FAQs

• Face masks are not required but are highly recommended for all patrons.
• Face masks will still be available in the lobby or upon request.

• Our air handlers have been optimized to provide the greatest amount of outside air exchange, and have upgraded MERV13 filtration.

• Hand sanitizer will be available at all entry and exit points (doors, elevators, etc.)

• Auditoriums will be cleaned and sanitized following every performance. Hammer staff will perform ongoing spot cleaning on high touch surfaces and the building will be cleaned and sanitized every night. Anti-bacterial wipes will also be available.

• The Box Office will be open Tuesday through Friday, from 1 to 5 pm, as well as 30 minutes before most events.

• All in-person sales will be processed with credit cards only. No cash.
• Tickets will be delivered via email or mobile only. No printed ticket will be offered.
• Please note that contact information will be collected for all ticket transactions to help facilitate any possible future contact tracing. 
• To encourage those who feel unwell to stay home, we have expanded our refund and exchange policy to be more flexible. Please work with the Box Office if you have any questions.

• Will-Call services will no longer be offered.

• Most events will be sold as assigned seating, but General seating will be an option as well depending on the needs of the performance or event.

• Ushers will be available at auditorium doors to guide patrons to their seats, assist, and enforce protocols.

• Listening devices and sensory bags will be available for patrons to check out. These devices will be cleaned and disinfected between usage.
• Ushers will assist patrons with accessibility devices (i.e. walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, etc.) if the device is blocking egress pathways. Gloves will be worn anytime an usher needs to handle an accessibility device.

• Programs will be provided in digital format (via email and QR codes), unless otherwise requested by a patron. Printed programs will be available upon request.

• Concessions services will be open!
• No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the main auditorium or Hammer4. If you arrive at the theatre with food from outside you are welcome to finish it in the lobby.

Our Box Office will be open 30 minutes prior to most event start times.

• Performances, screenings, concerts, and any other events at the Hammer Theatre are anticipated to begin promptly on time, please arrive at least 20 minutes BEFORE the start time of the event to ensure you are seated and comfortable by the time the performance begins.
• You will also want to arrive for performances early enough to allow time for parking. Downtown San José is quite busy, particularly during the holiday season, and parking structures can fill up quickly. VTA light rail stops are also convenient, the Paseo de San Antonio stops along 1st & 2nd Streets provide access to the theatre after a short walk.

• Usually doors into the building will open 1 hour prior to the performance start time, and doors into the theatre will open 30 minutes prior.

• We strive to begin our performances on time. To avoid disturbing both the actors and other patrons, latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager. You may be asked to wait in the lobby, or other alternate seating. Late seating after curtain-time could be as late as intermission. We encourage all patrons to arrive at the theatre early.

• Outside food and drink is permitted in the lobby, but NOT permitted in the theatre auditorium. Outside beverages and water bottles may be taken inside the theatre if they have a lid. We also have concessions food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase for most events. You can find a full menu here.

• Located between San José State University’s main campus and Cesar Chavez Park, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and diners nearby!  You can find coffee shops and sit-down quick bites along the Paseo, walk down 2nd street for restaurants, or enjoy Whispers cafe right behind the Hammer building!

• The Hammer Theatre Center is located at 101 Paseo de San Antonio in downtown San José between South 2nd & 3rd Streets, and San Carlos & San Fernando Streets. There are several conveniently located parking garages and lots near the theatre.  Unfortunately, we are unable to validate parking for the nearby garages/lots, but some of the nearby eateries or grocery stores will validate with the purchase of food. There is also metered street parking. For complete information about parking locations and programs, visit www.parksj.org.

• Yes, typically there is a $5 convenience fee when purchasing tickets online. Tickets purchased at the Box Office window or over the phone do not carry any convenience charges. Every seat sold includes a $1 Capital Fund Fee, which goes to the care and upkeep of our beautiful building. You can also purchase tickets online at: www.hammersjsu.wpengine.com.

• Group Ticket Discounts, SJSU student discounts, and other special offers will vary depending on performance, inquire at the Box Office for more information.

• ALL patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter theatre, by order of the Fire Marshal. LAP PASSES for young children are sometimes available for certain performances, but you must purchase either a ticket or a lap pass for your child to enter the theatre. Inquire at Box Office for additional information.
• Although the Hammer Theatre often presents family shows geared toward all ages, we do not recommend live theatre performances for children under the age of 4.

• If you or a family member have difficulty seeing above taller patrons seated in front of you, booster seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, just ask your ushers!

• Unless told otherwise by a Hammer staff member, consider all sales final, no refunds or exchanges.

Exchange policies vary and are set by the presenter of each event.

• We welcome service animals, but no pets please! While Emotional Support Animals or Comfort Animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not considered service animals under the ADA and are therefore not permitted in the theatre. Thank you for your understanding.

• Wheelchair seating is available in both our Orchestra and Balcony sections.
• The Parterre seating section is only accessible by stairs.

• Assistive listening devices are available for patrons with impaired hearing, free of charge, at the Concierge window. Patrons are asked to leave a photo ID to check out the listening device.
• We work with Kulture City, a nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. “A world where everyone can be accepted and included”-Kulture City