FAQs

What should I wear?
​​​​​​​"Business Casual" is the answer we give when pressed, but we would prefer to think that our patrons feel free to dress up or down as the spirit moves them. It is not unusual to see concert-goers in blue jeans sitting next to a couple dressed up for a night on the town.

How can I get to concert halls on campus?
​​​​​​​Visit our Directions and Parking page for several practical options.

Where can I park?
​​​​​​​Parking is available on the street and in the University Parking Lots after 4 PM on weekdays and all day on the weekends. The Visitor Lot at 55th and Ellis is an enclosed parking garage about three blocks from Mandel Hall. The Lexington Lot, a small lot adjacent to Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the west side of the building, offers a few parking spots within steps of the venue, available after 4 PM. The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts has parking near it as well: a parking garage at 6054 South Drexel Avenue, and also a parking lot at the corner of South Drexel Avenue and 60th Street, which is free on weekends and after 4 PM on weekdays.

Mandel Hall, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, and the Logan Center for the Arts are all handicapped-accessible. Please call in advance of the concert to make arrangements at 773.702.8068. Parking rules are strictly enforced. Please observe all signs in parking areas and on the street. Call the Parking Office at 773.702.8969 or see the University's Parking Map for more information.

Can I catch a cab after the concert?
​​​​​​​Although taxis can sometimes be found standing near the University hospitals, it is better to call in advance and arrange for a cab to pick you up at the Reynolds Club (site of Mandel Hall), Rockefeller Chapel, or the Logan Center for the Arts after the concert. The main cab services are Yellow Cab and Checker Cab. Both can be reached ahead of time by calling 312-TAXICAB (312.829.4222).

Is there someplace to eat nearby?
​​​​​​​Near Mandel Hall, in the Reynolds Club, there is a coffee shop (called "The C-Shop"), a student café on the second floor (called "Hallowed Grounds"), and a food court (called "Hutch" or Hutchinson Commons) that are open before concerts. Both are self-serve, inexpensive, convenient and typical of the campus setting. The C-Shop, which contains a Pret a Manger, remains open during intermission for beverages and snacks.

Click here to see a list of neighborhood cafés and restaurants for any occasion and time of day.

What if I can't make it to a concert for which I've bought a ticket?
See our Refund and Exchange Policy information on our Ticket Information and Policies page for the most up to date information.

Where is the Box Office?
​​​​​​​Tickets for all of our concerts may be purchased at the UChicago Arts Box Office, located in the Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th Street, or online. Tickets for concerts in Mandel Hall and Rockefeller Memorial Chapel may also be purchased on-site at least 30 minutes prior to the concert.

I am a student, but not at the University of Chicago. Can I still buy a student ticket?
Yes! We offer the student ticket discount to students with a valid and current student ID from any institution. Please see the Student Tickets section for more information.

May I turn my ticket in for a better one on the night of the performance?
​​​​​​​We always try to assign the best available seat(s) at the time of purchase. Unfortunately, we are not able to upgrade tickets at the last minute.

May I record or take pictures/videos in the hall?
​​​​​​​We do not permit recording, photography or videography in the hall before, during or after the concert. Please note: you may occasionally see press photographers or other professionals who have been given special permission to photograph or record a performance. You will also sometimes see an audio-engineer recording our concerts for archival purposes and possible delayed radio broadcast.

Are assistive listening devices available?
​​​​​​​Yes, assistive listening devices are available and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance of a performance. Please call 773.702.8068 (Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM)

When should I clap?
​​​​​​​In classical concerts in the United States, clapping is confined to the ends of pieces. This can be surprisingly tricky for the novice concert-goer who may not be sure whether a piece has ended or whether a movement has ended (classical compositions often call for a pause between movements). The best tactic is to observe the response of the majority of the audience, since many UCP regulars have been doing this for years. But don't worry if you get carried away. Few musicians will hold it against you!

What if I arrive late?
​​​​​​​You will be asked to wait in the vestibule for an appropriate break in the music before taking your seat. If you arrive within the first 10–15 minutes of the concert, you will probably be seated at the first available pause in the music, specified ahead of time by the House Manager. If you arrive later than this, you may have to wait until the end of the piece. Sometimes, if pieces follow one another closely, you will be asked to take a seat in the back until intermission, when an usher will help identify your assigned seat.

Can I bring children?
​​​​​​​Children six years old and over are welcome at all Chicago Presents performances. You are welcome to contact our box office at chicagopresents@uchicago.edu or 773.702.8068 in advance of the concert date with any questions.

What about my question?
​​​​​​​Do you have a question you didn't see here? Feel free to send it to us via email at chicagopresents@uchicago.edu. We will try to reply to it and add it to our list.