Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Seating Chart

This venue has seating space for 2,776 visitors including the lower orchestra level and upper balcony seats. This seating is arranged in theater fashion with all guests given the best possible sightlines to the stage. And carefully crafted lighting and sound acoustic solutions have been made to afford the best possible sight and sounds. Entries are on Broadway and Main Street.

Seating is cushioned for the best possible comfort for guests.

The concert hall seating at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall accommodates over 2,700 guests across multiple levels, each offering distinct experiences. Perusing the seating layout beforehand helps you select tickets that match your preferences for sightlines, acoustics, and budget. Wherever you sit, the theater’s design ensures that most seats will provide a good view of the stage, though some seats boast superior experiences.

The Orchestra-Level Seating

Orchestra level at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall places you at stage level or slightly below, creating an intimate connection with the performance. Center orchestra seats typically offer the best combination of sightlines and acoustics, though seats throughout this section provide an excellent experience. The orchestra extends quite far into this theater, so even rear orchestra spots maintain reasonable proximity to the performers.

Side orchestra seats offer angled views that some patrons find engaging, particularly for concerts where musicians are sprinkled across the stage. The portable acoustic shell used for classical performances optimizes the sound distribution for a pitch-perfect delivery.

The theatre features an adjustable orchestra pit that can descend just over seven feet below stage level via hydraulic lifts, providing flexible production configurations. When the orchestra is not in use, up to 32 additional pit seats may become available. These closer pit seats offer unique sightlines very close to the stage, though availability varies by event.

The Balcony Seating Sections

The Dress Circle is the first elevated seating tier at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and requires climbing up to 10 stairs from the main lobby level. This section sits quite close to the stage, offering excellent sightlines from a slightly elevated perspective. Row A requires only three stairs to access, making it relatively accessible compared to the higher balcony rows.

The Lower Mezzanine sits above the Dress Circle, providing an elevated view that clearly shows the full stage layout. Row E is the most easily accessible Lower Mezzanine row, requiring only three stairs from the lobby level. The mezzanine perspective particularly benefits dance performances and theatrical productions, as you can see the complete stage picture unfolding below you.

The two Upper Balcony sections rise highest in the theater, with the top row sitting six stories above the stage. While these seats place you furthest from performers, the acoustics remain remarkably good. Upper balcony tickets are typically the most affordable way to experience events at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Accessible Seating Options

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall provides wheelchair-accessible seating and companion seats throughout the venue. Accessible seating reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person at the box office. The venue also accommodates patrons who don’t require a wheelchair space but need accessible seating options, such as aisle seats or spots with additional legroom.

The orchestra level offers the most accessible seating options, requiring no stair navigation from the main entrance. Elevators connect the street level to upper floors, allowing wheelchair users to access balcony-level spaces. Reaching specific rows within the Dress Circle and Lower Mezzanine requires stair navigation, even after using the elevator.

Courtesy wheelchairs are available at the coat check in each venue for patrons who need assistance moving from the curbside drop-off zones to their seats. The venue recommends that you bring a companion if you need assistance with pushing the wheelchair or have mobility-related needs. Notifying the venue in advance at (503) 248-4335 helps ensure wheelchair availability.

Special Considerations for Concert Hall Patrons

Wider-width seats with deeper seating and increased weight support are available at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and other Portland’5 establishments. These free-standing chairs with armrests are usable in most wheelchair-accessible spaces.

For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, sign language interpretation is available for select performances throughout the year. You can request sign language interpretation at least four weeks before your event, subject to interpreter availability. Open captioning sections are also scheduled for certain Broadway in Portland productions, using text displays to provide simultaneous translation of the dialogue, lyrics, and sound effects.

Audio description services assist patrons who are blind or have low vision. Trained audio describers can provide live, verbal descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery, and other visual elements through assistive listening devices. You can pick up headsets from the coat check room on a first-come, first-served basis (with a valid form of identification).

Accessibility Features and Services

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall demonstrates a strong commitment to making performances accessible to all patrons, implementing features that go beyond basic ADA compliance. The venue staff receive specialized training to recognize and assist guests with sensory needs and accommodation options so that everyone can enjoy the performing arts. 

For instance, all building entrances at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall are accessible, and elevators operate between the street level and the upper floors. Curbside drop-off zones directly in front of the building allow patrons to exit vehicles at street level without navigating stairs or slopes. The main entrance provides level access to the orchestra section, while elevators reach the balcony levels.

Some remnants of the 1928 seating design mean these sections require stair navigation that modern construction would avoid. The orchestra level is the most accessible section, but the Dress Circle and Lower Mezzanine require navigating multiple steps without elevators.

Assistive Listening Systems

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall provides assistive listening devices that amplify and clarify sound by reducing ambient noise. The venue has installed assistive listening systems throughout the theater, with individual headsets and receivers available at no charge. Neck loops designed for use with hearing aids and cochlear implants equipped with telecoil switches are also available.

The venue distributes T switches and devices on a first-come, first-served basis from the coat check room. You will require an ID to access this equipment. Enquiring early can help to ensure device availability, particularly for sold-out performances.

Visual Accessibility Services

Audio description services transform the visual aspects of performances into verbal descriptions for patrons who are blind or have low vision. This service is for select events throughout the year. By using a single earpiece connected to an assistive listening device, you can hear trained staff explain the actions, costumes, scenery, and other visual elements in real time. 

For performances without an audio description, you can request the service at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Portland’5 Box Office. Requests are subject to the describer’s availability, and you should be aware that the venue management assigns seating locations at their discretion. Headsets are available from the coat check room.

The venue works to accommodate visual accessibility needs through thoughtful policies and trained staff. While the historic building presents some navigational challenges due to its age, venue staff can provide verbal directions and physical guidance as needed. You should not hesitate to ask ushers or box office staff for assistance navigating the building.

Sensory Accommodation Programs

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall has partnered with KultureCity to achieve certification as a sensory-inclusive venue. This initiative promotes accommodating experiences for guests with sensory processing issues, autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, and related conditions. For example, the venue receives specialized training from medical professionals on recognizing guests with sensory needs and managing situations involving sensory overload.

Sensory bags are available at the venue’s coat check window, complete with fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, and verbal cue cards. These resources help guests who may feel overwhelmed by the sensory environment of a live performance. You can request a sensory bag at any time during your visit, and no documentation or explanation is typically required.

The venue strives to create an inclusive environment where all guests feel welcome and comfortable. If you have specific sensory concerns or needs, feel free to contact the box office in advance to discuss the options and secure the best possible experience.

Service Animal Policies

You’ll find that the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall welcomes guests with disabilities who use service animals, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Oregon’s laws. The venue recognizes service animals as dogs or miniature horses individually trained to perform work or tasks for people with disabilities. Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals without specific task training do not qualify as service animals under the general ADA definitions.

While advance notice is not required, the venue welcomes contact from anyone who is planning to bring their service animal to a show. Staff may ask two questions if it’s not readily apparent that the animal is a service dog or miniature horse: 

• » Is the animal necessary because of a disability? 
• » What work or task can the animal perform? 

Your service animal must remain under your control at all times. If the service animal displays aggressive or erratic behavior, barks excessively, or is not housebroken, the venue may request that you remove them. Your service animal must not obstruct aisles or create safety hazards for other patrons.

NOTE: The above seating map can be subject to change. This depends on the type of event. Always check the seating map when selecting your tickets for each individual event.

Grab your tickets today and reserve your desired seats! View the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall schedule to see all the upcoming events.

To read more about the ticket and refund policies, check out the ticket information page.