About San Mateo Performing Arts Center
San Mateo Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) is a large indoor theater owned by the San Mateo Union High School District, located on the San Mateo High School campus. It originally opened in 1963 but was completely rebuilt and modernized in 2013. Today it’s a three-story, 1,540-seat venue – the largest theater between San Francisco and Cupertino (www.calpops.org ). The design features a glass-walled lobby and wraparound mezzanine balconies, creating an inviting, contemporary atmosphere. The renovation added a full orchestra pit, fly loft and advanced technical infrastructure (aiare.org ). Modern acoustics and sightlines were engineered so that “there is no bad seat in the house” (schoolconstructionnews.com ), a level of quality praised by musicians and architects alike. SMPAC’s blend of professional-grade design with its role as a high school auditorium makes it a special cultural landmark in the Bay Area.
Events and Programming
The Performing Arts Center hosts a diverse range of shows throughout the year. Its calendar includes Broadway-style musicals (often produced locally by groups like Broadway by the Bay), dance recitals, theater productions and school concerts. Professional orchestras and bands use the stage as well, including the Peninsula Symphony and the California Pops Orchestra (www.qka.com ) (peninsulasymphony.org ). You’ll also find comedies, children’s shows, lectures and community events. The venue serves the entire Peninsula: for example, Peninsula Symphony holds several subscription concerts here each season (peninsulasymphony.org ). The high school’s drama and music programs regularly put on plays and concerts in the CENTER, alongside visiting artists. Recurring events often include holiday concerts, tribute bands, and touring family performances. Ticket prices vary widely by event type (community shows might be $20–$30, while touring Broadway concerts or symphonies can be $50–$100+). Many seasons offer subscription packages or student discounts. For up-to-date listings, check the official SMPAC schedule or local arts calendars.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets can be purchased online through the venue’s official box office system or through the presenter/promoter’s authorized outlets. On performance days, the SMPAC box office (located in the lobby) opens one hour before curtain (www.calpops.org ). Doors to the theater generally open about 30 minutes before showtime, so arriving early is advised. Box office staff can help with seating and will-call ticket pickup. For popular shows that sell out, advance purchase is best – request early access or membership presales if available. The venue has four ticket windows (two facing inside the building and two outside) to accommodate both advance and walk-up sales (facilities.facilitron.com ). Season subscriptions are often available for series like the Pops or Symphony, with the convenience of a single purchase for multiple concerts. Refund and exchange policies depend on the event; generally tickets are non-refundable. When planning, consider that SMPAC often coordinates with nearby shows, so booking through a central ticketing service (or the specific group running the event) ensures lower fees and reliable customer support.
Seating and Layout
SMPAC’s auditorium is designed for great sightlines and comfort. The seats are fixed in a gentle stadium slope from front to back. The orchestra level (main floor) has 1,540 chairs total (www.calpops.org ). A balcony or mezzanine level wraps around the sides, adding an upper tier of seating that brings even the back rows fairly close to the stage. Two wide center aisles and many aisle seats mean it’s easy to access almost any seat (www.calpops.org ). All seats are reserved; there is no general-admission standing room. The renovation was intended to make the audience feel closer to the performance, and indeed most viewers agree that the theater has an intimate feel. According to the architect, “the whole audience is much closer to the stage,” so that “there is no bad seat in the house both visually and acoustically” (schoolconstructionnews.com ). For the best overall view, middle orchestra center or lower mezzanine center rows are often ideal. However, even side and balcony seats enjoy excellent sound and sightlines. Just behind or below the stage is the orchestra pit, which can be raised or lowered as needed for live musicians (schoolconstructionnews.com ). Acoustic treatments and a state-of-the-art sound system ensure that music and dialogue carry clearly throughout all levels of the hall. (www.calpops.org ) (schoolconstructionnews.com )
Getting There and Parking
SMPAC is located at 600 North Delaware Street in San Mateo (ZIP 94401), on the north end of the San Mateo High School campus. It is easily reached by car via U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 92, which are both nearby (www.calpops.org ). Visitors will see clear signage for the school and Performing Arts Center as they approach.
