Know Before You Go

Whether it’s your first opera or you’re a seasoned attendee, we’ve got all the info you need!

Opera Performance Venues | Frequently Asked Questions | Pre & Post Show Talks | Ticket Policies | Hotels & Dining | Parking Options | Light Rail & Trolley | Performance Hall Seating

 

Opera Performance Venues

 

Phoenix

The McDougall RED Series
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe Street in downtown Phoenix

Directions from the East Valley

Take the I-10 west to 7th Street, 7th Street south to Monroe Street and Monroe Street west to 3rd Street.

Directions from the West Valley

Take the I-10 East to 7th Avenue., 7th Avenue south to Van Buren Street, Van Buren Street east to 2nd Street.
 

The Main Stage Series
Symphony Hall
75 N 2nd Street in downtown Phoenix

Directions From I- l0

Exit 7th Street and turn south.

 

Tucson

The McDougall RED Series
Temple of Music and Art
330 S. Scott Avenue in downtown Tucson

Directions From East Tucson

Take Broadway Boulevard west until it turns into Congress Street, then turn left on Scott Avenue.

Directions From I-10

Take the West Congress Street Exit and go east on Congress Street until it turns into Broadway Boulevard then turn right on Scott Avenue.
 

The Main Stage Series
Tucson Music Hall
260 S Church Avenue in downtown Tucson

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn the ins and outs of going to the opera!
 

What if I’m late?

In order not to disturb the performers or the audience, we will seat you in the theater as soon as possible during a pause in the performance.
 

What should I wear to the opera?

The opera is the one special place where you can really dress up and be glamorous, but don’t feel you have to break the bank. Cocktail dress or flattering “dressy” attire is usually the norm for evening performances, while Sunday matinees generally see more casual sport jackets and dresses.
 

Should I wear perfume?

We ask that you avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or other strong scents that could disturb other patrons.
 

How will I understand what people are singing?

English translations of the lyrics (surtitles) are projected on a screen above the stage as they are sung. A full synopsis of the opera is provided online for each performance and in the evening’s program.
 

Can I bring kids?

Generally, opera is better suited to older kids because the stories often contain adult themes and following the surtitles can be difficult for new readers. Sometimes Arizona Opera offers operas sung in English (such the productions of The Merry Widow and Hansel & Gretel) that are more kid-friendly. When bringing a child to the opera, it is helpful to explain the story in advance and instruct them on proper audience behavior. Arizona Opera's Student Night at the Opera may be better suited for entire families. These rehearsals are a good way to ease children into enjoyment of a full-fledged production.
 

How long does the opera last? Is there an intermission?

This varies with every opera! Many productions can clock in between 2 - 3 hours in length, like most Broadway musicals. Many times, there is at least one intermission. We send out performance reminder emails before each show with this information. Make sure you're on our email list!
 

When should I clap?

At the end of big arias and, of course, at the final curtain call. Feel free to shout out “Bravo!” (for a male performer), “Brava!” (for a woman) or “Bravi!” (for an ensemble) – singers love an appreciative audience!
 

Anything else I should know?

Please remain quiet from the time the orchestra starts (the overture is part of the opera, too!) so that everyone around you can enjoy the music. Don’t open candy or gum wrappers, talk, use your cell phone or pager during the performance. Be sure to turn off your watch alarm and phone when you enter the theater.

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Pre & Post Show Talks

Get more out of your opera experience! Learn about our stories worth singing by attending a free, pre-opera lecture. Arrive one hour before curtain in both Phoenix and Tucson to learn about the show you are about to see!

Your opera experience doesn’t have to end when the curtain comes down. After the Sunday performance, move to the front of the theater to talk with the cast and creative team of each production. Come with questions!

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Ticket Policies

If you are unable to attend your scheduled performance, don't worry! All subscribers can exchange their tickets for a different performance at any time during the season. Exchanges are based on availability, and some performances may be restricted from exchanges.

There is a $2 per ticket fee to exchange your tickets. Please note that tickets to past performances cannot be donated, exchanged, or refunded.
 

To Exchange Tickets

Please call the Arizona Opera Box Office at 602.266.7464 no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the night of your performance.

You will be asked to provide the Box Office with a valid credit card for the $2 per ticket exchange fee, and any applicable charges to upgrade to a higher priced section for the performance. You will receive your new tickets by mail or by email (Print at Home) or you can pick them up at Will Call the day of the performance.

We will make every effort to match your original ticket(s). If similar seats are not available, seats can be changed to a different section or tickets can be returned for a tax credit receipt.
 

To Replace Lost Tickets

Lost tickets can be reprinted by the Box Office at any time. Please contact the Box Office as soon as possible so your new tickets can be reprinted and mailed to you. If you lose your tickets on the day of the event or upon arrival at the venue, replacements can be obtained with your photo identification.
 

