Long Center

Austin, United States

4.3

Open now

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 512-457-5100
Website:
www.thelongcenter.org
Address:
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, 78704
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miCongress and Riverside
0.6 mi5th/Rio Grande
0.7 mi#10 South Bound
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Bitcoin
No
Parking
Valet, Garage, Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Ambience
Classy
Noise Level
Average
Music
Live
Good For Dancing
No
Alcohol
Full Bar
Happy Hour
No
Best Nights
Wed, Sat, Sun
Coat Check
No
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Has TV
No

Today

Today 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Austin) 10:30 AM Friday, November 29, 2024

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center is Austin’s only live entertainment venue to embrace and emphasize local talent and art, with over 80% of performances coming from local artists. We inspire creativity and collaboration, and even our grounds are open to social and community groups and events like boot camps, flash mobs, weddings, meetings and races.

Visitors enjoy unprecedented views of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake from the Long Center. Beneath the iconic «Terrace Ring,» the Long Center City Terrace invites the community to experience unmatched views during intermission, or while attending outdoor concerts or free community events like Bubblepalooza and Trailer Food Tuesday.

Our eclectic programming appeals to all ages and interests. From ballet, symphony and opera to Shakespeare, tap dance, children’s theatre, musical theatre, comedy and outdoor concerts, we have something for everyone. Performers include both touring acts and local homegrown shows. Harry Connick, Jr., Leonard Cohen, Blue Man Group and Grupo Fantasma are just a few of the favorite performers who have come through the Long Center.

History

Established in 2008.

Since its opening in 2008, the Long Center has become one of the nation’s premier cultural showplaces, a world-​class facility that is nonetheless completely and uniquely Austin.

The Long Center is the climax of a story that goes back nearly 20 years, when leaders of the arts community first coalesced around a vision, a world-​class arts center that Austin could call its own and that was fitting to the quality of work being performed here, particularly by Long Center Founding Resident Companies Austin Opera, The Austin Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Austin.

In November 1998, the citizens of Austin voted to approve the City’s plan to lease the Lester E. Palmer Auditorium to the nonprofit group Arts Center Stage, who would renovate Palmer into a community performing arts venue. In April 1999, Arts Center Stage received its lead gift of $ 20 million from Joe and Teresa Long, and the Arts Center Stage project was renamed the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Meet the Manager

Jamie G.

Manager

Jamie Grant has served as the President and CEO of the Joe and Theresa Long Center for nearly three years.

Grant served as the general manager of the Centre in the Square in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, a similar-​sized facility that is the home of the Kitchener-​Waterloo Symphony, Kitchener-​Waterloo Art Gallery and the Grand Philharmonic Choir. His previous experience includes Imperial Theatre in Saint John, New Brunswick, Heritage and Pearson Theatres in Ontario, Skylight Theatre in Toronto, and Arbor Theatre in Ontario.

A leader and innovator in the performing arts profession for many years, Grant is a founding member of Canada’s National Theatre Festival — Magnetic North Theatre Festival. He helped found «eye-​GO to the Arts,» a program designed to encourage youth to attend the performing arts, and was the founding chair of the organization. eye-​GO.

Long Center also recommends

Austin Lyric Opera

4

reviews

Opera & Ballet

,

Performing Arts

Jamie G. says,

«The Austin Symphony Orchestra is Austin’s oldest performing arts group, providing an entertaining range of classical, pops and family concerts.»

Ballet Austin

34

reviews

Performing Arts

,

Dance Schools

Jamie G. says,

«Ballet Austin takes its „classically innovative“ approach to dance that reshapes the relationship between artist and audience.»

Austin Symphony Orchestra

2

reviews

Performing Arts

Jamie G. says,

«The Austin Symphony Orchestra is Austin’s oldest performing arts group, providing an entertaining range of classical and family concerts.»