Parking: There is ample free parking on-site. Approximately 500 parking spaces are available on the high school campus, and parking is free of charge (www.calpops.org ) (www.calpops.org ). Additional neighborhood parking can be found on East Poplar Avenue (near the Adult School) and other nearby campus lots. The new parking lot behind the theater is convenient to the front entrance. During large events, lot volunteers or signs will help direct you to open areas. Street parking is also free in most adjacent areas, but double-check for any posted restrictions.Drop-off and Rideshare: A covered passenger drop-off area is located directly in front of the theater entrance (www.calpops.org ). Drivers may stop briefly there to unload passengers. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drop-offs work well using the same entrance. After dropping off, vehicles should pull into the campus parking lot. Note that alcohol is prohibited on campus, so there is no valet or bar drive-through.Public Transit: The venue is accessible by local bus and train. SamTrans bus route 292 has a stop at 640 N. Delaware St right by SMPAC (www.samtrans.com ), providing service between San Francisco, SFO, and nearby Hillsdale Mall. Other SamTrans lines serve the San Mateo High School area (check samtrans.com for current routes and schedules). Nearby Caltrain stations include Hayward Park (approximately 0.7 miles east) and Hillsdale (about 1.5 miles west). These can be reached by a short taxi/Uber ride or by transferring to a local bus. There is no direct BART line to the theater, but BART riders can transfer at Millbrae and take the KX or the 292 bus. For bicyclists, bike racks are available on campus (San Mateo encourages multi-modal transit).
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, guests enter a spacious three-story lobby with high ceilings and large glass windows (www.qka.com ). The lobby contains restrooms on each level, a coat check and will-call desk, and large video screens displaying previews or information about the show (www.qka.com ) (facilities.facilitron.com ). A fully equipped concession stand is located in the lobby, offering snacks, soft drinks, ice cream and other refreshments before the show and during intermission (facilities.facilitron.com ). (Note that the venue does not serve alcoholic beverages, as alcohol is prohibited on school property (facilities.facilitron.com ).) There is a cloakroom where patrons can check coats and umbrellas. Audience members should follow posted signage or usher directions for restroom and auditorium entry. During performances, the doors inside the lobby will open into the auditorium roughly 30 minutes before showtime, as noted above (www.calpops.org ). The theater’s interior is typically cool, so bringing a light sweater or jacket is recommended. The seating area is generally clean and well-maintained, and many visitors note comfortable seats with ample legroom. Photography or video recording in the theater is typically not allowed during performances. Guests should silence cell phones and avoid distracting others. During intermission, guests may stretch their legs, visit the restroom, or step outside in the lobby area and enjoy the atmosphere. The venue operates a lost-and-found at the box office for any personal items, and staff are available to assist with any special needs or seating questions.
Nearby Amenities
The San Mateo Performing Arts Center is near several convenient amenities. Within 5–10 minutes’ walk or drive, you’ll find:
Dining: The Shoreview Plaza (adjacent to the campus) and downtown San Mateo corridor (about 1 mile away on El Camino Real and near Notre Dame Ave) offer a variety of restaurants and cafes. Options range from casual diners and pizza places to coffee shops and fast-casual eateries for pre- or post-show meals. A few blocks east on 3rd Avenue in Hillsdale Village there are also quick bites and popular chain restaurants. The historic downtown area (B Street and 3rd Avenue intersection) has sit-down restaurants and bars for drinks after the show.Hotels: San Mateo and neighboring cities have several lodging options. Visitors often stay in nearby Burlingame or Millbrae near the airport, where chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Hampton Inn are located (about 1-3 miles away). There are also boutique inns and budget motels in San Mateo and Alameda de las Pulgas corridor. Downtown San Mateo (less than 3 miles) offers additional hotels near Caltrain. Redwood City (to the north) and Burlingame provide further choices within a short drive.Transit Hubs: If using public transit, the nearby Hillsdale Mall/Caltrain station (within 1 mile) has shops and eateries. Downtown San Mateo (1.5 miles west, next to the Caltrain station) has a Starbucks and sandwich shops. For late-night departure, rideshare pick-up spots are plentiful along Delaware and nearby streets.
