The following information applies to both the Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre. Where there are different details for the two Theatres, those are specifics are noted below.
For information regarding the Balboa Theatre's recent color change, click here.
A. San Diego Theatres is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a steward of the arts by managing and operating the Civic Theatre and the Balboa Theatres. Our mission is to deliver exceptional performing arts and educational experiences, fosters collaboration and partnerships and creates an accessible place for all to enjoy the arts.
A. The Civic Theatre is located at 1100 Third Avenue (at B Street) in downtown San Diego. View Directions and Parking Information.
A. The Balboa Theatre is located at 868 Fourth Avenue (at E Street) in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. View Directions & Parking information.
A: Our website (SanDiegoTheatres.org) and Ticketmaster.com are your only authorized sellers of tickets for events at the Balboa Theatre and San Diego Civic Theatre. Let us assist you with your ticket purchase.
A: Yes! The Ticket Offices at both Balboa Theatre and San Diego Civic Theatre are now open for in-person ticket sales 3 hours prior to evening events at the respective venue. For example, if there is an 8:00 PM performance at San Diego Civic Theatre, the Civic Theatre Ticket Office will open at 5:00 PM. We strongly recommend visiting the Ticket Office in its first 2 hours of operation, to avoid increased wait times.
The venue Ticket Office is also open 2 hours before afternoon events at the respective venue.
For more information, visit our How to Buy section.
A: Tickets purchased from any individual, company or website other than the authorized sources of San Diego Theatres Ticketing, Ticketmaster or our partner organizations (San Diego Opera, Broadway San Diego, La Jolla Music Society, etc.) 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. Please contact our Ticketing Services team with any questions. Click Here for full ticket disclaimer information.
A: San Diego Theatres is a non-profit. Facility Fees are utilized to assist in funding the operation and maintenance of the historic Balboa Theatre and the Civic Theatre. These fees are also utilized to fund capital repair, replacement and improvements within the venues. If you buy in-person from one of the venue Ticket Offices, you will not be charged per-ticket convenience charges and order processing fees from Ticketmaster.
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 ticketing@sandiegotheatres.org for details on specific events.
A: There is no required dress code. We recommend business casual or dressing as if you are going out to a nice event.
A: We have a list of prohibited items for each venue. Please read them in detail as you plan your visit.
A: The length of individual performances can vary dramatically. As soon as we have secured an estimated performance length, it is posted on the individual Event Information pages on this website and is available by calling our Ticketing Services at 619-615-4180 or emailing ticketing@sandiegotheatres.org. Depending upon the event, we may have this information weeks in advance, but for some concerts and similar single performance events, the estimated performance length may not be available until the days leading up to the event. Please note: the timing provided is an estimate that has been provided by the performance presenter, based upon the best information available in advance. Performance length may change without notice.
A: Please plan to arrive at least an hour before the performance in order to go through security screenings. Come early and enjoy food and drink inside the theatres concession areas.
A: Both the Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre have Accessible Seating, restrooms and parking access. Please take some time to review our amenities for the Balboa and for the Civic.
A: For most events at our venues, photographs, video, audio or recording of any type (including cell phones) are strictly prohibited. You may be removed from the venue if you violate these policies.
A: For any event, all guests must have their own ticket, including children and infants, and all tickets must be located in the same seating area. Some shows may have minimum age requirements. Shows specifically targeted to children are indicated as "family-friendly" in their event listing. Content of other performances may be intended for more mature audiences. Please contact Ticketing Services via email ticketing@sandiegotheatres.org for more information.
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 relatives should the circumstance require.
A: Please email us at lostandfound@sandiegotheatres.org. Include as many details as you can, including the event you attended, the date you lost your item, details about the item lost as well as where you think you lost it.
A: There is a wide variety of restaurants downtown and in the Gaslamp District within walking distance of both Theatres.
A: There are many hotels in the downtown and Gaslamp areas within blocks of both Theatres.
A: As a nonprofit 501c3 organization, San Diego Theatres accepts donations. Please visit our Giving Page to see a list of current Donation Campaigns.