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21 reviews of Long Center

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
I love the Long Center. Fantastic view of downtown. Excellent shows. Have enjoyed many shows from various lower level seats. Have yet to try the balcony. If you sign up on their mailing lists, they will often offer last-​minute discounts to fill empty seats on shows.
Place rating: 2
Austin, TX
The Long Center is a lovely and well run venue. I have been many times to all manner of events and performances. Today, however, I was greatly disappointed. We waited in line for way too long to get in to see the Architects of Air Exhibit. The idea that you must hold a 3 show season ticket or must stand in line for close to two hours to get in is really offensive. Although I enjoyed the experience once inside, it was greatly diminished by the uncomfortable wait and the lack of access to tickets with assigned entry times. Even if those assigned times were approximate, it would greatly reduce an unreasonable time in line. I am disappointed to say that I cannot recommend that others attend under this system.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
went to see the architects of air this weekend and it was probably one of the coolest events /​exhibits i had every been to in my life such a shame it is only in town for the week cause i would love to go more than once but i will be out of town for the holiday week. def worth the long wait in line and the $ 12
Place rating: 3
Brooklyn, NY
I went to the Rollins Studio Theatre to watch a movie during the Austin Film Festival. The people running things were really organized, though that’s the Festival staff, so I won’t talk too much about them. The theatre was more like a room where you’d watch a play, with individual chairs set up and a small screen in the front. Halfway through the film, the center speaker started popping on any bassy sound, which was super distracting. Other than that, I can’t say much about my experience here.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
The summer concert series is a must go. I really enjoyed the ones I’ve gone to… strings and brass. The atmosphere is awesome. You sit on a hill and watch the sunset while listening to beautiful music. The people around you are nice and it’s altogether a chill atmosphere. Dogs and kids are all about. So it’s family friendly.
Being a nice blanket, maybe some cheese and wine, make sure you sit in the shade or soon to be shaded area. Afterward… walk home on the trail a little rather than just getting in your car and zipping home. The concert lasts about an hour.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
This is the second year I have been going to the summer outdoor concert series. I have met many great people and have listened to the various sections of the orchestra. Thanks to the Hartman Foundation
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
Fun and free! We are here for music outside Hartman Foundation concerts in the park. Get there early! We parked by the splash pad which was sadly closed for repairs. We set our blankets out and packed a picnic. The place was packed by 7. I really recommend bringing friends and family. A very fun event.
Place rating: 4
San Antonio, TX
During a recent event at the Long Center, I noticed a sign in the restroom asking for patrons to donate to the center so the arts can thrive in Austin. After looking around and taking in the entirety of the venue, I can honestly say that this place probably needs no more money as it is extremely modern and well kept.
The theater itself is enormous. There are three levels with plenty of seats in each floor. The seats are appropriately spaced and there is plenty of leg room between rows. I can’t speak for the very back, but most of the seats in the mezzanine had unobstructed views of the stage. There really didn’t seem to be a bad seat. The ushers were also very helpful when trying to find seats and there were more ushers than guests I think. They were located at the entrance to the building, at the entrance to each floor, and at each door into the theater. They came in groups of at least three and they all were very friendly. The bar was great as it overlooked the beautiful city skyline but the prices were kind of pricey. Drinks can go into the theater as well — except red wine.
The parking was cheap ($ 8) and can be accessed from both sides of the venue. The walkways from the parking garage also lead right to the box office and main entrance to the building. It was very convenient.
Overall, I would highly recommend this place for any cultural event that interests you. There are numerous quality events going on at any given time and the venue is very clean and modern.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
I’m a huge fan of the Long Center. The facility is absolutely gorgeous and its views of the Austin skyline are stunning. I’ve attended ballets, broadway shows, and an Alamo Drafthouse Action Pack Quote-​Along special at this venue. I’ve sat in all sections from the Parterre, the nosebleed balcony seats, the mezzanine, as well as the box seats. From all of my visits and varying seats, I’ve had no issue with line of sight to the stage.