What Makes This Venue Special
San Mateo Performing Arts Center stands out for its combination of scale, modern amenities and community focus. Architecturally, the three-story glass lobby and vaulted ceilings give a dramatic entrance, and extensive artwork or school displays in the lobby create a local charm. Technically, the venue received design awards for its renovation (aiare.org ). It brought a 1950s auditorium up to 21st-century standards, complete with a scene shop, dressing rooms and cutting-edge lighting and AV systems (www.qka.com ) (facilities.facilitron.com ). Culturally, SMPAC uniquely bridges high school education and public arts – students rehearse and perform on the same stage that hosts professional symphonies and touring Broadway musicals. Alumni and locals often recall watching school productions here, and the upgraded theater has become a source of community pride. Its role as a large, air-conditioned venue in a suburban setting also means it hosts events that might otherwise only be available in downtown San Francisco or Oakland, enriching San Mateo’s arts scene. Artists and performers remark on the venue’s excellent acoustics and sightlines (www.calpops.org ) (schoolconstructionnews.com ). Finally, the center’s accessibility and free parking make it convenient, helping to draw audiences from across the Peninsula. In short, SMPAC is prized by audiences and performers alike for its modern comfort, technical quality and its position as a cultural hub on the Peninsula.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan to arrive early to fully enjoy the experience. Since the box office opens only one hour before curtain (www.calpops.org ), ticket-holders arriving later may have lines. If you purchased electronic tickets, you can pick them up at will-call or bring them on your phone. Be sure to note the theatre’s policy: no outside food or drink of any kind is permitted inside (facilities.facilitron.com ), but ample concessions are available in the lobby. The campus rules strictly prohibit carrying alcohol (facilities.facilitron.com ), so even if you have a wine and cheese dinner nearby, it must stay outside. The venue is fully ADA accessible (www.calpops.org ). Wheelchair and companion seats are available on the main floor; if you need them, mention it when booking or notify staff at the door. Children are welcome at performances (some events even encourage family seating) (www.calpops.org ), though parents are asked to supervise quietly. Check each event’s age recommendation, as some shows may be more suitable for older kids or have teenage themes. Dress is casual or smart-casual – there’s no formal dress code, but many people opt for neat daytime attire. During evening shows, theater temperatures are often kept cool, so bringing a light jacket is wise. Photography is generally disallowed during shows, and guests are expected to turn off or silence cell phones. Finally, if you need to leave temporarily (for children or other reasons), you can step into the lobby area – but show staff usually do not readmit latecomers after the performance has started, so avoid interrupting the show. After the show, neighborhood parking is generally safe but take advantage of multiple exits to beat traffic. Overall, treating the venue as a respectful performance space will ensure a smooth visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seats does the San Mateo Performing Arts Center have?
The theater has 1,540 seats (www.calpops.org ). This includes the main orchestra level and a wrapped-around mezzanine balcony. All seats are fixed and reserved; there are no general admission standing areas.
Are there wheelchair-accessible seats and facilities?
Yes. SMPAC was renovated to be ADA-compliant (www.calpops.org ). There are elevators to the mezzanine and multiple wheelchair spaces (and companion seats) on the main floor. Accessible routes and restroom stalls are provided. If you need assistance, contact the box office ahead of time or an usher on arrival.
Where can I buy tickets, and does the box office have special hours?
Tickets can be purchased online through the venue or event promoter’s official channel, or directly at the SMPAC box office. On show days, the box office opens 1 hour before the performance (www.calpops.org ). Tickets are often also sold in advance via subscription sales and official vendor outlets. There are four ticket windows (two inside, two outside) to serve patrons (facilities.facilitron.com ). If buying day-of, arrive early to avoid lines. If you have a will-call reservation, pick it up at the box office when it’s open.
What are typical ticket price ranges for events here?
Prices vary widely by event. Community and school performances may be as low as the mid-$20s. Local symphony or pops concerts often have tickets in the $25–$60 range. Touring Broadway musicals, large-scale productions or special concerts can be $50–$100 or more. Student and senior discounts may be offered for certain shows. Check the specific event details for the exact pricing, and consider subscription packages if you plan to attend multiple events.
Is parking available, and how much does it cost?
