Helpful Tips

Personal Responsibility Statement

Wharton Center offers a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

Information for specific events can be found on the events page.

Before You Arrive

Parking: Please note that all parking ramps and all surface lots are staffed and operated by MSU Parking Services and have different parking fees depending on day and time. If you have comments or suggestions, please contact Parking Services at (517) 355-8440.

Directions & Parking
Children and Families: Infants and newborns are not permitted. Everyone attending must have a ticket and be able to sit in a seat. Children under 5 years of age are not permitted unless otherwise advertised.

Ushers may ask families with children who are noisy or disruptive to leave the theatre. There are monitors on all lobby levels on which the show can be viewed.

Two, all-gender family restrooms are available in the Sierra Lobby and are equipped with changing tables.

Booster seats are available at the Patron Services Desk.

Family events

Many Wharton Center programs are offered for youth and families. Ticket policies may vary based on programming; in general, a ticket is required, regardless of age.

Please review the event page for age recommendations or contact Wharton Center Ticket Office for more information regarding suggested age appropriateness and/or ticket policies for each of our programs.
Cameras & Recording Devices: Cameras and other recording devices (audio, video and still) are not permitted in the theatre and may be confiscated if used during a performance. If brought into the facility, cameras may be checked at Patron Services located across from Wharton Gifts.
Cell Phone & Personal Electronic Device Policy: The use of cell phones and other electronic devices during performances is strictly prohibited, except at those performances specifically designated as Sensory-Friendly. Cellular phones and other devices can cause distractions to performers and other patrons and will be confiscated. Please turn off all devices.
Late Seating Policy: Every effort is made to start performances at the announced hour unless there is an unavoidable delay. In consideration of our patrons and performers, anyone arriving while a performance is in progress will be seated only at times designated by the artist and their management. Late-arriving patrons may be directed to seats in the rear of the theatre until intermission.

Performance times vary. Please check your tickets carefully for the date and time, and plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the performance start time on your ticket.

Specific late seating information may be available on the performance event page.
Smoking: Wharton Center is a non-smoking, tobacco-free, e-cigarette/personal vaporizer-free facility. Michigan State University is a tobacco-free campus. For guidelines and more information visit Tobacco-Free MSU.
All Ticket Sales Are Final: Refunds, exchanges are not possible. Performances are not canceled and refunds are not provided due to weather conditions.

Ticket Office information and purchasing FAQs
Sound: Many touring companies provide their own sound systems and audio technicians. Should you have comments or suggestions, please tell your usher.