby and Bill Gates Sr. Recital Hall lobby along Third Avenue. We are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items left at coat check.

Please leave the phone number and your exact seat location (aisle, section, row and seat number) with your care provider so we may easily locate you in the event of an emergency: S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium 206.215.4825; Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall 206.215.4776

Those who arrive after the concert begins are seated during appropriate pauses in the music. A video monitor in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby allows latecomers to hear and see the action on stage while waiting for late seating opportunities.

Patrons should check with the Head Usher immediately following the performance, or call Benaroya Hall Security at 206.215.4715. We are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Benaroya Hall has professional security personnel onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Hall has a sophisticated fire/life-safety monitoring and alarm system, and Seattle Fire Department personnel can be at the building within three minutes of being summoned.

For both safety and to ensure the comfort of our patrons, large bags, knapsacks and similar items are not allowed in the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium or Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center. During events, a complimentary coat check is available in the Samuel and Althea Grand Lobby and Bill Gates Sr. Recital Hall lobby along Third Avenue for these items. Metal detectors may be present.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Security Office at 206.215.4715.

Benaroya Hall is barrier-free and meets or exceeds all criteria established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Requests for accommodations should be made when purchasing tickets. For detailed information on accessibility features and services, please refer to our accessibility section.

Benaroya Hall is a smoke-free building. Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of any building entrance.

Children 5 years of age or older are welcome at all performances. Children of all ages are welcome at Tiny Tots and Family Concerts.

Phone

206.215.4747

Ticket Office phone hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 1–6pm.

Email

tickets@seattlesymphony.org

Please note that replies to email inquiries may not be immediate. You can expect a reply within 24–48 hours. If you require immediate assistance, please call or visit us in person.

Leslie & Dale Chihuly Welcome Hub

Need assistance with your tickets? Visit us before your performance.

  • Seattle Symphony performances: 2 hours prior to the performance.

  • Tiny Tots performances: 30 minutes prior to performance.

  • Family Concerts performances: 1 hour prior to the performance.

  • All other Benaroya Hall performance: 60 to 90 minutes before the performance begins. Call for accurate information for specific performances. The Ticket Office does not remain open during intermission.


Attending a Performance

When should I arrive?

In general, plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert. If you're picking up tickets at Will Call, arrive at least 30 minutes early.

What if I arrive late?

Those who arrive after the concert begins are seated during appropriate pauses in the music. A video monitor in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby allows latecomers to hear and see the action on stage while waiting for late seating opportunities.

May I bring my children?

Children 5 years of age and older are welcome at all performances. Children of all ages are welcome at Tiny Tots and Family Concerts. All children must have a ticket.

May I bring my large bag or backpack?

Large bags, backpacks and knapsacks are not allowed in the auditorium. These items may be left at the complimentary coat check.

May I take pictures or record the concert?

All photography, video and audio recording is strictly prohibited at Symphony and most Benaroya Hall performances unless explicitly stated otherwise.

When do I applaud?

Many musical and spoken word works have multiple movements or sections or pauses. During short pauses, it is customary to refrain from applauding. If unsure, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to begin clapping.

Can I buy food or drinks at the performance?

From Jane’s Overlook Lounge and the lobby bars and concessions to casual dining at Marianna’s Café to an elevated dining experience at Muse, there are a variety of dining options at Benaroya Hall.


Renting the Venue

Can I book a private event at Benaroya Hall?

Yes! We host public as well as private events of all sizes.

What types of events have been held at Benaroya Hall?

Benaroya Hall has opened our doors to a wide variety of events, including:

  • Conferences and conventions

  • Gaming championships and tournaments

  • Lectures, workshops and book signings

  • Comedy shows and film screenings

  • Dance recitals and theatre performances

  • Board meetings and team building activities

  • Wedding ceremonies and receptions

  • Alumni events and reunions

  • Graduations, proms and student exhibitions

  • Award ceremonies 

  • & so much more!

Will my event work in your space?

Our spaces can be adapted to host events of all types. We have an experienced and dedicated venue team that is open to collaborating and hosting your unique event.

This is my first time planning an event. Do you have resources available to help guide me?

Whether you're planning your first event or your fiftieth, our team would be happy to discuss your event goals, venue needs, and planning considerations. While we do not provide full-service event planning, we can help guide you through the venue selection and event coordination process and connect you with resources to support your event.

How do I get started hosting a client event at Benaroya Hall?

Reach out to us at the button below and a team member will respond with a meeting request so that we can better understand your needs.

Can I host a conference?

Yes! Our team is ready to work with your organizers, vendors and transportation team to make sure your conference is a success.

What are the parking and transportation options for Benaroya Hall?

Benaroya Hall has 420 parking stall garage available for guest parking. Take a look at our parking page for more information. 

There are multiple transit options available to reach Benaroya Hall including by bus, car or light rail via Symphony Station. Take a look at our transit page for more information.  

Can you host a small intimate gathering?

We can! No event is too small for us. We have intimate spaces available for small gatherings in addition to our large group and performance spaces. We also provide soft and hard furnishings to fill the spaces comfortably, creating zones that flow for your attendees’ enjoyment.

What staffing is provided by Benaroya Hall?

Leave the setup to our team! We provide setup, technical crew, janitorial and front-of-house staff for your event. You are welcome to hire your own supplemental vendors for the final touches such as florists, photographer and more if desired.

Do you provide audio, video or equipment rentals?

Yes! As the home of the Seattle Symphony, we have a powerhouse of equipment offerings to rent! Any equipment that we do not have can be easily sourced. Feel free to reach out and tell us what you have in mind to get a quote.

I'm ready to rent the venue!

Tell us about your event and ask us any questions you may have at the button below.