Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Q. What does sold out really mean?
A. Last season many of our events sold out. Sometimes shows sell out weeks in advance. We definitely recommend that you buy your tickets early. While we can never guarantee that additional seats will become available, it is possible that some will open up 48 hours prior to the performance even for shows deemed
“sold out.” There are several reasons why this could happen.
Each show contains sponsor, media, and artist holds. Beginning 48 hours prior to the performance and sometimes up until 30 minutes before the show starts, some of those holds may be released and go on sale to the general public. Or perhaps a subscriber has exchanged her tickets for another event, thus opening up a seat. Or a non-subscriber is unable to attend the show and he donates his ticket back to the Alys Stephens Center.
Your best chance to buy a ticket to a sold out show is to start calling the box office 48 hours prior to the performance. The Alys Stephens Center Box Office does not keep a waiting list but releases tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Again, our recommendation is for you to buy your tickets early!
Q. If I can’t use my tickets can I get a refund?
A. While all ticket sales are final, we know that sometimes missing a performance can be unavoidable. Season subscribers can exchange tickets for seats to another ASC performance up to 48 hours prior to the concert. That is just one of the special perks of subscribing.
Single ticket buyers can also return their tickets to the box office prior to the performance. Although no refunds will be given, you can receive a tax credit for the value of your tickets, and you’ll give someone the opportunity to attend the performance. You can even specify that your tickets go to students.
Q. Can I have the same subscription seats next year?
A. For all subscribers, excluding the It’s Your Choice package subscribers, if you renew your season subscription before June 2, you are guaranteed the same seat(s) as last season. Because of the flexible nature of our It’s Your Choice package, we can not guarantee subscribers the same seats from season to season or performance to performance. Our box office will work closely with you to best to accommodate your needs.
Q. What happens if I arrive late?
A. The Alys Stephens Center makes every attempt to start performances promptly at scheduled times. If you arrive late, ushers will seat you during the first convenient pause in the program. For weeknight or sold-out performances, we recommend allowing more time for parking.
Q. What are the benefits of subscribing?
A. Alys Stephens Center subscribers enjoy great benefits! Subscribers enjoy guaranteed seating; savings up to 30%; top priority seating; first choice on single tickets; easy exchanges; and a subscription to the Alys Stephens Center newsletter, Insights.
Q. How did the Alys Stephens Center get its name?
A. A lifelong patron of the arts with a particular devotion to piano, the late Mrs. Alys Robinson Stephens was a familiar name in the Birmingham arts community, serving on several organizations’ boards, providing funding for pianos and music scholarships, and establishing numerous endowments. The Center serves as a lasting tribute to Alys Stephens’s love of the arts and her desire to bring the best of the arts to the community she loved. Her legacy provides endless hours of entertainment and education for all of us, and the Stephens family is delighted to help her carry on her mission fostering patronage of the arts and developing and encouraging young performers. The collaboration between UAB and the community is an ideal way to attain these goals, in an ideal, world-class venue.
Q. When do single tickets go on sale for the 2008-2009 Season?
A. Single tickets go on sale to the general public at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2008. You may purchase single tickets by calling the ASC Box Office at (205) 975-ARTS or by ordering online.
Q. Where is the best place to park?
A. The Alys Stephens Center is located at 1200 10th Avenue South. Street parking is available on 13th Street South, 10th Avenue South, and other adjacent streets. There is a parking lot across the street from the ASC and on the other side of the UAB School of Business and Engineering. Circle Club Patrons receive a preferred parking pass which gives access to the parking lot closest to the ASC.
Q: How much do you charge for parking?
A: There is no charge for parking at the Alys Stephens Center. Street parking is available on 13th Street South, 10th Avenue South, and other adjacent streets. There is a parking lot across the street from the ASC and on the other side of the UAB School of Business and Engineering.
Q. How can I support the Alys Stephens Center?
A. Contrary to popular belief, ticket sales alone do not cover the cost of bringing the world’s brightest performers to Birmingham. As a non-profit organization, the Alys Stephens Center depends on the generosity of our patrons and corporate sponsors. When you support the Alys Stephens Center with a tax-deductible donation, you are sharing what inspires you most with people in Birmingham, across Alabama, and throughout the Southeast.
With a contribution of $500 or more patrons can join the Alys Stephens Center Circle Club. Members are offered a variety of benefits, including a preferred parking pass, invitations to special events and artist receptions, and access to the Abroms Patrons Lounge. With a contribution of $60, you can become a Friend of the ASC. Additional supporting opportunities include Endowed Giving Opportunities, Gifts of Securities, and Corporate and Individual Sponsorship Opportunities. For more information, please call (205) 975-9540.
Q. What is A+ Seating?
A. Many of our patrons and subscribers have long requested special concierge service and we are now happy to accommodate! With A+ Seating comes many great benefits including...
- Special meet the artist opportunities and events throughout the season
- Discounts to the ASC Gift Shop & Gallery
- Drink tickets to be used at the ASC bars
- A commemorative season poster
- Concierge service and much more!
Q. What are "Continue the Experience" events?
A. When you think of the ASC, we hope you think of it not just as a venue for seeing the performing arts, but also as a place where you are engaged as an active participant in the arts. Our new "Continue the Experience" events are designed to enhance your visit and make each experience more fulfilling.
Q. What is the ASC Social Club?
A. The ASC Social Club is designed to inspire new audience members between the ages of 21-40 to experience great live performances presented by the Alys Stephens Center and to encourage a life-long love of the performing arts. The group is ideal for those who want to have fun, meet new people, and participate in unique and fulfilling arts events. Members receive discounted tickets to ASC performances, free admission to parties and events throughout the season, drink tickets, and more. For more information, click here.