FAQ: Community Ticket Program
Program Details
What is the Community Ticket Program?
The San Francisco Symphony believes in equitable access to our concerts. This program is designed to provide San Francisco Bay Area nonprofits with free tickets to see Symphony concerts year-round.
How often will I receive invitations to participate?
The Symphony extends Free Community Ticket Program invitations every two to three months. Invitations are addressed from [email protected].
Who receives invitations?
To qualify for the program, organizations must be local to the Bay Area and be a registered nonprofit in good standing (or fiscally sponsored by one). Each organization designates a point person(s) to receive ongoing invitations and pass them on.
Can I pass along this invitation to my coworkers or staff?
Yes! This program is designed to be dispersed through community networks. You are encouraged to pass this invitation on to your staff, coworkers, community partners, and any constituents/clients with whom you work.
Can I request tickets for more than one concert?
You are welcome to request tickets for more than one concert. Please submit a new form for each date requested.
When can I expect to receive my tickets?
Electronic tickets will be sent 24 hours prior to the concert requested, at the latest. Our Box Office team works hard to process every request as quickly as possible. With limited staff handling hundreds of requests, we truly appreciate your patience and understanding! If you have been placed on a waitlist due to limited availability, you will be notified within seven business days of your request.
Am I guaranteed tickets after I make my selections?
While we try our best to fulfill demand for each concert, occasionally we run out of available tickets. If you have been placed on a waitlist, you will be notified within seven business days of your request. If we are able to accommodate waitlist requests, you will receive eTickets within 48 hours of the concert date.
How will I know if I’m on a waitlist?
If you have been placed on a waitlist, you will receive an email with “Waitlist Notification” as the subject line, from the [email protected] email address. This is not an auto-generated email, and you are welcome to respond.
I used to receive invitations to select tickets, but now I don’t. Did I get taken off the list?
We welcome any questions or comments regarding this program! To contact a member of the Community Engagement team, email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you. Please note this inbox is monitored Monday – Friday during regular business hours.
My Tickets
I received tickets to an upcoming show, but I can’t go anymore. How do I return my tickets?
To return concert tickets, or for questions related to tickets, please call the Symphony Box Office at 415.864.6000 or email [email protected].
What do I do if I lose my tickets?
You will receive free replacements for lost tickets. Please call 415.864.6000 and a representative will resend your eTickets.
What if I need help or have more questions?
Please contact Patron Services at 415.864.6000 or [email protected]. Our staff is available Monday–Friday from 10:00am–6:00pm, Saturday from Noon–6:00pm, and two hours before all performances at our Box Office on 251 Grove Street, San Francisco.
My Experience
If this is your first San Francisco Symphony concert, check out the Symphony’s First Timers’ Guide for more helpful information on what to expect!
What should I wear?
In short: whatever you want! Some folks take a Symphony concert as an opportunity to dress up, and some prefer to dress down. You will see all levels of attire when you visit Davies Symphony Hall, and your comfort is the main priority.
Can I use my phone?
Going to the Symphony can be a great reason to unplug for a while. We ask that you silence your phone and put it away while the Orchestra is playing. This helps create the best performing environment for the musicians, and the best listening environment for the audience. Photos and videos are allowed before and after (and during applause), but recording or taking photos during the music is prohibited.
Where should I park?
Street parking is available and free after 6:00pm in the Civic Center and Hayes Valley neighborhoods. Garage parking is also available at the Performing Arts Garage located at 360 Grove Street, or at the Civic Center Garage located at 355 McAllister Street. For parking garage hours, as well as additional parking lots, visit the Symphony’s Getting Here page.
Can I take public transportation?
Davies Symphony Hall is easily accessible from MUNI Metro (Van Ness or Civic Center stations) and BART (Civic Center station), as well as several MUNI Bus routes from different corners of the city. View Muni routes here.
The San Francisco Symphony is proud to work with the Civic Center Ambassadors. Dressed in orange vests or coats, this friendly community team assists concertgoers, artists, and staff on their way from Davies Symphony Hall or the Opera House to BART/MUNI or the Civic Center Garage on performance days and evenings: Sunday–Monday: 7:00am–7:00pm; Tuesday–Saturday: 6:30pm–11:30pm.
Will I need to go through security or bring a clear bag?
As part of an ongoing commitment to audiences’ safety and comfort, the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, and San Francisco Opera, has installed a campus-wide frictionless patron screening system: Evolv Express.
Evolv Express offers fast, frictionless screening without requiring patrons to stop, empty their pockets, or open their bags.
The Evolv Express units are located in the main box office entrance of Davies Symphony Hall and, in certain circumstances, in the Grove Street terrace entrance. The system will be activated only during public performances.
To learn more:
War Memorial and Performing Arts Center Bag Policy: All bags are subject to search upon arrival. Currently, clear bags are not required. Patrons may bring bags into the auditorium, but they must fit under the seat or on the patron’s lap (approximately 14"x14"x6"). Patrons with large items, inclusive of, but not limited to large backpacks, luggage, shopping bags, signs and other large packages that will not fit comfortably at the seat will be asked to check those items at coat check.
The San Francisco Symphony does not allow signs to be displayed inside of Davies Symphony Hall.
What are your services for patrons with disabilities?
If you or someone in your party requires wheelchair accessible seating, or a path without stairs, please denote this on the ticket request form. If you already received your tickets but need to make adjustments to your order for accessible seating, please contact Patron Services at 415.864.6000.
Assistive Listening Devices: Sennheiser listening devices for those who are hard-of-hearing are available at the Davies Symphony Hall coat check room, Box Office entrance. Headsets are free of charge.
The Concert
What time should I arrive for my concert?
Davies Symphony Hall doors open one hour prior to concerts and one and a half hours for concerts with Inside Music Talks. Arrive early to grab a drink, a bite to eat, or take in the view before the show!
How will I find my seat?
You can find your seating location on your eTicket. Once you’ve arrived at Davies Symphony Hall, ushers will be located at all entrances to the concert hall to guide you to your seat. When in doubt, look for a person in an usher’s uniform with a nametag, and they can assist you with any question you might have.
Will there be an intermission?
Many concerts have an intermission, but not all do. Make sure you pick up a program book before you take your seat to find detailed information about your concert.
Can I buy food and drinks during the concert?
We have a range of food and drinks available for purchase pre-concert and during intermission. Alcoholic beverages can only be served to those 21+ with a valid ID. We kindly ask that all food and drinks are finished before entering the hall. VIEW MENU
