Eisenhower Auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2,500, is Penn State’s primary theatrical performance space. Opened in 1974 and later named for former University President Milton S. Eisenhower, the modern-style venue hosts hundreds of events each year. Most Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State presentations occur on the Eisenhower stage. The Nittany Valley Symphony is another leading user of the performance space.
Famed artists and ensembles including Alvin Ailey American Dance Company, Tori Amos, Kathleen Battle, Betty Carter, Tom Chapin, David Copperfield, John Davidson, Evelyn Glennie, Martha Graham Dance Company, Marilyn Horne, Billy Joel, Bill T. Jones, B.B. King, Kronos Quartet, Dave Matthews, Midori, Wynton Marsalis, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Andre Previn, Della Reese, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Andre Watts, Yo Yo Ma, and many others, have graced Eisenhower’s stage.
The auditorium serves everything from University commencements to Future Farmers of America conferences. Center for the Performing Arts offices – including the Arts Ticket Center, which handles ticketing services for College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State units plus other clients – are located in the building.
Hours
Box Office: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekdays
Phone
814-863‑0255Venue Information
Parking
Complimentary parking is provided in the Eisenhower Parking Deck for patrons attending all performances – except School-Time Matinees – presented by the Center for the Performing Arts.
Patrons with mobility impairments may be dropped off in front of the auditorium at the Eisenhower Road pull-off near the intersection with Shortlidge Road. Handicap-accessible parking spaces are available on all levels of the Eisenhower deck and in the Yellow F surface lot across Eisenhower Road from the deck. Handicap-accessible parking during Center for the Performing Arts presentations at Eisenhower is also available in the lot between Eisenhower Road and Tyson Building. State-issued disability parking placards are required for access to the handicap-accessible parking spaces. Because parking in the Eisenhower deck is complimentary for Center for the Performing Arts presentations, patrons do not need to have Penn State parking permits.
Audience Information
Lost and Found
Please contact the audience services manager at 814-865-4727 about lost or found articles.
Cameras, Cell Phones, and Recorders
Please turn off electronic devices during the performance. Audio and visual recording devices are not permitted in the auditoriums.
Backpacks, Handbags, etc.
Penn State reserves the right to inspect all items being brought into performance venues. During certain events, additional restrictions might be implemented at the discretion of facility management. Questions? Phone the audience services manager at 814-865-4727, or ask an event staff member on the day of a performance.
Late Arrivals and Early Departures
Latecomers and patrons re-entering the house during a performance will be seated at the discretion of the house manager. If you must leave the house during a performance, please do so at an appropriate time.
Food and Beverages
Beverages and snacks are available for purchase in the lobby at selected Eisenhower Auditorium presentations.
Safety
Please do not place items on balcony or grand tier rails. Backpacks, bags, and other belongings should be stowed under your seat so the aisles and rows remain clear. Items too large to fit under the seat may be checked at Audience Services.
Emergency Services
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located in the front lobby of Eisenhower Auditorium. If an evacuation is warranted, center staff will make an announcement and provide instructions and assistance to patrons.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in facilities.
Accessibility
Special Needs
We’re committed to making the arts accessible to all patrons. Wheelchair seating is available in Eisenhower auditorium. A number of appropriately located seats have been reserved for patrons with disabilities, and, upon advance request, sign language interpretation is available for performances and educational activities. For hearing-impaired patrons, Eisenhower is equipped with an infrared listening system. Publications, including OnStage performance programs, are available in large-print or alternative media upon request. Live audio description, which can enhance appreciation of what’s taking place on stage, is provided for selected performances. Audio description, when provided, is available to all ticket holders.
Contact the Arts Ticket Center, at 814‑863‑0255 or 800‑ARTS‑TIX, for your special needs.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Arts Ticket Center in advance of your participation or visit.
Audio Description
Audio description – available at no extra charge to ticket holders – offers live verbal description of the visual elements of selected performances. Especially helpful to patrons with sight-loss, audio description can also improve information processing for people with learning disabilities. The service’s trained audio describers use a transmitter and microphone to relay a pictorial description to patrons wearing earpieces attached to palm-sized receivers. Audio description clarifies details and provides background information, but it doesn’t interfere with other key audible elements of a performance. For a list of performances being audio described, go to audio description. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance of the performance. Phone 814-238-0132 to reserve this service.
Parking
Complimentary parking is provided in the Eisenhower Parking Deck for patrons attending all performances – except School-Time Matinees – presented by the Center for the Performing Arts.
Patrons with mobility impairments may be dropped off in front of the auditorium at the Eisenhower Road pull-off near the intersection with Shortlidge Road. Handicap-accessible parking spaces are available on all levels of the Eisenhower deck and in the Yellow F surface lot across Eisenhower Road from the deck. Handicap-accessible parking during Center for the Performing Arts presentations at Eisenhower is also available in the lot between Eisenhower Road and Tyson Building. State-issued disability parking placards are required for access to the handicap-accessible parking spaces. Because parking in the Eisenhower deck is complimentary for Center for the Performing Arts presentations, patrons do not need to have Penn State parking permits.
