Bing Crosby Theater

The theater was built by August Paulsen in 1915 and was later known as the Metropolitan Performing Arts Center. A restoration in 1988 preserved its historic character while updating the building for performing arts. In 2006, a citizens’ effort led to the Bing Crosby name.

The venue’s rental information describes murals by Ivar Petersen, an acoustical shell and the original movie-palace setting. Today the building accommodates public performances as well as private gatherings, so an event title is a better guide to the evening’s format than the building’s early film history.

The theater publishes a total of 750 seats: 290 on the orchestra level, 453 in the balcony and seven accessible positions. These published figures describe the room; use your event’s chart to see the seats actually offered.

Accessible seating is at the far right of the main floor. Call the theater manager at 509-227-7638 to discuss accessible ticketing and your route before choosing seats. Main-floor restrooms are ADA compliant.

The main entrance is under the marquee at Sprague and Lincoln. Use 901 W. Sprague Avenue for navigation. Nearby garages and surface lots are independent businesses, with their own prices and operating conditions.

Read the posted parking rules and allow for the walk to the theater. If arranging a ride home, choose a meeting place that your group can find after the show rather than blocking the entrance or relying on an unconfirmed loading area.

Lobby concessions offer snacks, beer and wine. Ovations on the third floor serves beer, wine and cocktails. Beer, wine and concessions may be taken to seats, while cocktails must remain in Ovations. Outside food and drinks are prohibited.

Ask staff about the service available for your particular performance. Opening a lounge or concession area for one event does not establish its hours for a different booking.

Doors normally open one hour before showtime, and the box office opens with them on show days. Re-entry is not allowed. Finish any errands before entering and have the actual admission ticket ready.

Check the event’s latest instructions for additional restrictions, especially when bringing a child or attending a film screening with a particular age rating. Contact the manager when an admission or accessibility question affects your plans.

The Bing hosts performing arts as well as receptions, discussions, ceremonies and other public or private events. The auditorium and lounge are different spaces, and access depends on the booking.

Use the ticket’s room and admission description to understand what is included. For a private function, the host’s instructions may differ from a regular public performance’s arrival process.