San Diego Civic Theatre

About the San Diego Civic Theatre

The San Diego Civic Theatre offers plush seating for 2,967 patrons. Seats are numbered from the center of the theatre, beginning with numbers one and two, progressively going higher toward the outer edges. Even numbers are on House Right and odd numbers are on House Left. Rows are labeled alphabetically in ascending order from the stage beginning with Row A. Please note that during certain productions when the orchestra pit/extended orchestra pit are not required and removable seating is in place, the first three rows are AA, BB, and CC followed by Row A.

San Diego Theatres, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, operates both the Historic Balboa Theatre and the Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. The San Diego Civic Theatre has been the region’s largest and greatest attended performing arts venue for nearly 60 years, and the 100-year-old Balboa Theatre hosts concerts, comedians, and more in the heart of the Gaslamp district. In addition to serving as the Home of Broadway in San Diego, the theatres also serve over 500,000 patrons each year through arts and entertainment presentations, many of which are produced by resident nonprofit arts partners, including: San Diego Opera, San Diego Symphony, La Jolla Music Society, Golden State Ballet, Classics 4 Kids, and more. San Diego Theatres’ mission is to deliver exceptional performing arts and educational experiences, foster collaboration, and partnerships, and create an accessible place for all people to enjoy the arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Civic Theatre

Can I buy parking online?

Broadway San Diego season ticket holders can buy advance parking at the Wells Fargo Plaza Building for more information click HERE.

Parking passes are not available for advance purchase for weekday matinee performances.

Do you have any special considerations for deaf patrons?

Most shows include an ASL interpreted performance on Saturday Matinees and Open Captioned performances on Sunday Matinees. More information and schedule can be found here: ADA Show Schedule – Broadway San Diego.

Do you have any special considerations for hearing impaired patrons?

At the Civic Theatre, a limited number of Sennheiser infra-red audio assistance system headsets are available to amplify the sound for those in need. These sets may be picked up, free of charge, from the coat check room of the theatre’s first floor lobby.

Does the theatre have wheelchair access?

Yes. The Civic Theatre offers companion seating and seating for patrons with wheelchairs. Please contact the Civic Theatre Ticket Office at ticketing@sandiegotheatres.org for prices and availability.

How far in advance should I arrive?

We recommend that you plan to arrive at least ONE HOUR prior to your performance. This will allow sufficient time for unexpected traffic, especially during concurrent events downtown, secure parking, and security screening.

What if someone needs to reach me during the show?

Guests cannot be paged. While cell phones must be silenced during performances, it is still possible for people to leave messages to your phone. Alternatively, you may leave your exact seat location (including section, row and seat number – all listed on your ticket) with someone you believe may need to contact you. Then, that person may call our House Manager at (619) 615-4125, to leave their message and your seat location. At an appropriate break (typically, intermission or at the conclusion of the performance), an usher will attempt to deliver your message to you. However, without the specific seat locations, no one will be able to provide this assistance.

What should I wear?

Theatre is fun – and historically had been a great time to dress up, however, in a true San Diego fashion we encourage our patrons relax and enjoy the show in comfort. While some patrons dress in a tux or sparkling gown on occasion, and others may wear a business suit/sport jacket or nice pants outfit/dress, there are many patrons who choose to wear a clean pair of jeans or nice shorts and a polo style shirt. Absolutely any of these wardrobe choices are perfect!

When do they start seating?

Seating usually starts approximately 30-minutes prior to the start of a show. For some performances, seating may begin even earlier, but 30-minutes prior is a safe estimate.

Where is WILL CALL?

WILL CALL is located across the plaza at the ticket office windows. Tickets can be picked up beginning 2.5 hours prior to your performance time.

For additional venue information, click here: https://sandiegotheatres.org/plan-your-visit

Will the theatre provide booster seats, binoculars or hearing amplifiers?

Booster seats are available on a first come, first serve. Binoculars are available for rent. Rental costs vary. Hearing amplification devices are available for use, free of charge. For more information, please visit the Civic Theatre’s website at https://sandiegotheatres.org/.

Will there be late seating?

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. Parking for Civic Theatre events generally requires arriving at least 60 minutes prior to curtain to avoid traffic delays in and around the busy Gaslamp District.