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.

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.

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?
​​​​​​​As of February 3, 2025, tickets for all of our concerts may be purchased at the Court Theatre/UChicago Arts Box Office, located in the lobby of Court Theatre at 5535 S Ellis Ave, or on the Box Office Website. Tickets for concerts in Mandel Hall, Bond Chapel, and Rockefeller Memorial Chapel may also be purchased on-site 1 hour 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. Seating changes may be accommodated if availability allows at the Box Office the day of the performance. 

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

Are assistive listening devices available?
​​​​​​​Yes, assistive listening devices are available at the UChicago Presents table before the performance. 

When should I clap?
​​​​​​​At classical concerts, clapping is confined to the ends of pieces or between 'sets'. But don't worry if you get carried away. Few musicians will hold it against you!

What if I arrive late?
​​​​​​​You may be asked to wait in the vestibule for an appropriate break in the music before taking your seat. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the start of the concert, your original seating assignment is not guaranteed. You may be asked to sit in an alternate seat as to not disrupt the performance or fellow audience members. 

Can I bring children?
​​​​​​​Children six years old and over are welcome at all Chicago Presents performances. 

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.