Tucson Convention Center - Tickets, Parking, Dining

The Tucson Convention Center is a multi-purpose complex on a 27-acre campus in the heart of downtown Tucson. The facility hosts a wide range of events: concerts, sporting events (Tucson Roadrunners, UA Wildcat Hockey, Sugar Skulls), performing arts (Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Opera, Arizona Friends of Chamber Music), and trade shows.

The Tucson Convention Center facility has 205,000 square feet of space, which includes flat exhibit space, carpeted meeting and banquet space, and three performance venues: Tucson Arena, Tucson Music Hall, and Leo Rich Theater.

The Tucson Arena (seats 7,500), Tucson Music Hall (seats 2,200), Leo Rich Theater (seats 511), Tucson Convention Center Meeting Rooms, and North Exhibit Hall originally opened in 1971. The Grand Ballroom, Exhibit Hall, Grand Lobby, and Galleria opened in 1989. The East Lobby opened in 2010.

Rio Nuevo paid for a major renovation to the Tucson Arena in 2015.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is the Tucson Convention Center located?

The Tucson Convention Center is at 260 S. Church Avenue in Downtown Tucson.

What are the hours?

The Box Office, located on the east side of the facility, is open Monday – Friday from 10:00am-5:30pm and 2 hours before any ticketed event.

Why would I visit the Tucson Convention Center?

To rock along with a favorite musician/band perform
To cheer for your favorite team at a sporting event
To wander the exhibit halls at a trade show, conference, or expo
To see a theatrical performance
To attend a private event or fundraiser

How much does it cost?

Each event has its own ticket prices. Please check the website for a complete show line-up.

What is the parking situation?

Parking is $10.00 per vehicle at the Tucson Convention Center and there are 1,000 parking spaces available. The rate has been $10.00 since 2011.

Limousine, truck, and RV parking is available (but limited).

Alternatively, you may want to take the Tucson Streetcar. The 3.9-mile route has a stop right off Granada, adjacent to the Grand Ballroom and Exhibit Halls.

What should I wear?

The Tucson Convention Center is indoors with heating in the winter and air-conditioning in the summer. Dress varies depending on the event, but Tucson is generally very casual.

What should I bring with me?

Bring cash/credit for parking, food, & drinks.

Can I take photos in the building and/or during the performances?

Please visit the website for the photography policy; each show is different.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes.

CURRENT SHOWS

What shows are currently playing at the Tucson Convention Center?

Some the events scheduled for the remainder of 2019 include:

Fireworks Celebration, July 4
Badges & Backpacks, July 13
Styx, July 25
Chicago, July 28
Rob Thomas, Sept 24
Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly: The Rock N’ Roll Dream Tour, Oct 3
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, Oct 10-13
Trevor Noah, Nov 23
Bad Bunny, Nov 27

DINING

Is outside food allowed?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the premises.

Does the Tucson Convention Center have a restaurant?

If you are attending a show, it is likely that concession stands will be open.

What restaurants are located NEAR the Tucson Convention Center?

You’re in luck! There are gads of terrific restaurants in Downtown Tucson. Try one of these options, which are all within walking distance:

Cafe Poca Cosa, 110 E. Pennington St (under a mile away) – “imaginative Mexican cuisine in an upscale, urban bistro setting”
Cafe a La C’Art, 150 N. Main Ave (0.3 miles away) – beautiful cafe on-property of the Tucson Museum of Art, indoor + outdoor seating
47 Scott, 47 N. Scott Ave (0.4 miles away) – a neighborhood bistro featuring Modern American comfort food, brunch and dinner
Reilly Craft Pizza & Dinner, 101 E. Pennington St (0.4 miles away) – pizza, sandwiches, salad, beer, wine, cocktails
Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, 135 S. 6th Ave (0.4 miles away) – Modern American cuisine
Empire Pizza & Pub, 137 E. Congress St. (0.5 miles away) – NY style pizza, heros, wings
HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery, 266 E. Congress St (0.6 miles away) – salads, sandwiches, burgers, ice cream

BABIES & KIDS

Does the Tucson Convention Center offer programming for children & families?

Yes! Check the website for a list of upcoming concerts, shows, and events.

Should I bring a stroller?

A stroller is probably not necessary, unless you plan to spend some time walking around downtown before or after your show.

Are changing tables available in the restrooms?

Yes.

What about my pet?

Certified service animals for guests with disabilities are welcome at the Tucson Convention Center and must remain on leash or in a harness. All other animals are prohibited.