Arizona State University’s Gammage is both a historic building and a vital part of the cultural life of ASU and the city of Tempe.

It is one of the largest university-affiliated performing arts presenters in the world, and is home to the Progressive Broadway Across America – Arizona series and the ASU Gammage Beyond series. Gammage also manages all operations at ASU’s Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale, and features select events at the Galvin Playhouse, located on the ASU campus. In addition to the main Broadway season, Gammage presents special theatrical engagements and performances of music, dance, comedy and more.

The ASU Gammage facility was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His plan for an opera house was originally intended to be built in Baghdad, Iraq, but his close friend and ASU president Grady Gammage asked him to create a unique auditorium for the university. Neither Wright nor Gammage lived to see the completion of the building, both dying in 1959, but Wright’s trusted aide William Welsey Peters oversaw its completion within deadline.

The Gammage held its first concert in 1964, a performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy. In its near-half century of history it has featured many of the world’s most prominent performers in many disciplines, most notably in recent years hosting the 2004 Presidential Debates. Its auditorium seats 3,000, with a circular form designed for optimal acoustics, and to impart a feeling of welcome to all visitors.

ASU Gammage Information

• Other Venues: Galvin Playhouse (51 East 10th Street), Kerr Cultural Center (6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)
• Public Transportation: Good for Gammage and Galvin Playhouse (both easily accessible by Valley Metro buses 40, 65, and 66; Tempe Orbit – Venus and Jupiter; and Tempe Flash – all at 11th Street/Mill Avenue). Fair for Kerr Cultural Center (a 3-minute walk from bus 72 at Scottsdale Road/Rose Lane)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good
• Performances/Programs: Approximately 100 events per season
• Ticket Prices: Vary (free-$100) depending on event and seating choice
• Subscriptions/Membership: Season tickets available to the Gammage Broadway Season. Mini-subscriptions also available, including four performances from the Broadway Season and Special Engagements.