To Return Tickets For Tax Credit

If exchanging to another date is not possible, tickets may be returned to Arizona Opera for a tax credit receipt for the face value of the tickets. Please return tickets by 4:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to your performance.
 

Arizona Opera Donors $1,000 And Above

Donors receive priority seating and free exchanges for all Arizona Opera performances. If you are a donor at this level and need any assistance, please call 602.266.7464.
 

Group Sales

Put together your own ensemble for a night at the opera! Arizona Opera offers group discounts of up to 30% off. This offer depends on availability, contact the box office by email or at 602.266.7464 or 520.293.4336 for more details.

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Hotels & Dining

Marriott is the official hotel sponsor of Arizona Opera.

Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown
132 South Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004602.603.2000

Courtyard Tucson Airport
2505 East Executive Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85756
520.573.0000
 

Restaurants and hotels

Arizona Opera is not affiliated with the following businesses. Please, call ahead for hours and information concerning your visit. Check out the interactive map at the bottom of the page for directions. For more information, please visit downtownphoenix.com and downtowntucson.org.
 

Phoenix restaurants

The Arrogant Butcher
2 E Jefferson St #150, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hanny's
40 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
1 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Durant's
2611 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

CIBO
603 N 5th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003

 

Phoenix Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Phoenix
122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
2 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Downtown – Ballpark
620 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

The Westin Phoenix Downtown
333 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

 

Tucson restaurants

The Cup Cafe
Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

Cafe Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington St, Tucson, AZ 85701

Maynards Market & Kitchen
400 N Toole Ave A, Tucson, AZ 85701

El Charro Café
311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails
135 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

 

Tucson accommodations

Royal Elizabeth Inn
204 S Scott Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

Tucson Marriott University Park
880 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719

Hotel Congress
311 Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745

El Presidio Inn Bed & Breakfast
297 N Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
 

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Parking Options
 

Herberger Theater

222 E. Monroe Street in downtown Phoenix
(between Van Buren and Monroe Streets and 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Parking at the Arizona Center Parking Garage
Monday through Friday, after 5:00 p.m., and all day Saturday & Sunday.

The Parking Garage is located on the NW corner of 5th St. & Fillmore. Purchase a $6 parking pass at Herberger Theater Box Office. When you arrive at the theater, go to the Box Office window and purchase your pass. Valid for one performance.

Parking can be found at the Chase Parking Garage which is located on 1st Street between Van Buren Street and Monroe Street (enter from 1st or 2nd Streets). Other nearby public parking facilities include the Phoenix Convention Center Garage (enter off of 2nd Street just south of Monroe Street), and the Hyatt Regency Garage (enter off 2nd Street just north of Adams Street and south of Monroe Street).
 

Symphony Hall

75 N 2nd Street in downtown Phoenix
Parking can be found at Convention Center West Garage, located at 2nd Street & Monroe

Additional parking can be found at the Chase Parking Garage which is located on 1st Street between Van Buren Street and Monroe Street (enter from 1st or 2nd Streets).
 

Temple of Music and Art

330 S. Scott Avenue in downtown Tucson
(between 13th and 14th Street and 6th Avenue and Stone Avenue)

Parking is available around the Temple of Music and Art in pay lots and on the street. Metered parking is free weekdays after 5:00 p.m., and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Paid parking is available in two lots
near the Masonic Temple on Scott Avenue north of the Temple of Music and Art, as well as at the Convention Center. There is a passenger drop-off zone directly in front of the Temple. Patrons may NOT park in the restaurant parking lot on 14th Street and Stone Avenue.

Arizona Opera donors who contribute $2,500 or more receive complimentary parking passes.

The City of Tucson has more information about downtown parking here.
 

Tucson Music Hall

260 S Church Avenue in downtown Tucson

Parking lots at the Tucson Convention Center charge for parking. Other suggested parking options are the La Placita parking garage (entrance on Jackson St.) or the State of AZ parking garage (entrance on Alameda). Additional parking lots are within walking distance of Tucson Music Hall.

The City of Tucson has more information about downtown parking here.

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Light Rail & Trolley
 

Phoenix

Light Rail Directions to Herberger Theater

Closest Stops: Central/Van Buren & the Washington/3rd Street stop.
Closest Park & Rides: 38th Street & Washington or Central Ave & Camelback Road

Light Rail Directions to Symphony Hall

Closest Stops: 3rd Street & Washington (Westbound), 3rd Street & Jefferson (Eastbound)
Closest Park & Rides: 38th Street & Washington or Central Ave & Camelback Road

Click here for a Valley Metro Map
 

Tucson

Trolley Directions to Temple Of Music And Art

Closest Stops: Broadway/Stone or Broadway/6th Ave

Trolley Directions to Tucson Music Hall

Closest Stops: Congress Street/Granada Avenue

Click here for the Sun Link Website

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Performance Hall Seating Maps

Please click the seating maps below for a PDF of each venue