The city's orchestra plays most concerts at the Pikes Peak Center downtown and some at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. Kids 7 to 17 can come free with a full-price adult ticket at select concerts, most concerts have an intermission, and late arrivals wait for a pause in the music.
Know before you go. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic doesn't list sensory-friendly concerts or a quiet room. Here's what it and its halls do say about kids, clapping, breaks and getting in.
Hours
Concert dates and times vary; see the events page. Doors to the concert hall open one hour before each performance. Pikes Peak Center Box Office: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday closed except performance days, and always open 2 hours before any performance. Ent Center Box Office: Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm, and always open 2 hours before any performance.
Pikes Peak Center, 190 South Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903; Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
“We recommend children over age of 7 (school age) or children who can sit still during the performances to attend”; the performances are “just too lengthy for children under the age of 7.”
“Most concerts have a 20-minute intermission to stretch and relax with friends. In the lobby you’ll find new friends to meet, as well as concessions and restrooms.”
“Clapping is encouraged! Just not all the time or while the musicians are playing.” Applause usually waits until the end of a piece: watch the conductor, or wait until the crowd begins to applaud. “If you happen to be inspired by a particular movement and spontaneously break into clapping, it’s ok!”
“Prior to the performance, please make sure you silence your cell phones, beepers, and wearable device alarm settings.”
“As an audience member you can wear whatever is comfortable for you.”
At the Pikes Peak Center: “Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts has implemented walk-through metal dectectors. When you arrive, please allow yourself some extra time to clear the detectors and take your seats before the show.” pikespeakcenter.com
“Pikes Peak Center has a no re-entry policy. Guests may not leave the facility and re-enter on event days.” pikespeakcenter.com
“NO large bags, backpacks, or purses will be permitted into the venue.” Allowed at the Pikes Peak Center: small purses or clutches and clear plastic bags up to 12 by 5 by 12 inches, “Medically necessary items that have been inspected by security,” and “Small diaper bags.” pikespeakcenter.com
“All restrooms in The Pikes Peak Center have diaper-changing stations available and are accessible to persons with disabilities. Restrooms are located on the main level and mezzanine on the North & South ends of the building.” pikespeakcenter.com
Most concerts have a twenty-minute intermission, a natural time for a stretch or to head home. At the Pikes Peak Center there's no re-entry, so breaks happen in the lobby.
If you leave the hall during the music, getting back in may mean waiting with an usher for a pause, so an aisle seat can make breaks easier.
Free for Kids: kids aged 7 to 17 get free seats in levels 2 to 4 with an adult holding a full-price ticket, up to two kids per adult ticket, at select concerts and based on availability. It can't be combined with other offers and excludes senior and military discounts. Ask in person at the Pikes Peak Center box office for Masterworks and Pops, or the Ent Center box office for Counterpoint.
Masterworks, Pops and Signature concerts usually last about two hours from start to finish, including a twenty-minute intermission. Doors to the hall open one hour before.
At the Pikes Peak Center: walk-through metal detectors, no re-entry, and no large bags, backpacks or purses. Small purses, clutches and clear bags up to 12 by 5 by 12 inches, small diaper bags and medically necessary items inspected by security are allowed.
All ticket sales are final, with no refunds; dates, programs, artists and venues can change. Single tickets can't be exchanged: exchanges are free for season subscribers only, at least 48 hours before, subject to availability, and some concerts can't be exchanged. You can share your tickets or donate them back at the box office.
Discounted tickets for the military and students: bring your military or student ID to the box office. High school students with a valid high school ID get a free ticket at select concerts, asked for in person 2 hours before the concert at the box office, subject to availability. For kids outside the 7 to 17 range, the orchestra offers specially priced student tickets.
At the Pikes Peak Center, children under 2 are typically allowed without a ticket on a guardian's lap, but not at every show; ask about the concert. Strollers aren't allowed in the seating sections; questions go to guest services at 719-477-2100.
No outside food or drinks at either hall. At the Pikes Peak Center, food and drinks bought there can be enjoyed in the lobby or the concert hall; at the Ent Center, they stay in the lobby. Pikes Peak Center concessions are cashless. Coat check at the Pikes Peak Center is $1 per coat.
Pikes Peak Center restrooms are on the main level and the mezzanine, at the north and south ends, and all have diaper-changing stations. Noise makers, iPads, GoPros and cameras with telephoto or detachable lenses aren't allowed in.
Parking: street parking next to the Pikes Peak Center, plus a covered garage on the south side on Sahwatch Street that opens 90 minutes before and closes 90 minutes after each performance. The Ent Center has free parking a short walk from the lobby doors.
Wheelchair and companion seating: buy at the box office in person, or call the Pikes Peak Center Box Office at 719-960-4725 or the Ent Center Box Office at 719-255-3232. Accessible parking is in the Sahwatch garage (with an elevator) and metered spaces on Cascade Street at the Pikes Peak Center, and in lot 176 at the Ent Center. At the Pikes Peak Center you can be dropped off at the ticketing zone on the north end and go in through the automatic door. For Ent Center accessibility questions, call 719-255-3232.
For hearing: Audio Aids are available at both box offices by request.
Call
719-575-9632Philharmonic Patron Services719-477-2100Pikes Peak Center Box Office and guest services719-960-4725Wheelchair and companion seating, Pikes Peak Center