Dependent on the event, I’ll often check to see if there are any eligible promo codes online that I can apply towards my purchase — surprisingly, I’ve gotten discounts that way. I even got a Unilocal Check-​In discount for my next purchase to a Long Center event for being a regular!
Parking as expected can be hectic, so to guarantee timely parking, walking, check-​in, and seating, you should arrive at least a half hour prior to showtime. The Palmer Center parking garage charges $ 7. If you have specialty license plates, you can get complimentary parking (Check the website to see if you’re eligible.)
Bathrooms are reliable and plentiful. Lines for the bar kiosks can be long, but it’s nice to have as people socialize prior to the show and during intermissions. All of the ushers have always been so polite and professional. The only downside is that because this is such a massive venue, if you’re seated higher up in the theater, it will take you forever to get down the stairs behind the flood of people trying to exit the theater. It’s all part of the theater experience though, so there’s no point in rushing.
Overall, this is an impressive venue for Austin. It’s absolutely beautiful and I love coming here.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
This is a fantastic venue for which I cannot say enough positive things. Aesthetically pleasing with beautiful large windows and a circular fixture reminiscent of a science fiction building. The long staircase fills me with daydreams of yore where society’s elite came to see to be seen. It’s all quite fantastical.
I saw the Nutcracker at the Long Center. As a venue what impressed me the most is that while intimate in feeling, it was not overly small. Further, I was concerned that our far left seats would be obscured by heads or the general viewing angle. I was surprised by how nicely situated the entire arena is for viewing a performance and I would not hesitate to take far right or left seats in the future, particularly at a cost savings. I liked that food and bar service was so close and despite a very long line at intermission, went surprisingly fast. The acoustics were impressive and in addition to hearing the orchestra, I could clearly hear the dancers pointe shoes striking the wooden floor– this from the mezzanine more than 25 rows back!
Top off all that with valet service and I wish every concert or show could be held at the Long Center!
I docked 1 star because while I was comfortable, I heard a number of men whispering that the seats were uncomfortable.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
Gorgeous building, but my first time here the entrance confused the hell out of me. Also, definitely not enough ladies restrooms. Took all of intermission just to stand in line. They have a lot of interesting performances, and I’d love to go back again to see something.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
I’ve had a pleasant experience every time I’ve gone to the Long Center. It’s clean, spacious, and you have a good view of the stage from mezzanine.
Some advice:
It’s a bit of a trek from the parking garage to the Long Center so arrive early, especially if you are with children or anyone else who may take a while to walk over. The parking garage costs $ 7.
The line for the bathroom gets very long at intermission so plan your path there before the show. Best bet is to get seats on the end of a row and get there first.
If you are planning to drink or get snacks be prepared to pay a premium. Also, like the bathroom the lines can get very long. If you want a drink or snack at intermission you should pay for it before the show so they can have it ready for you at intermission.
In summary, come early, bring $ 7 for parking, locate the bathrooms before the show.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
Beautiful venue and excellent, efficient workers. Came to see David Sedaris and thought the whole thing was very pleasant. I used to work in a concert hall as an usher, so I am very attuned to the role of the staff in a venue such as this. Everything was seamless, they were organized, accommodating, and helpful.
The venue itself is very modern with a classic hint. Lots and lots of seating. The seats were pretty comfortable, which is saying a lot since I have a bad back, although there isn’t a lot of space on the sides. To be expected, not a big deal.
It’s kind of annoying to have to pay $ 7 for parking (I hear it’s being raised to $ 8, according to posted signs), but at least they have plenty of it. What can ya do?
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
I attended a whiskey tasting event here & on the outside the word «skyline» was illuminated. I wasn’t sure though if this was the name of this outdoor area or the name of the event I was attending. Either way the outside area was fantastic! I attended at night & it was the perfect backdrop to view the Austin skyline (again, maybe this is the name of what they are calling this area). All I could think while I was there was how cool it would be to have a nighttime wedding reception there. Will definitely want to check this out in the future if I need a venue for a special event.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
