After 40 amazing years, we’re replacing all the Performance Hall seats with new chairs, and we can’t wait to show them off.
Some big changes are coming along with these new seats. Here’s what you have to look forward to the next time you come to the Lincoln Center!
Seat Numbering
As we change our seats, the seat numbering is changing too. To make finding your seat easier, we are switching to arena-style nomenclature. What does that mean? It means that each seat has a unique, consecutive number based on its section location, so now finding your seat will be easier. Click here to find detailed graphics of our new seating charts.
Cupholders
You’ve asked for it, and they’re finally here! You will now have a place to put your drink so you can enjoy the show without worrying about spilling it while you start to shimmy and sway to the music or pitch and yaw with laughter at our world-class comedians.
Padding
We want you to be comfortable and enjoy your show, so our new seats come with more padding—three inches of padding on the cushion, to be exact. You might even feel like you’re watching the show from the comfort of your own couch.
Transfer Chairs
It’s important that the arts are made accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve added transfer chairs in the first row of the theater. These new seats are made so that the armrests easily move up and out of the way, making it easier for someone to pivot into the seat. Now folks who have special seating needs will have more options on where to sit.
Aisle Lighting
Not only will we be getting new lighting to mark the aisles, the new aisle lights will now indicate the row letters as well! No more wandering in the dark looking for your seat!
Light Locks
For the last 40 years, leaving the theater during a show through the doors located in the upper mezzanine has always caused a distraction, mainly due to the light flooding in when those doors are opened. Now we’ve installed light locks — which are essentially outer rooms with curtains — by the mezzanine doors upstairs. Now people will be able to come and go without distracting other audience members from the show.
Flooring
Although it may not be immediately apparent, the concrete flooring under the seats has gotten an upgrade too. It will now be sealed and polished for easier cleanup. And as all these upgrades are being made, the carpeting is also being replaced for a fresh new look.
Other Improvements
We’ve made other improvements as well, like adding underground trenches to run sound, lighting and other technical cables through, as well as adding black paint to areas near the stage to cut out visual distractions during the show.
Along with all of these important upgrades that will improve your experience at the Lincoln Center, we are raising $100,000 to help offset the costs of this greatly-needed project with a total cost coming in at over a half million dollars. You can help us by Taking Your Seat, and becoming a part of our future. When you Take Your Seat, we’ll personalize a seat plate with an inscription of your choice for placement on the new seats—so you can share your love for the arts with the world. To take part, click here!