Know Before You Go
Your Arrival
Parking & Directions
Paid event parking is required on the UC Davis campus. Parking is overseen by the Department of Transportation Services.
Tickets
We offer printed and mobile tickets. Mobile Tickets are scanned directly from your mobile device upon entering the hall. Please make sure phones are in light mode.
Arrival Time
The Yocha DeHe Grand Lobby opens one hour before the event time. We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance so you have time to find parking and get to your seat before the event begins. We aim for every show to start on time!
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
For those needing easy access, a passenger zone is available in front of the Mondavi Center building on the west side of Mrak Hall Drive. Vehicles must circle Alumni Lane or proceed around the traffic circle at the end of Mrak Hall Lane to pull into the loading zone.
Download a printable map (PDF) that shows the passenger drop-off route.
Safety & Security
The safety of our audience and artists is of utmost importance. We have implemented new safety measures.
At Your Event
Accessibility
We offer various accommodations for our patrons with disabilities, including accessible seating, listening devices, sign language interpreting, Braille programs, service dogs and other accommodations.
Bag Policy
Our floor-based air-circulation system and fire code regulations require that we check all bags over 8.5” x 11”. The complimentary bag check is located at the south end of the Yocha DeHe Grand Lobby. All bags may be subject to search. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. learn more below
Concessions
Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, and light snacks will be available for purchase before most events. Food items are not allowed inside the performance hall, but drinks are welcome. All food must be consumed in the lobby. Outside food and beverages are not allowed at the Mondavi Center.
Late Seating
Please plan to arrive on time. In order to limit distractions to the artists and audience, latecomers will be seated at an appropriate pause in the program or at intermission. For events without an intermission, you will be seated at an appropriate interval at the discretion of the house manager; in some situations, this can mean being given an alternate seat for the entirety of the event. Late seating may not be possible for some performances.
Digital Devices
During performances, we encourage our audiences to fully engage with the work on stage.
While you’re welcome to take pictures before and after the show, during events please silence and stow all your digital devices.
Families
We love welcoming families at events! Parents, please determine if your kids can sit quietly for the duration of the performance. If you do find yourself with a restless young one, the lobby has multiple monitors on which parents can watch the event. All patrons must be ticketed, regardless of age.
Attend a Show Like a Pro
First time visit? We’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need to know to attend your first performance!
What to Wear
We don’t have a dress code: we welcome everyone as they are. On any given night, you’ll see a wide range of clothes, from casual fits to formalwear, and a lot of stylish points in between!
That said, if you’re looking for an excuse to put on your favorite outfit, a night at the Mondavi Center is a great time and place to do so.
To Clap or not to Clap
If you’re attending a classical performance, you might notice that the audience doesn’t always clap when a piece ends. That’s because there are some more recent “traditions” that say you should only clap at the end of a full piece, not in between movements.
Our advice — if a performance moves you to applaud, you should do so!
Pro Tip: Don’t want to stand out? You can follow along in your program to see how the music is listed and how many movements there are or watch your fellow audience members to see when to applaud.
Phone and Photo Etiquette
We encourage our audiences to put down their devices and engage with the amazing artists and thinkers onstage. But, we get it, snapping a pic of a favorite performer is often too hard to resist.
Keep in mind that some artists require that no photos be taken, while others welcome it. Please check the lobby or stage screen before the event and follow the guidelines!
If the performance allows photos, here are some tips for respectfully getting your shot.
- Make sure your flash is turned off before the show starts
- Turn your screen brightness down as far as possible
- Keep the phone in front of your head, so it doesn’t block anyone else’s view
- Get your shot quickly and put your phone away
- Capture pictures at the end of the performance, while the artists take their bows.
Safety & Security
The safety of our audience and artists is of utmost importance.
A touchless security screening system, Evolv, is now implemented at the Mondavi Center, enabling patrons to pass through quickly without stopping, emptying pockets, or removing bags.
How does Evolv work?
Evolv employs advanced sensor technology and AI to detect weapons by recognizing objects and distinguishing them from personal items. If a questionable item is identified, a red light alerts security, and patrons are directed for further screening. Evolv Health and Safety information (PDF)
Patrons will be screened for the following items as they enter the venue. Violations may result in law enforcement action:
- Firearms
- Knives
- Explosives
- Ammunition
- Metal objects that can be used as weapons (e.g., brass knuckles, batons)
- Pepper spray and chemical irritants
- Tasers and stun guns
- Any other items deemed dangerous by security personnel.
Additional Prohibited Items
All bags are subject to inspection. Bags or other items over 11×8.5 square inches are required to be checked at the Mondavi Center’s complimentary coat check.
The following items are prohibited from entering the Mondavi Center:
- Weapons (guns, pepper spray, batons, knives, etc.)
- Pets, with the exception of service dogs
- Air horns or other noise-making disrupters
- Poppers, confetti or glitter bombs
- Photography poles, sticks or tripods
- Wrapped gifts or packages
- Helium balloons
- Flowers or plants in glass or ceramic containers
- Large signs, flags or banners
- Transportation devices (bikes, scooters, etc.)
- Food or beverages not purchased at concessions (empty water bottles are allowed for use at our complimentary filtered bottle filling station)
Smoking, vaping and drug use is prohibited at the Mondavi Center and UC Davis