Wow… so I have been to so many events at the Long Center that I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed it until now!
This fabulous venue is so mutli-​faceted it is incredible! The plethora of events they host run a spectrum that very few other venues can boast!
I have been to:
–Broadway Shows
–Local Theater Productions
–Private Party Rental Space
–International Culture Shows
–USA World Cup Viewing Party
–Summer Movie Series
–Food Truck Trailer Tuesdays
–Master Pancake Viewing Party
–Swanky Fundraisers
–Their Open House showcasing the many ways they use this facility
Seriously, this venue has everything and anything that is art or culturally relevant to Austin and also has one of the best views of the skyline! It is just a fantastically stunning piece of architecture as well!
Even if you aren’t coming to watch some sort of show here, you can come and cloudwatch from the sweeping lawn space in front of the terrace.
This is the most versatile event venue in the city and one of my favorite places! Again, my only gripe w/​most places in dwntwn ATX is parking… unless you have a pretty penny to pay for valet or want to dish out some dollars for the adjacent parking garage, you have to parking spot scout on the side streets; if you do, allow yourself an extra 30mins before your show!
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
Went to the Skyline Event and I have to say that there are very few places as cool as the Long Center. Whether you’re inside the beautiful building or walking about the outside area, you can’t go wrong. Although my review is centered on an event here, I have to say that the success of it all had to do with the location. If you get the opportunity to attend anything hosted by the Long Center, jump on it immediately. You’ll be happy you did.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
We went to the Long Center Rollins Theater to watch a movie. Afterwards we found all the food trucks on the outdoor terrace for Trailer Park Tuesday. I had no idea food trucks gathered here! It was such nice weather, we were starving, and the collection of trucks out were all the featured Paypal deals I’ve wanted to try — Peached Tortilla, Boomerang Pies, and Mellizoz Tacos!
Movie, dinner, 80 degree weather, and a beautiful view of Austin on the Long Center terrace. Perfect date night!
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
The Long Center is Amazing! We came for the Symphony of Terror this past weekend and could not have asked for more. Seats were comfortable and offered great viewing angles to the main stage. The acoustics in the building were Awesome. Parking was exceptionally convenient as it was attached to the building and not badly priced either at $ 7.00; definitely beats driving around in circles when you’re already running late for a show.
Place rating: 4
San Antonio, TX
I’m sure a lot of craziness goes on here during SXSW every year, but this year may have been a little crazier — Jimmy Kimmel Live during SXSW. Even with the long lines and thousands of people, the people at the Long Center, along with employees of
did a great job managing the crowd and organizing the entire function. Two thumbs up!
Upon entrance to this super duper long line to get inside the venue, there were portable bathrooms and an area with plenty of food and drinks (super pricey!). Once in the line, you could still leave, given someone was watching your place, but even with the hour-​and-​a-​half that it took to get out of the line, I was very pleased with the way they handled it. Once inside, there was again many people jam packed right outside of the main theatre, yet we weren’t let in until a few minutes before the show. This was probably the only thing I didn’t enjoy.
Other than that — a very clean venue with comfortable seats. The seats were also not difficult to find, as they were clearly labeled, and the staff was very helpful. Definitely a fabulous venue for Jimmy Kimmel Live, and I’d for for come back for any other events.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
I love the variety of culture at this place. I’ve seen it host everything from Blue Man Group to Video Games Live to Who’s Line Is It Anyway Live. The sound inside is great and the seats and the bathrooms are immaculate (it’s a theater, what else is there that matters?!)
You can count on getting into the parking garage (typically for $ 10) and a short walk over to the theater or park further down Barton Springs for free and walk a little further on a rare cool Austin evening.
Place rating: 4
Richmond, VA
I’d be hard pressed to find a bad seat in the house.
I’d avoid the bar, as venues typically way overcharge on any beverage. The actual seats are pretty comfortable. Tonight’s production of «A Chorus Line» had some sound issues, but overall, I very much enjoyed it. The cast was wonderful.
I’ve attended events at The Long Center a few times and it’s always been a very pleasant experience. It’s clearly one of the premier venues in Austin and they clearly take that very seriously. I look forward to my next visit.