Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum: Concerts & Shows

Two Halls Under One Address

The Civic Auditorium and Coliseum complex opened in 1961 and consists of two neighboring performance spaces—the Coliseum arena and the Civic Auditorium theatre. Both sit on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue and share a common campus, but each has its own entrance, seating layout and calendar. Your ticket will identify which hall to enter, and you should confirm that detail before parking, especially when two different shows are running the same evening.

The Coliseum is the arena portion, advertised at 6,500 capacity. It serves as home ice for the Knoxville Ice Bears hockey team and also books touring concerts, ice shows and other large indoor events. The Coliseum floor can be configured for different uses—a hockey rink, a concert stage or a Disney On Ice production each deliver different seat availability and viewing angles. Always consult the event-specific arena map and locate the section, row and seat printed on your ticket.

The Civic Auditorium is a 2,500-seat theatre-style performance hall. Its calendar includes orchestral pops programs, touring stage productions, concerts and comedy. The auditorium's seating is divided between a main floor and a balcony, a layout that should not be confused with the Coliseum's arena tiers. If you have an auditorium ticket, check the auditorium map and note whether you are seated downstairs or in the balcony.

Which Show Format Each Hall Serves

The Coliseum arena handles events that require a large floor space or significant crowd capacity. Ice Bears hockey games occupy the seasonal calendar, and the building also welcomes national touring concerts that draw several thousand fans. Ice shows, family spectacles and other productions that benefit from an arena atmosphere round out the Coliseum schedule. Because the floor can be reconfigured, some concerts will offer general-admission standing areas near the stage, while others use portable chair sections. Ice productions keep spectators in the permanent seating bowl. Verify the layout for your specific concert or show.

The Civic Auditorium theatre books events better suited to a more traditional hall. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performs pops programs there, and touring Broadway-style stage shows use the auditorium's fixed proscenium. Comedy headliners and mid-size concert acts fill additional dates. The theatre seating is oriented toward a single stage, and rows are numbered in a main-floor and balcony arrangement. If you are accustomed to smaller downtown theaters, the auditorium provides a similar sightline experience but with more seats and shared campus amenities.

Knoxville Ice Bears Highlights (10.30.26)

The Ice Bears share past hockey highlights from the Coliseum. Check the hall name on your ticket before heading to the complex.

Knoxville Ice Bears Highlights (10.30.26)

▶

How an Evening Here Differs from a Downtown Theater

Downtown Knoxville theaters—such as the Tennessee Theatre or the Bijou—sit among restaurants, bars and street parking. The Civic complex is located farther from the downtown core, on a dedicated campus with three parking garages totaling approximately 2,500 spaces. That setup means you will drive directly to the venue and park in one of the KCAC garages rather than walking from a nearby restaurant or public garage.

Parking is cashless, and the current rate structure lists standard event parking at twenty dollars and Knoxville Ice Bears or Knoxville Symphony Orchestra parking at fifteen dollars, with rates subject to change. UT football park-and-ride uses a separate arrangement, so a shuttle pass for Neyland Stadium is not the same as ordinary event parking at KCAC. Confirm which event you are attending before buying a parking pass.

The campus scale also means you will walk from the garage through a common lobby area before reaching your hall. First-aid offices are located in both the auditorium and Coliseum lobbies, and guest services can direct you to the correct entrance if you arrive uncertain which building you need. The box office is housed in the Coliseum lobby and operates regular sales hours on Thursday and Friday from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon; event-day hours may differ. Doors generally open an hour before showtime, and once you enter you cannot leave and return. Plan dinner or drinks before you pass through security.

Accessibility and Seating Considerations

Both halls provide accessible wheelchair and companion seating, but the buildings have different layouts. The Coliseum is served by elevators to all floors, so guests can reach upper-level arena sections without using stairs. Select the required accessible location when purchasing tickets rather than assuming any seat can be reached without assistance.

The Civic Auditorium does not have an elevator to the balcony. Accessible seating is available on the main floor only, making the level you choose during ticket purchase critically important. Arrange the appropriate seat when ordering instead of counting on a relocation after arrival.

Assisted listening devices can be requested from the box office or guest-services staff at either hall. Sign-language interpretation requires advance coordination; the detailed policy asks for at least fourteen business days' notice. Contact KCAC early enough to identify the supported date and seating area, particularly if you need a specific location for sightlines or audio support.

Visitor Policies and What to Bring

The complex operates a clear-bag policy, and all belongings are subject to inspection. Backpacks, outside food, bottles or cans, weapons and noisemakers are among the prohibited items. Read the posted bag guidance before leaving home; a regular backpack should not be treated as an approved event bag. A small clear tote or clutch will pass screening more smoothly.

Photography restrictions depend on the production. Concert tour contracts can forbid cameras, while sporting events may allow personal snapshots. Assume the rules will vary and look for signage or listen for announcements when you arrive. First-aid offices are located in both the auditorium and Coliseum lobbies; ask guest services if you need assistance during the show.

Because you cannot re-enter once admitted, carry only what you need for the evening and keep essential items in an approved clear bag. Concessions are available inside, so you do not need to smuggle snacks. Arrive early enough to navigate parking, security and the walk to your hall without rushing, especially if two events are running simultaneously and garage traffic is heavier than usual.

Before you head out

Questions, answered