Lied Center for Performing Arts Seating Chart
The Lied Center for Performing Arts is a performing arts center affiliated with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, at 301 N 12th Street on the university's city campus in Lincoln. Its name is pronounced "lead." It opened in 1990 in memory of Ernst F. Lied's parents, starting with Opera Omaha's Madama Butterfly. The main hall seats 2,192, or 2,258 with the orchestra pit raised. A $35 million addition and renovation began in February 2026 and is due to finish in fall 2027, with shows continuing throughout.
Quick answer
The Lied Center's main hall seats 2,192 people, and 66 more seats fit when the orchestra pit is raised, for 2,258 in all. The seats are on a main floor and a single balcony.
- Main-floor rows run A to Z, with pit rows AA to CC in front.
- The balcony has rows A to O.
- Bags must be 16 by 16 by 8 inches or smaller.
- The orchestra lobby seats 248 for a banquet.
Planning a gala dinner or reception? Seat 30 guests at 5 tables free, no signup.
Sections at Lied Center for Performing Arts
The Lied Center's main hall has a main floor and one balcony, plus a separate black box theater. The rows and sections below are read from the venue's official main stage seat map.
- Main floor — rows A to Z, split into a center section and two side sections
- Pit rows — AA, BB and CC, added when the orchestra pit is raised
- Balcony — the single upper level, rows A to O
- Johnny Carson Theater — a separate black box theater with its own entrance
Best seats at Lied Center for Performing Arts
We found no official best-seat guide. The hall has a main floor and one balcony. On the official map, main-floor rows run A to Z, skipping I and Y, with a wide center section of up to 29 seats a row and narrower side sections. When the orchestra pit is raised, three extra rows, AA to CC, sit in front of row A. The balcony has rows A to O, and the map marks wheelchair positions on the main floor only.
Tips before you go
Bags can be no larger than 16 by 16 by 8 inches and are inspected, and outside food and drinks aren't allowed. Lobby doors usually open an hour before the show and the hall 30 minutes before, and every child needs a ticket. The venue doesn't list a lot of its own; it points to five city garages, including Haymarket, Larson and University Square, where the first hour is free. During construction, valet is by advance reservation only. Concessions aren't offered at every event.
How to read the Lied Center for Performing Arts seating chart
On the main floor, rows run from A at the front to Z at the back, with no rows I or Y. Most rows have a center section and two side sections, and when the orchestra pit is raised, pit rows AA, BB and CC are added in front.
Upstairs, the balcony has rows A to O. Balcony seat numbers run in groups, from the 100s in the center to the 400s and 500s at the outer sides of rows A to G. There is no balcony row I.
The map marks wheelchair positions at row H and in rear blocks on the main floor. Assisted listening devices are lent at the coat check, and sign language interpreters need two weeks' notice.
Building a seating chart for an event at Lied Center for Performing Arts
The Lied Center rents spaces for events. The Katherine Hendy Parker Lobby holds 400 standing or 248 seated at a banquet. The Johnny Carson Theater can be set up with risers or tiered seating for about 200 to 250.
Hosting a private event at Lied Center for Performing Arts?
Build a seating chart for your Lied Center for Performing Arts event — banquet rounds for the dinner, rows for the program, head tables wherever the format calls for them. The maker handles layouts up to 500 seats and exports a print-ready PDF you can hand the Lincoln venue's event team.
Open the seating chart generatorFrequently asked questions
- How many seats are in the Lied Center in Lincoln?
- The Lied Center's main hall seats 2,192 people, and 66 more seats fit when the orchestra pit is raised, for 2,258 in all. The seats are on a main floor and a single balcony.
- What are the best seats at Lied Center for Performing Arts?
- We found no official best-seat guide. The hall has a main floor and one balcony. On the official map, main-floor rows run A to Z, skipping I and Y, with a wide center section of up to 29 seats a row and narrower side sections. When the orchestra pit is raised, three extra rows, AA to CC, sit in front of row A. The balcony has rows A to O, and the map marks wheelchair positions on the main floor only.
- What sections does Lied Center for Performing Arts have?
- Main sections include: Main floor — rows A to Z, split into a center section and two side sections; Pit rows — AA, BB and CC, added when the orchestra pit is raised; Balcony — the single upper level, rows A to O. Full breakdown in the sections list above.
- Where is Lied Center for Performing Arts located?
- The Lied Center is at 301 N 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68588, on UNL's city campus. City garages nearby charge $1.25 an hour after the first free hour, up to $11.25 a day. Rates can differ on event nights, such as $10 event parking at Que Place.
- How do I plan a private event at Lied Center for Performing Arts?
- Call the Lied Center ticket office at 402.472.4747 or ask about its rental spaces. Once it's booked, lay out the Lied Center for Performing Arts guest list in our free seating planner.