Show Policies

Arrival Times top ⇧

On performance days, the San Mateo Performing Arts Center Box Office opens an hour before the show. SMPAC doors open to the public one half-hour before the show starts.

Access for Patrons with Disabilities top ⇧

The newly renovated San Mateo Performing Arts Center is compliant with regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Designated "handicap" parking spaces are located in every parking lot on the San Mateo High School campus and may be used by vehicles that display blue or red "handicap" placards or license plates issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles. Super convenient drop-off area at the entrance to SMPAC.

There are 34 wheelchair accessible seats in the Orchestra floor plus 6 more ADA seats in the Balcony with easy access by elevator.

Children Attending Shows top ⇧

Children are always welcome at California Pops shows and on special occasions they may even be invited to join musicians on stage. Audience and orchestra members appreciate that parents or chaperones may occasionally need to provide a child with a “time out” to avoid disrupting other audience members. If necessary, please feel free to head to the lobby or patio with your child to provide immediate attention and/or a little playtime.

Show Attire top ⇧

There is no dress code for attending a California Pops Orchestra show. Patrons generally wear business or casual clothing with comfortable shoes. We recommend wearing layers in case the temperature in SMPAC is a bit cooler than your usual comfort level. At the Pops’ annual Christmas show, we welcome fun holiday attire (elf hats, rudolph noses, etc). Sometimes attendees dress to celebrate a particular era or style of music. For example, during the annual Big Band show, some audience members dress in 30’s and 40’s era outfits, contributing to the spirit of the show.

Cellphones, Pagers and Other Electronic Devices top ⇧

California Pops’ shows are “cell-free” zones. For the comfort of others, please switch all cell phones, pagers, watches or other noise-alarm devices to silent or quiet vibrate mode upon entering the SMPAC seating area. If necessary during the show, please attend to your texts or voicemail messages in the lobby area.

Cameras and Recording Equipment top ⇧

Cameras and recording equipment are prohibited in SMPAC during events.

Smoking top ⇧

Smoking is prohibited in SMPAC.

Privacy and Security top ⇧

The California Pops Orchestra respects your privacy. The information you provide to us is not shared with any organization not affiliated with the California Pops Orchestra. If at any time you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please let us know by calling us or sending an email to manager@californiapops.org. Also for your security, the California Pops Orchestra does not store credit card data provided by our attendees and donors.

Non-Affiliation top ⇧

The California Pops Orchestra is an independent non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting performing arts and music education. The Pops shares no ideological positions or attitudes held by the facilities we rent for rehearsals and performances.