College Night: What to Expect
Before The Concert
Your College Night journey begins online. Order $15 all-inclusive Student Tickets on the College Night page; a promo code will be applied automatically. No separate ticket to the preconcert event is required.
Please remember to bring your Student ID. For more details on student-ticket purchasing eligibility and requirements, please visit the Student Tickets page.
College Night Schedule at a Glance
5:30 p.m. Pizza and cookies (Buntrock Hall)
6:30 p.m. Q&A (Buntrock Hall)
7:30 p.m. Concert (Orchestra Hall)
Entering Symphony Center
For the most efficient journey to Buntrock Hall, enter Symphony Center on Adams Street. The door is located beneath the Symphony Store sign.
Adams Street entrance of Symphony Center
Continue past the security desk to the Rotunda staircase. Ushers will be stationed at the base of the staircase to scan your ticket. Proceed up the staircase, or to the gold elevator behind the staircase, to the second floor. Colored lights in the Rotunda provide a subdued, moody atmosphere.
The Rotunda, at the lobby level off Adams Street
Staffers will be available to help answer any questions you might have, including ushers in red jackets, House Manager Jenise Sheppard and Kate McDuffie, Marketing Manager of Community & Family Programs (and College Night organizer).
On the second floor of the Rotunda, you are encouraged to take a selfie in front of the CSO step-and-repeat backdrop and tag @chicagosymphonystudents and @chicagosymphony in your post. Limited seating will be available in the Rotunda as a more quiet and brightly lit alternative to Buntrock seating.
Second floor of the Rotunda, with the entrance to Buntrock Hall at the left
5:30 p.m. Pizza and Cookies
At 5:30 p.m., Buntrock Hall will open for dinner and dessert. Pizza will be served along with an assortment of cookies and sodas, including Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, as well as bottled water. Gluten-free pizza and desserts will be available for those with dietary restrictions. Food and drinks will be served at tables along the walls, while round tables suitable for 8-10 guests will be positioned in the center. Please note that all food and beverages are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Lighting will be dim and colored and there will be music playing at a moderate volume.
Restrooms are available on the second floor, directly across the Rotunda from Buntrock Hall. An all-gender restroom is available on the third floor.
6:30 p.m. Q&A with a CSO Musician
At 6:30 p.m. in Buntrock Hall, a CSO Student Ambassador will lead a Q&A with a CSO Musician. The Q&A will last approximately 30 minutes. Please note: the photos below were taken in Grainger Ballroom.
After the Q&A ends, you will have about 30 minutes to find your seat and purchase concessions before the concert begins. Restrooms are available on the second floor of the Rotunda across from Buntrock Hall. A single-stall restroom is also available on the third floor of the Rotunda, which is accessible via stairs or elevator.
7:30 p.m. Concert Begins
The concert begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.
The stage of Orchestra Hall, as viewed from rear
More information
Please contact Patron Services with any questions about College Night, accessibility or the concertgoing experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Symphony Center!