Safe and Sound
Policy updated 9/12/22
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is committed to creating a comfortable, enjoyable and safe environment.
Face masks may be required at Symphony Center, depending on the Chicago COVID-19 Community Risk Level at the time of the performance. See below for current requirements.
Visit this page before you attend your next concert and contact Patron Services if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you at Symphony Center soon!
Please note, other venues in Chicago may have policies that differ from Symphony Center.
Your Safety | Tickets & Seating | Concert Experience | Explore Calendar
Your Safety
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Face Masks Encouraged Face masks are welcome and strongly encouraged at Symphony Center. Face coverings will be required at Symphony Center if the Chicago COVID-19 Community Risk Level is HIGH (Red) at the time of the performance. The current risk level is LOW. Learn more about the current Community Risk Level for the City of Chicago. When face masks are required, they must be worn properly, covering the nose and mouth, and meet CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) standards. Neck gaiters and bandanas are not permitted. Patrons arriving without appropriate face coverings will be provided a disposable face mask. |
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Self-Screening & Contact Tracing All individuals are expected to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before entering Symphony Center or attending a CSOA event. Symptoms may include, fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, and fatigue. Patrons who are not feeling well, are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms or have had or been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 10 days should not attend and instead contact Patron Services for ticket options. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of attending a concert at Symphony Center, please call 312-294-3000. If there is an indication you may have been closely exposed to COVID-19 while at Symphony Center, you will be informed as soon as possible. |
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Enhanced Cleaning Procedures High-touch areas, including countertops, door handles and elevators, are cleaned and sanitized regularly. In addition, seating areas and corresponding lobbies are disinfected with CDC-approved aerosol sprays periodically. |
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Hand Sanitizer Stations Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout Symphony Center and can be found near all entrances to each seating area. Per CDC guidelines, people should wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. |
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Air Ventilation (HVAC) System Symphony Center meets all CDC-recommended guidelines on fresh air intake and air circulation, with approximately 5-6 air changes per hour. Orchestra Hall's HVAC system uses a double-filter system: a MERV 8 pre-filter to remove large particles from the air, followed by a MERV 14a or 15 filter, the same used in hospitals, to remove finer particles. |
Tickets & Seating
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Flexible Exchanges, Ticket Transfers & Returns If you are unable to attend a performance, you are encouraged to contact Patron Services to discuss flexible exchange and refund options. We are happy to accommodate you as best we can. If you would like to transfer a ticket to another person, please do so by contacting Patron Services to ensure all attendees receive concert reminders and updates. Should any program changes or cancellations be deemed necessary, you will have many options including a full refund and the ability to store funds on your account to use on future performances. |
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We’re Here to Help Contact us with any questions or concerns — we want to make your concert experience as enjoyable as possible. You can speak directly with Patron Services by calling 312-294-3000, chatting with us online or sending us an email. The walk-up Box Office is open before the performance to assist with any ticketing needs. Cashless transactions are encouraged at the Box Office. |
Concert Experience
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Program Books Program books will be available at the concert and digital program books are also available at cso.org/program about one week before the concert. |
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Parking & Valet Symphony Center and SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservation app, have teamed up to help make parking easier. To reserve a parking spot, visit spothero.com or download the SpotHero app and search for Symphony Center. The closest parking garage is the Grant Park South Garage, located at 325 S. Michigan Ave. Valet parking service is available at the 67 E. Adams St. entrance for $35. Discover more parking and transit options, including special options for subscribers. |
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Dining & Refreshments Forte at Symphony Center is now open! Join us at Forte, Symphony Center’s new restaurant, to elevate your concert experience. Forte will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday with an extended closing time for postconcert dining and additional hours for select concerts. Make a reservation, view hours, menus and learn more about Forte and other dining options at and near Symphony Center. Enjoy drinks and snacks before the performance or during intermission at various bars located throughout Symphony Center, including the Bass Bar in the Rotunda and most of the lobby spaces in Orchestra Hall. Please note, all Symphony Center bars are cashless, and concessions may not be available for some events. Only bottled water is permitted inside the hall for most concerts. |
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The Symphony Store Shop in person before your next concert or online anytime at symphonystore.com. The Symphony Store is open for all CSO and select Symphony Center Presents concerts. |
CSOA and Symphony Center ticketing and attendance policies are subject to change and are subject to city and state public health guidelines.
Ticket holders assume all risks and dangers relating to any event at Symphony Center or CSOA presentation. By attending, you acknowledge and voluntarily agree to assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, and all other terms and conditions.
Programs and artists subject to change. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) reserves the right to record performances, including the audience, for future broadcast or promotion. Your attendance at CSOA events shall be deemed consent and permission to use your image, as captured in photograph or on video, in connection with the promotion and marketing of the CSOA and its related events.