The following information applies to both the Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre. Any specific details for the two Theatres will be noted where necessary.
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| Q: | How do I buy tickets for Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre events? |
| A: | Click here for Ticketing Information.
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| Q: | What are Facility Fees (Balboa Theatre) and Facility Restoration Fees (Civic Theatre) charged on all event tickets? |
| A: | Facility Fees are utilized to assist in funding the operation and maintenance of the historic Balboa Theatre. Civic Theatre Facility Restoration Fees are utilized to assist in funding capital repairs, replacements and improvements.
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| Q: | What should I wear to a Theatre performance? |
| A: | Going to the Theatre is often a special occasion for our guests and they frequently dress up for the event. For some, that may mean a tuxedo or sparkling gown, for others it may mean a business suit or blazer, and for some it may be a clean pair of jeans and a polo shirt. San Diego audiences do tend to be less formal than might be expected in other large cities, however we recommend dressing as if you are going out to dinner at a nice restaurant.
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| Q: | How long are performances? |
| A: | The length of any performance can vary dramatically. Typically we are aware of show timings several weeks in advance of the performance. Feel free to call Ticketing Services at (619) 570-1100 (Monday – Friday, 10a-6p), or check the individual Event Information pages on this site for details. Please note that the timing given is an estimate which has been provided to us by the performance presenter, based upon the best information available in advance.
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| Q: | How far in advance of the performance should I arrive? |
| A: | It is recommended you arrive at the Civic Theatre at least 30 minutes prior to the curtain time. Please allow sufficient time for unexpected traffic, especially during concurrent events downtown, and to secure parking. There is usually ample and convenient parking available if you arrive early. Should you arrive at the Theatre late or after curtain, you may be held in the lobby until there is a suitable seating break during the performance. However for some events, including all San Diego Opera performances, there is a NO Late Seating Policy and any late-arrivals will not be seated until the next intermission. Parking for Balboa Theatre events generally requires arriving at least 60 minutes prior to curtain to avoid traffic delays in and around the Gaslamp.
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| Q: | Do the Theatres have accommodations for patrons with physical challenges? |
| A: | Both the Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre have Accessible Seating, restrooms and parking access. Infra-red audio assistance systems are in use at both Theatres, with headsets available in Theatre lobby areas prior to performances (headsets are loaned at no charge, on a first-come, first-served basis).
ASL and Audio Described Services may be offered for select performances—contact Ticketing Services or access individual Event Information pages on this site for specific event details.
Ticketing Services TTY/TDD Service available Monday – Friday, 10a-6p (closed Holidays) at (619) 615-4177.
Click here for Audience Services Information.
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| Q: | Is there any problem buying my ticket from a secondary party, ticket broker or internet site other than San Diego Theatres or Ticketmaster? |
| A: | Tickets purchased from any individual, company or website other than the authorized sources of San Diego Theatres Ticketing, Ticketmaster or the presenting organizations (San Diego Opera, Broadway / San Diego, California Ballet, or La Jolla Music Society) are purchased at your own risk and may be fraudulent, counterfeit or invalid for admission to the performance. San Diego Theatres assumes no liability for these tickets and cannot resolve any disputes involving their use. Tickets may not be re-sold on Theatre premises, including the exterior Plaza areas around both the Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre.
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| Q: | Are ticket discounts available? |
| A: | The availability of discounts is determined by the individual event producers and presenters. For some performances, there are simply no discounts. For other engagements, there may be discounts for select performances, specific seating areas, limited time offers, password access, or for special affiliations. Occasionally, discounts may be offered as the performance date nears. In all cases, any discounts offered cannot be applied retroactively and do not apply to previously purchased tickets. Please contact Ticketing Services at (619) 570-1100 for details on specific events.
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| Q: | May I bring my camera to the Theatre? |
| A: | The taking of photographs, video, audio or recording of any type during performances is strictly prohibited. Please leave all cameras at home.
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| Q: | May I bring my child to the Theatre? |
| A: | The experience of live theatre should be an exciting experience for children and one which creates a life-long appreciation and love of the performing arts. However, it is critical to match the appropriateness of the performance with the age and maturity of your child to make it a positive experience for the child, parents and the surrounding audience members. It is important to judge your child’s maturity and their ability to enjoy the show without disruption to other patrons.
Except for family shows specifically targeted to children, it is best not to bring younger children to performances. Often, the content of the performance may be intended for more mature audiences or sound levels for a show may be too extreme for young childrens’ comfort.
Additionally, all guests must have their own ticket, including children, and all tickets must be located in the same seating area. For certain shows, there may be minimum age requirements.
At all San Diego Opera performances, children under the age of six years will not be allowed in to the Theatre.
For additional information, please contact Ticketing Services at (619) 570-1100.
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| Q: | What if our baby-sitter needs to reach us? |
| A: | Guests cannot be paged at the Theatre. While cell phones and pagers must be silenced during performances, that is the best means for someone to leave you a message. As an alternative, leave your exact seat locations (Theatre, event name, seating section, row and seat numbers) with your baby-sitter.
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| Q: | Are there restaurants near the Theatre? |
| A: | There is a wide variety of restaurants downtown and in the Gaslamp District within walking distance of both Theatres. Click here for Restaurant Information.
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| Q: | Are there hotels near the Theatres? |
| A: | There are many hotels in the downtown and Gaslamp areas within blocks of both Theatres. Click here for Hotel Information.
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