Know Before You Go

Parking

Parking downtown can be difficult, and expensive, but have no fear, you can purchase advance parking at Wells Fargo Plaza (just 1 block from the Civic Theatre) for only $10!

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

For Balboa Theatre Parking, CLICK HERE.

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

Season Ticket Holders: Need more help on how to purchase advance parking, page to view our step by step on how to do it click here!

Civic Theatre: 1100 3rd Ave San Diego, CA 92101 (3rd & B Street)

• For More information on the San Diego Civic click here.
• For directions to the San Diego Civic Theatre click here. 

Balboa Theatre: 868 4th Ave San Diego CA, 92101 (E Street)

• For more information on the Balboa Theatre click here. 
• For directions to the Balboa Theatre click here. 

It always pays to be prepared. Plan your night out and see below for important information!

👗Dress Code: 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!

👶Policy for Children: 

• All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
• Children under 5 are not permitted in the theatre unless otherwise noted on individual show pages.
• Children must be able to sit quietly in their own seat without disturbing other guests.
• Children and teens under the age of 14 are required to have an adult chaperone to attend a Broadway San Diego show.
• Some shows or events do have a different age policy than the standard theatre policy, so please check the show page before you attend.

🍝Outside Food/Drink Policy: Outside food or drink is not allowed to be brought into the theatre, this includes restaurant “doggie” bags. You may bring a sealed water bottle or an empty personal water bottle (hydro flask). Beverages (including alcohol) purchased in the theatre lobby will be allowed into the theatre auditorium. 

🚭Smoking Policy: Smoking (including e-cigarettes), is prohibited in the both The San Diego Civic Theatre and The Balboa Theatre Patrons who wish to smoke at intermission may exit the theatre so as long as they have their ticket stub or e-ticket with them when exiting theatre. Tickets MUST be presented upon re-entry.

📸Photography & Recording Devices: Cameras, cell phone cameras and any audio/video recording devices are strictly prohibited during the performance.  “Professional” grade cameras are not allowed inside the theatre at any time.  We encourage patrons to take photos in the lobby before, during intermission and after the show.
Please note, that the Photo Policy inside the auditorium will vary depending on the production. Members of our ushering staff will advise as to the specific show policy upon entering the theatre.

🚫Prohibited Items: Items prohibited within the San Diego Civic Theatre & The Balboa Theatre include, but are not limited to:

• Weapons (this includes knives, pepper spray, and weapons accompanied by a valid CCW permit)
• Professional cameras and recording devices
• Large bags such as suitcases and backpacks (coat and bag checks are not available.)
• Outside food and drink (this excludes water)
• Only service animals are allowed inside the theatre

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!

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 by clicking here!

Performance Start Time

It's important to arrive on time! 

Here's some timely advice for you.

⌚Arrival Time Suggestion: San Diego Civic Theatre & The Balboa Theatre lobby will open one hour prior to your posted performance time. We recommend arriving at the theatre at least 45 minutes prior to your performance to allow ample time for security checks and ticket scanning. All patrons are subject to security and bag checks.

💺Late Seating Policy: All performances will begin promptly at the posted time. Patrons not in their seats when the performance begins are subject to a seating hold and will be seated at the discretion of theatre management at an appropriate time during the show. Seating holds vary by show. We offer monitors in the lobby for late arriving patrons. 

Restroom & Amenities

🍷🧀 Concession & Bar Information per Theatre

• San Diego Civic Theatre: There are concessions stands located on the right and left side on the ground floor, along with a bar in the center of the theatre lobby. Additionally there are two more concessions stands and a bar on the 2nd floor of the theatre. All stands & bars are cashless.
• Balboa Theatre: There is a bar and concession stand located on the ground floor and 2nd floor of theatre. All stands & bars are cashless.

🚻Restroom Information per Theatre

• San Diego Civic Theatre: Restrooms are located on the ground level as well as the Lower & Upper lodge levels. 
• Balboa Theatre: One Family Restroom, equipped with a Changing Station for guests with young children, are located on the main floor, Orchestra (East) level. Additional changing stations are located in the Women’s Restroom 2A (Loge level East) and Men's Room 2A (Loge level East). Women's Restrooms are located on the Lower Level (stair access only from main floor Orchestra, no elevator), Loge, Salon, and Balcony Levels. The facilities in the Loge, Salon, and Balcony are fully accessible and can be accessed by elevator stops. Men's Restrooms are located on the main floor, Orchestra (East) level, Loge, Salon, and Balcony Levels. The facilities in the Loge, Salon, and Balcony are fully accessible and may be accessed by elevator stops.

Security

Patron Security: San Diego Theatres requires that ALL guests attending an event pass through a security screening performed by trained security personnel. This will include, but is not limited to:

• Walk-through or wand metal detection inspection
• Bag checks
• Visual inspection
• Other screening deemed necessary by security staff

We encourage guests to leave non-essential items, including oversized purses and bags, at home or to secure them safely in their vehicle. Any item larger than a small clutch or wallet may be subject to a security inspection.

Please refer to our list of prohibited items which can be found here. We kindly request that you leave these items in your vehicle or at home. San Diego Theatres will not take possession or be responsible for any items removed as a result of the security screening process. Any guest who declines to be screened may be denied entry to San Diego Theatre’s events.

🛍️Bag & package Policy: Due to increased safety concerns, any bags larger than 12” x 12” x 6” will not be permitted into the theatre. (Exception: medical equipment bags.)  All bags are subject to inspection before entering. Please note: The San Diego Civic Theatre and The Balboa Theatre do not provide bag check & coat services, so please plan accordingly. Do not leave your personal bags unattended while in the theatre.

Lost & Found: If you lost (or found) something at the theatre, please email us at lostandfound@sandiegotheatres.org or call 619-615-4006. Include as many details as you can, including the event you attended, the date you lost your item, details about the item lost, and where you think you lost it. If you found an item, please describe the item, where it was found, and provide any information that might help identify the owner. Please remember to include a contact phone number in your email.

Dining

We have a few TIPS to ensure you have a great meal and arrive to your show with time to spare.

Please visit our page dedicated to our Restaurant Partners of Broadway San Diego to make a reservation before the show, click here!

Seating Charts

To see all available seating charts for Broadway San Diego venues, please click on the venue to be directed to their respected seating charts:

• San Diego Civic Theatre
• Balboa Theatre

Theatre Accessibility

San Diego Civic Theatre: All levels of the Theatre are served by two lobby elevators. Dedicated Accessible Wheelchair Seating is available on the main floor Orchestra, Dress Circle and Mezzanine levels with all seats in the Orchestra section, rows AA through V, accessible via sloping walkways, no stairs. Use of the elevators, to access seats in Dress Circle (row H) and Mezzanine (row W) and Upper Loge (row H) without stairs.

The Balboa Theatre: The Orchestra has 12 Wheelchair-Accessible spaces (five in Row H and seven each in Row X) in addition to 12 companion spaces. In addition, a total of 13 side Transfer Seats are in the right and left aisles. Comprised of 25 permanent rows and three removable rows (two in front, one in rear), all seats in the Orchestra section are accessible without utilizing stairs.

Level 2A elevator access on the East side provides access to Loge A, seats 1-19, without stairs. All other seats in the section require the use of stairs.

♿ For more details on Broadway San Diego's ADA Accessible Services offered, please click here!