Yes. Parking on the school campus is free for SMPAC patrons (www.calpops.org ). There are about 500 spaces in lot areas around the venue (www.calpops.org ). You can park in any open space on campus (no permit needed on event nights). Additional free parking is available on nearby streets (for example, on E. Poplar Ave across from the Adult School) (www.calpops.org ). Give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot on busy nights.
How can I get to SMPAC by public transportation?
The venue is served by local transit. SamTrans bus route 292 stops at 640 N Delaware St right in front of SMPAC (www.samtrans.com ) (this route connects to San Francisco, SFO airport and Hillsdale Mall). Other SamTrans lines in the area stop a few blocks away along El Camino Real or Delaware. The nearest Caltrain stations are Hayward Park and Hillsdale; from there you can take a short bus or ride-share. BART users can travel to Millbrae station and transfer to SamTrans for the final leg. Check current bus schedules for the latest route info.
Is there a passenger drop-off or valet area?
Yes. There is a covered drop-off area directly at the front entrance of the theater (www.calpops.org ). Vehicles may stop briefly there to unload passengers and their belongings. Rideshare drop-offs utilize this area for convenience. There is no valet service, but access to this curb area makes it easy to exit your car safely. After unloading, drivers should move into the campus parking lots or nearby street parking.
Are outside food or drinks allowed inside the theater?
No. Outside food and beverages of any kind are not permitted inside SMPAC (facilities.facilitron.com ). The only exception is for guests who need medical sustenance (like baby formula) – always check with staff first. Instead, plan to use the theater’s concession stand, which offers snacks, candy and drinks (facilities.facilitron.com ). This policy helps keep the lobby clean and ensures safety on school grounds.
Can I take photos or record video during the show?
Generally, no. Theater performances at SMPAC prohibit unauthorized photography and recording during the show. Flashes or phone screens can distract performers and other audience members. You may take non-flash photos in the lobby before and after the performance, but once the show is in progress, please refrain from using cameras or video devices. (Professional recordings, if any, require special permission.)
Are children allowed in the theater?
Yes, children are welcome at SMPAC events (www.calpops.org ). Many family shows, concerts and school productions are designed for young audiences. For most events there are no strict age restrictions. On occasion, some concerts or lectures may suggest a minimum age (especially if content is not kid-friendly). Parents should supervise children, but family-friendly activities (even inviting kids on stage at times) are part of the SMPAC experience. (www.calpops.org )
Is alcohol served at the theater?
No. SMPAC is located on a public school campus, which means alcohol is strictly prohibited on all property (facilities.facilitron.com ). You will not find a bar or licensed beverages for sale at the venue. Please plan any adult beverages for before or after the event off-campus.
What time should I arrive for my show?
Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before showtime. The box office opens 1 hour before the event (www.calpops.org ), and doors typically open to the public about 30 minutes before curtain (www.calpops.org ). This gives you enough time to park, use the restroom, grab concessions, and find your seat comfortably. Late seating (after the show starts) is usually discouraged, so it’s best not to be late.
Where are the restrooms and coat check located?
Restrooms are conveniently located on the lobby level and on the mezzanine level to minimize lines (www.qka.com ). During intermission you can use these facilities without missing much of the show. A coat check/will-call desk is in the lobby near the entrance (facilities.facilitron.com ). You can check coats, umbrellas or pick up tickets there before proceeding to the seating area.
What is the dress code for attending shows?
There is no formal dress code at SMPAC. Most patrons wear smart-casual or casual attire. Some guests prefer business casual for evening performances. You should dress comfortably, but avoid very casual items like dirty sneakers or beachwear. The theater tends to be air-conditioned, so bringing a light sweater or jacket is recommended regardless of the season.
Are there hotels and restaurants near the venue?
Yes. A short drive or subway ride away, downtown San Mateo and nearby Burlingame have many restaurants, cafes and bars. Within walking distance of the theater is Shoreview Plaza, which includes casual eateries and a grocery store. For overnight stays, the Millbrae/SFO area (1–3 miles away) and Redwood City (to the north) have several well-known hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn, etc.). It’s wise to book lodging in advance, especially for big events.
