Frequently Asked Questions

We are thrilled to welcome you back to the War Memorial Opera House for the 2024–25 Season! As you prepare for your visit, we encourage you to browse our frequently asked questions.

Have additional questions?
Call our friendly Box Office at (415) 864-3330.

• Who needs to have a ticket?

  Please note that we do not allow children under 3, including babies in arms. Everyone entering the Opera House, regardless of age, must have a ticket, and children must be seated with an accompanying adult. No lap sitting.

• Is there an age recommendation for attending an opera?

  To ensure an enjoyable and relaxed experience for everyone, we recommend that children be at least 8 years old. Programs are often more than two and a half hours long and are not always ideal for younger children. Please note that we do not allow children under 3, including babes in arms.

• How will I receive my tickets?

  Tickets for the 2024–25 Season will be mailed in August 2024. Patrons may also access their tickets on their mobile device via the San Francisco Opera app.

• What is your refund policy?

  Cast, programs, prices, and schedules are subject to change. If you can’t use your tickets, please consider exchanging, donating, or giving them to friends and family.

  Please call the Box Office at least two hours before your performance, and they will work with you to exchange your tickets into another performance. If San Francisco Opera has to cancel a performance for any reason, we will offer full refunds.

  Otherwise, all ticket sales are final and there are no refunds.

• What is your exchange policy?

  Exchanges can be made up to 2 hours before the performance by calling the Box Office at (415) 864-3330. All exchanges are subject to availability and any price differential may apply when exchanging into alternate dates.
  
  Exchanges within 2 hours of the performance are not allowed. If you are unable to exchange your tickets within two hours of the performance, call the Box Office at (415) 864-3330 before the performance begins to return tickets for a tax-deductible donation.

• Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

  Our dedicated Box Office team is available to assist patrons by phone at (415) 864-3330, Monday 10am–5pm, Tuesday–Saturday 10am–6pm, and performance days 10am through first intermission. You may also email patronservices@sfopera.com. To donate by phone, call (415) 565-3212.

• Can I buy tickets at the Box Office window?

  Yes, you can buy tickets at the Box Office Window at the hours below. You can also order online or over the phone at (415) 864-3330.

  
  Box Office Window Hours:
  Mon 10am–5pm
  Tue–Sat 10am–6pm
  On performance days the window is open from 10am through 1st intermission
  
  Box Office Phone Hours:
  Mon: 10am–5pm
  Tue-Sat: 10am–6pm
  Performance days: 10am through first intermission

• Will there be a rush ticket program this season?

  Yes.  We are offering rush tickets. Please visit sfopera.com/rush  for updates on when rush tickets become available.

• Will there be BRAVO! tix this season?

  Yes!  When available, information about this offering can be found here.

• How does Standing Room work?

  We offer 200 tickets to stand in the rear orchestra or the rear balcony for mainstage opera performances in the War Memorial Opera House.    Standing tickets are $10 and they are CASH ONLY.  They go on sale the day of each performance and are limited to two per person.  We sell the first 150 tickets starting at 10am and hold the last 50 for sale two hours prior to the performance.

  
  Please note that standing room tickets will not be available for Carmen Encounter on November 21 and are subject to availability.

• How do I join a walking group?

  Civic Center Ambassadors wearing orange jackets will be leading a walking group to the Civic Center and UC Law SF (formerly UC Hastings) garages. They will be on the north side of the main entrance steps on Van Ness holding a sign. Walking groups leave 15 minutes after the conclusion of every evening performance.

• Visitor Guidelines: Health and Safety

  San Francisco Opera’s highest priority is keeping its audience members, employees, and artists safe. The protocols have been devised in close collaboration with UCSF doctors, headed by epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford. Adjustments will be made to our visitor guidelines as we continue to work with our UCSF medical team. Please check here for updates.

• Patron Wheelchair Assistance Guidelines

   

  Patron Wheelchair Assistance Guidelines

  • The War Memorial Complex is unable to provide patrons with a wheelchair or personal assistance to navigate around the Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall or the Veterans Building venues. 
  • If you will be arriving in a wheelchair, and require assistance with activities of daily living, including transferring to and from a wheelchair, your caregiver will be granted un-seated entry to assist you and then wait in the lobby for the performance to conclude. 
  • Only in the case of unforeseen medical needs can our house EMTs provide medical assistance and/or transport. 

   

• What performances have OperaVision?

  OperaVision, HD video projection screens featured in the Balcony level for the first three performances of each production.

• Lobby Closing Time Policy

  The War Memorial Opera House lobbies close 30 minutes following the end of a performance/event. We kindly request that all patrons exit the building by that time as the doors will be locked. Please keep this in mind when arranging transportation.

  Patrons waiting for transportation after the lobbies close will be directed to wait outside of the North Stage Door in the north courtyard at Franklin Street, near Fulton Street.