The University of Arizona has played a key role in Tucson’s cultural life for over a century. An official school of music was created in 1926, allowing the small desert town of 30,000 to enjoy an uncommonly active musical climate. In 1937 the school’s Main Auditorium opened, featuring a wide variety of performing arts over the subsequent decades. A renovation beginning in 1984 brought the Auditorium into the modern age, installing acoustic paneling, enlarging the dressing rooms, and doubling the size of the stage to allow for larger productions, particularly of Broadway shows. To honor the University’s 100th anniversary, Main Auditorium was renamed Centennial Hall.
Centennial Hall serves as the home to UA Presents, a department of the University (formerly known as the Office of Cultural Affairs) that brings performing arts events of international caliber to the school and its surrounding community. Events featured include dance, music, drama and spoken word; the Hall also features performances by students in all manner of disciplines.
University of Arizona Centennial Hall Information
- Public Transportation: Good (a short walk from bus 1 at Park Avenue/University Blvd.; a 4-minute walk from bus 6 at Euclid Avenue/University Blvd.; and an 8-minute walk from buses 9, 15, 20, 102X, and 103X at Cherry Avenue/University Blvd. and bus 3 at Park Avenue/6th Street)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Over 50 performances per season as part of the UA Presents series, as well as pre-performance talks at every event, student workshops and community outreach activities
- Ticket Prices: Vary ($15-65) depending on event, seating, and discounts for students, seniors, military and UA faculty/staff
- Group Discounts: Groups of 10-19 save 10%; groups of 20 + save 20%
- Subscriptions/Membership: Subscriptions available for either 4 or 8 events, at discounts of 10% and 20%, respectively; prices vary depending on seating group.
