Durham Performing Arts Center Seating Chart
The Durham Performing Arts Center, or DPAC, is a theater at 123 William V. Bill Bell Way in downtown Durham, North Carolina, next to Durham Bulls Athletic Park in the American Tobacco Historic District. It opened in 2008, is owned by the City of Durham and is run by Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management. Its 2018 technical package counts 2,712 seats on three levels, and it hosts the Broadway at DPAC series, concerts and comedy.
Quick answer
DPAC's 2018 technical package counts 2,712 seats: 29 in the pit, 1,391 in the Orchestra, 519 in the Grand Tier and 773 in the Balcony. DPAC's own pages round it to about 2,700 seats on three levels.
- There are 10 numbered sections on three levels.
- The Grand Tier is sections 5 to 7.
- Tickets are mobile only.
- Kids under 6 can't attend most shows.
Sections at Durham Performing Arts Center
DPAC has three seating levels with 10 numbered sections: Orchestra 1 to 4, Grand Tier 5 to 7 and Balcony 8 to 10. The rows and seat numbers below are read off DPAC's numbered seating chart.
- Orchestra — sections 1 to 4, with pit rows 1 and 2 at the front, then rows A to EE
- Grand Tier — sections 5 to 7, rows A to J
- Balcony — sections 8 to 10, rows A to P
- Box seats — for members of DPAC's President's Club, not shown on the public chart
Best seats at Durham Performing Arts Center
The advice here comes from DPAC's own seating page, not an independent review. It says the Orchestra rises gently and holds more than half the seats. It says guest surveys rate the Grand Tier, 85 to 110 feet from the stage, as the best overall experience. DPAC says Grand Tier seats are often $10 to $20 below its best Orchestra seats. Balcony seats are normally $20 to $40 below the best Orchestra and Grand Tier seats. For tall guests, DPAC suggests Grand Tier section 6, row J.
Tips before you go
Backpacks and bags larger than 12 by 12 by 10.25 inches aren't allowed, though parenting bags (with a child) and medical bags are, and all bags may be inspected. Tickets are mobile only, and concessions are cashless. For Broadway, the lobby usually opens 60 minutes before the show and the seating area 30 minutes before. Children under 6 aren't allowed at most shows, and every guest needs a ticket.
How to read the Durham Performing Arts Center seating chart
In the Orchestra, two pit rows numbered 1 and 2 sit in front of row A. Section 1 is the front block, rows A to D, across the full width. Center section 3 runs from row E to CC, plus a small block behind it by the sound booth, and sides 2 and 4 run from row F to DD. There is no row I.
Seat numbers tell you the side: center sections start at 101, house-right sections at 201 and house-left sections at 301. The Grand Tier runs rows A to J, and the Balcony A to P, split into front and rear parts.
Accessible seats are on all three levels, and elevators are in the lobbies next to sections 4, 7 and 10. Free FM listening receivers, including a T-coil option, are at Guest Services in the Entry Lobby.
Building a seating chart for an event at Durham Performing Arts Center
DPAC says it won Theater of the Year from the International Entertainment Buyers Association in 2018. In August 2017, the Herald Sun reported that DPAC had begun replacing all of its seats. Vivian Street out front was renamed William V. Bill Bell Way, and the new sign went up in January 2025, ABC11 reported.
Hosting a private event at Durham Performing Arts Center?
From dinner rounds to program rows to head tables, lay out your Durham Performing Arts Center event the way the room will actually run. The maker supports up to 500 seats and exports a print-ready PDF for the Durham venue's event staff.
Open the seating chart generatorFrequently asked questions
- What is the capacity of DPAC?
- DPAC's 2018 technical package counts 2,712 seats: 29 in the pit, 1,391 in the Orchestra, 519 in the Grand Tier and 773 in the Balcony. DPAC's own pages round it to about 2,700 seats on three levels.
- What are the best seats at Durham Performing Arts Center?
- The advice here comes from DPAC's own seating page, not an independent review. It says the Orchestra rises gently and holds more than half the seats. It says guest surveys rate the Grand Tier, 85 to 110 feet from the stage, as the best overall experience. DPAC says Grand Tier seats are often $10 to $20 below its best Orchestra seats. Balcony seats are normally $20 to $40 below the best Orchestra and Grand Tier seats. For tall guests, DPAC suggests Grand Tier section 6, row J.
- What sections does Durham Performing Arts Center have?
- Main sections include: Orchestra — sections 1 to 4, with pit rows 1 and 2 at the front, then rows A to EE; Grand Tier — sections 5 to 7, rows A to J; Balcony — sections 8 to 10, rows A to P. Full breakdown in the sections list above.
- Where is Durham Performing Arts Center located?
- DPAC is at 123 William V. Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC 27701. The American Tobacco East Deck, with more than 600 spaces, is a tenth of a mile away, and the North Deck has a courtesy shuttle. DPAC says it is a 5 to 10 minute walk from Durham Station, the GoDurham and GoTriangle bus hub, and from Durham's Amtrak station.
- How do I plan a private event at Durham Performing Arts Center?
- DPAC's Sport Durst President's Club gives Broadway season members box seats with tables. Plan your group's pre-show dinner tables in our free chart maker.