E.J. Thomas Hall – Northeast Ohio Venue Guide
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall is a cultural landmark in Northeast Ohio, known for delivering world-class entertainment in a refined and acoustically exceptional setting. Located on the campus of the University of Akron, this stunning venue is one of the region's most beloved stages for Broadway tours, symphonies, ballets, lectures, and concerts.
Since opening in 1973, E. J. Thomas Hall has hosted an impressive array of performances from renowned classical musicians, award-winning theater productions, iconic speakers, and popular music acts. Whether you're attending a touring Broadway show, a concert with the Akron Symphony, or a university event, the experience here is both elegant and intimate.
Planning a visit is simple. Our platform enables you to browse upcoming events, explore seating options, and secure verified tickets—all in one convenient location. Here's everything you need to know for your visit to this historic and sophisticated venue.
Venue Navigation and Seating
E.J. Thomas Hall features a tiered theater layout with excellent acoustics and clear sightlines from every seat. The hall's innovative design allows flexibility in audience size, with a full capacity of around 2,955 seats.
Seating Overview:
Orchestra Level
Closest to the stage and ideal for those seeking an immersive, up-close experience. These seats offer direct views of performers and are popular for music concerts and plays.
Loge Level
The first elevated tier provides an outstanding balance between view and acoustics. Often considered the "sweet spot," these seats offer a wider visual perspective of the entire stage.
Balcony Level
Located on the upper tier, these seats offer an ideal vantage point for those who prefer a panoramic view of the stage and the venue. Sound travels clearly throughout the hall, even at the highest level.
Box Seating
Limited side box seating may be available during select events. These offer a semi-private viewing experience.
All seating is reserved, and ushers are available to assist you in finding your seat.
Accessibility
- E.J. Thomas Hall is fully accessible and committed to accommodating guests with disabilities.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in multiple areas
- Elevators and ramps provide access to all levels
- Assistive listening devices are available upon request at the information desk.
- Large print programs and ASL interpretation are available with advance notice.
- Service animals are welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines
Guests requiring special accommodations should contact the venue at least one week before the event to arrange their needs.
Location and Transportation
Address:
E. J. Thomas Hall
198 Hill Street, Akron, OH 44325
Located on the University of Akron campus, just minutes from downtown Akron and easily accessible from I-76, I-77, and Route 8.
Parking
- On-site parking is available in the surrounding university garages and surface lots
- Pre-paid parking passes may be offered for major events
- Parking attendants will assist in directing traffic and available spaces
Public Transit
- METRO Regional Transit buses serve downtown Akron and stop near the venue
- Accessible via ride services from the Cleveland or Canton areas
Rideshare and Drop-Off
- Dedicated drop-off/pickup zone at the main entrance off Hill Street
- Rideshare pickup is smooth post-show, thanks to the university's traffic management
E.J. Thomas Hall Dining Options
Inside the Hall
- Light refreshments, snacks, and beverages are available at the lobby concessions.
- Wine and soft drinks may be available at evening performances
- Concessions open before the curtain and during intermission
Nearby Dining Options
- Explore downtown Akron for pre-show dining at places like Crave, Diamond Deli, Luigi's, and The Lockview.
- Coffee and light bites are available nearby at Akron Coffee Roasters or Nervous Dog.
- Many options are walkable or within a short drive
Security and Entry Policies
- J. Thomas Hall strives to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all guests. Please plan accordingly:
Bag Policy:
- Small handbags and clutches are permitted
- Backpacks, large totes, and oversized bags are not allowed
- All guests and bags are subject to security screening
Prohibited Items:
- Outside food and beverages
- Weapons, illegal substances, or disruptive objects
- Cameras and recording equipment (unless otherwise specified)
General Policies:
- No smoking or vaping inside or near entrances
- Re-entry is not permitted once the performance begins
- Late seating may be restricted until intermission, depending on the event
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to park and get seated comfortably
- Silence phones and devices before the performance begins
- Dress code is typically business casual, though some patrons dress formally for opening nights and symphonies
- Take advantage of pre-show talks or post-show discussions when available
- Photography is generally not allowed during performances
Upcoming Events at E. J. Thomas Hall
E.J. Thomas Hall hosts a robust year-round calendar of live performances, including:
- Touring Broadway musicals
- Classical and contemporary concerts
- Ballet and modern dance performances
- Guest lectures and speaker series
- Cultural festivals and student showcases
Check BoxOfficeTicketSales.com for the full schedule and to book your seats today.
100% Guarantee & Security
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- Trust & Safety: We implement stringent verification for sellers and use secure transaction processing. We keep your personal data confidential and never share it with unauthorized parties. Your purchase information is encrypted end-to-end.
- Customer Support: From purchase to the moment you’re in your seat enjoying the opening number, we’re here if you need us. We’re proud of our A+ rating with the BBB and the positive feedback from thousands of customers who’ve enjoyed shows thanks to our service.
- Nationwide Coverage: Not only for E.J. Thomas Hall, but we provide access to 125,000+ events across concerts, sports, theater, and more. This means you can plan all your entertainment in one place – maybe today it’s E.J. Thomas Hall, tomorrow it’s a big concert or a baseball game – we likely have tickets for those too. And every transaction comes with the same safety and support guarantees.
In summary, securing your E.J. Thomas Hall tickets with us means you can focus on looking forward to the show – we’ll handle the rest. Prepare to have a great time experiencing your event at E.J. Thomas Hall. Your time at E.J. Thomas Hall is set to be stress-free and spectacular. Enjoy the show!