At CSO we believe everyone should have access to the power and the beauty of music, therefore we strive to provide an inclusive experience for all. Our team actively seeks out ways to break down barriers to accessibility and are constantly working to make improvements on our concert experience. Through community partnerships, and as a proud member of the All-Access Inclusion Network (AAIN) as well as the Kennedy Center’s LEAD (Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability), our goal is to create a stronger sense of community and increase the awareness of the resources we have available.
For additional questions or concerns about accessibility, please email us. For additional information about the concert experience, visit our FAQS page.
Want to help us continue to expand our accessible services? Make a gift today or consider sponsoring one of our accessible programs through our Accessibility Sponsorship opportunities guide.
Box Office
Our Will Call, or ticket pick-up area, at Memorial Auditorium has been moved outside of the windows to be at seated level for ease of use by our guests.
Seating
Memorial Auditorium offers wheelchair accessible seating in the first two rows of orchestra left and right and, if available, at the back of the center orchestra. Additional accommodations can be made for Personal Care Assistants, service animals (see below) and larger seat options (see below). For all accessible seating reservations please call the Box Office directly (Tues-Fri from 10 AM-3 PM) at 423.267.8583.
Parking
Accessible parking is available in all the metered lots and along the streets surrounding Memorial Auditorium. Metered accessible / government parking on Lindsay Street is the closest parking to the ramp leading into the building. Patrons are also welcome to drop off and pick up (one to two cars at a time) directly in front of the building to access the ramp.
Public Transportation
See more information on bus routes on the FAQs page.
Courtesy Wheelchairs
You may reserve a courtesy wheelchair for your visit at Memorial Auditorium by calling the Box Office (Tues-Fri, 10 AM - 3 PM) at 423.267.8583. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Universal Changing Table
Accessible stalls are available in the restrooms at Memorial Auditorium. Located in the family restroom on the first floor, next to the elevators is the universal changing table. If anyone in your party requires an adult changing table at a concert in Memorial or Walker, please contact friends@tivolichattanooga.com before attending the show. At other locations, if you are in need of a portable table, please call the Box Office (Tues-Fri, 10 AM- 3 PM) at 423.267.8583.
Resources
Sensory Map of Memorial Auditorium
Social Narrative for Memorial Auditorium
Additional Resources for concerts that take place outside of Memorial Auditorium are available on those concert-specific webpages.
Memorial Auditorium
In the outer lobby of Memorial Auditorium, the volume can be loud and with many people the visuals can include a lot of motion. Once inside the inner lobby the volume reduces, though depending on the number of people, the visuals could continue to include a lot of motion. Inside the auditorium, it can be dark.
Coming and Going
If you are not in an accessible or aisle seat, getting to or leaving your seat may require you to cross in front of other patrons in very close proximity. Classics performances include seating holds between movements so that the light and movement of opening doors does not distract musicians onstage. If you leave your seat mid-performance, ushers may ask you to wait at the door until the movement has ended before you can return to your seat.
Quiet Spaces
During the concert, the long hallways directly outside of Memorial Auditorium will offer a quiet space where you can still hear the music, but not see the stage. The inner lobby, where the concession stands are, offer some seating with little to no sound or visuals when the concert is taking place.
Sensory Bags or Items
CSO provides sensory bags or sensory items for patrons to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Included in each kit will be quiet items to fidget, sunglasses, stress balls, and noise-minimizing headphones. All you will need is a photo ID. Visit our friendly CSO table in the inner lobby to exchange your ID for a bag.
Meet Your Seat
If you and your family are attending a concert and wish to “Meet Your Seat” before the concert, please contact the Box Office at box.office@chattanoogasymphony.org or 423.267.8583 to schedule a time.
Programming
The CSO welcomes everyone to our performances, but we know that some families hesitate to bring their family members to a live concert without knowing how they might react. Our Open Chord Series are designed to be safe and accepting environments where patrons with disabilities or sensory sensitivities are free to speak and move in reaction to the music being played.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices are available at Memorial Auditorium free of charge for patrons who would benefit from additional audio amplification. These devices may be checked out at Will Call in exchange for a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID, which will be returned upon the return of the device.
ASL Interpretation
ASL Interpretation is available upon request by calling our Box Office (Tues-Fri 10 AM-3 PM) at 423.267.8583. The CSO offers a professionally signed-performance at our All-Accessible Concert.
Captioning
Stage captioning will be available at CSO’s opera performances if sung in a different language and onstage captioning will be available at our All-Accessible Concert.
Digital Programs
CSO offers our program book in digital format. Patrons are able to view the text in a font size and contrast suitable for them. The digital program book is also compatible with most speech and reading apps.
Walk the Space
If you and your family are attending a concert and wish to “Walk the Space” before the concert, please contact the Box Office at box.office@chattanoogasymphony.org or 423.267.8583 to schedule a time.
Financial Needs
The CSO is proud to offer limited free tickets to the general public through our Library Pass program.
Library Passes are free to check out.
Each library pass may be redeemed for up to 2 Adult Tickets and 4 Student/Child Tickets to the performance indicated on the pass.
To redeem your library pass, bring the pass to the CSO Box Office on the day of the performance. The CSO Box Office opens one hour before each performance at the performance location.
Library Pass tickets are not available for advance reservation.
Library Pass tickets are issued on a walk-up basis only.
Library Passes for select CSO performances are available at the following libraries:
- Chattanooga Public Library - Downtown
- Chattanooga Public Library - Eastgate
- Chattanooga Public Library - Northgate
- Chattanooga Public Library - South Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Public Library - Avondale
- E.G. Fisher Public Library
- Cleveland Bradley County Library
For more information about the CSO Library Pass checkout process, please contact one of the participating libraries above.
Personal Care Assistants
Personal Care Assistants (PCA) accompanying a patron who needs the PCA’s assistance due to a disability covered under the ADA is offered free admission. PCA’s will be required to show their ID at Will Call. Please call the Box Office (Tues-Fri, 10 AM- 3 PM) at 423.267.8583 to make ticket arrangements.
Service Animals
Qualified service dogs or miniature horses that are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with disabilities (as defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA), are welcome to attend. All other animals are not allowed in the building. Please call the Box Office (Tues-Fri, 10 AM- 3 PM) at 423.267.8583 to arrange seating.
Language
The CSO uses the AVAZA language line offered free of charge by the TN Arts Commission. AVAZA’s language line services can be accessed by calling the following: 615-534-3400, Access Code: 51607.
El CSO utiliza la línea de idiomas AVAZA que ofrece gratuitamente el TN Comisión de Artes. Se puede acceder a los servicios de la línea de idiomas de AVAZA llamando al siguiente: 615-534-3400, Código de acceso: 51607.
Seat Size
Memorial Auditorium’s raked seating has folded seats that are 19.75 inches wide. Seats have unmovable armrests. A few chairs without armrests, 22.25 inches wide, are available for any patrons who need more space. Please contact the Box Office (Tues-Fri, 10 AM- 3 PM) at 423.267.8583 and we will work with you to find an accommodation.
To purchase Accessible Seating, please contact the CSO Box Office:
423-267-8583 (Tu – Fr, 10 AM – 3 PM)
box.office@chattanoogasymphony.org
For accessibility information for any venue other than Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, please contact the CSO Box Office:
423-267-8583 (Tu – Fr, 10 AM – 3 PM)
box.office@chattanoogasymphony.org