Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're attending your first event or you've been visiting The Auditorium for years, we've compiled answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

Live entertainment is complex, and every event comes with its own unique considerations. From ticketing and pricing to venue policies and artist bookings, our goal is to be as transparent as possible about how decisions are made and how we operate.

If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We're always happy to help and welcome your feedback, suggestions, and questions.

 

About The Auditorium

Why did The Auditorium change its name from Thunder Bay Community Auditorium?

The legal name of the organization remains Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Inc., an independent registered charity. However, we now operate publicly as The Auditorium.

Over the years, the previous name occasionally created confusion with funding partners, businesses, and the community about our relationship with the City of Thunder Bay. While we lease the building from the City, The Auditorium has long operated independently with its own Board of Directors, staff, policies, finances, and day-to-day operations.

The rebrand reflects both who we are today and where we are headed. As The Auditorium prepares for a significant capital renewal and modernization project, we felt it was important that our public identity align with our future vision.

Most importantly, the change does not represent a move away from our community roots. If anything, it reflects a renewed commitment to serving Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario through exceptional entertainment, meaningful community partnerships, and memorable experiences for everyone who walks through our doors.

 

Why does The Auditorium use Ticketmaster?

There are many ticketing platforms available, and we regularly evaluate whether our current solution continues to meet the needs of our patrons, clients, and organization.

For The Auditorium, ticketing is much more than simply selling a seat. Our ticketing partner must provide:

• Secure online purchasing
• Box office operations
• Ticket scanning equipment
• Customer support
• Real-time reporting
• Fraud prevention tools
• Reliable event-day technology

These services are critical to delivering a smooth experience for both guests and event organizers.

Ticketmaster provides The Auditorium with the technology, equipment, reporting tools, and operational support needed to host over a hundred events annually and welcome thousands of guests each month.

Tickets & Pricing

How are tickets priced

The Auditorium operates both as a venue that can be rented by promoters and organizations and as a presenter that books and promotes its own events. Depending on the event, ticket prices may be set by the artist, promoter, or The Auditorium. Our goal is always to work with our partners to provide great experiences while keeping ticket prices as reasonable as possible.

 

Why is there a Capital Reserve Fee on tickets?

The Auditorium is an independent registered charity that leases the facility from the City of Thunder Bay.

Under the terms of our lease, The Auditorium is responsible for funding its own operational and capital renewal projects.

The Capital Reserve Fee helps fund investments that keep the building:

• Safe
• Functional
• Accessible
• Welcoming for future generations

With major facility renewal projects planned for the coming years, this fee plays an important role in preserving and enhancing one of Thunder Bay's premier cultural venues.

 

Why are some seats unavailable even though tickets are still on sale?

Not all seats are immediately available when tickets first go on sale.

Depending on the event, certain seats may be held for:

• Artists
• Promoters
• Sponsors
• Production requirements
• Accessibility needs
• Media
• Operational purposes

In some cases, seating inventory may also be adjusted as production details become finalized.

As event dates approach, additional seats may become available and released for public purchase. If a performance appears sold out or has limited seating available, it can be worthwhile to check back periodically.

 

Attending an Event

Why are there different policies for different events?

Every event is unique.

Policies can vary based on:

• The type of performance
• Artist or promoter requirements
• Licensing regulations
• Safety considerations
• Expected audience size

While some policies are consistent across all events, others may differ depending on the nature of the event. We always do our best to communicate any event-specific policies in advance so guests know what to expect before arriving.

 

Why can't patrons leave and re-enter during ticketed events?

The Auditorium enforces a No Re-Entry Policy for all ticketed events. Guests who leave the building after entering a ticketed event will not be permitted to re-enter.

This policy aligns with standard entertainment industry practices and AGCO best practices while supporting guest, staff, and artist safety.

Re-entry creates additional security, operational, and liability considerations. Once a guest leaves the venue, staff cannot verify:

• Where they have been
• Whether alcohol has been consumed elsewhere
• Whether prohibited items may be brought back into the facility

A no re-entry policy helps maintain a controlled environment and reduces risk for guests, performers, staff, and the organization.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. Extenuating circumstances may be considered at the discretion of venue management, and any exceptions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We encourage patrons to ensure they have everything they need before entering the venue.

 

Why can't I bring outside food or beverages into the venue?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside The Auditorium.

This policy helps us:

• Maintain food safety standards
• Comply with liquor licensing regulations
• Reduce waste and cleaning requirements
• Provide a consistent experience for all guests

We offer a variety of concession options for most performances and will make reasonable accommodations for medical, accessibility, or dietary requirements whenever possible.

Guests requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact us before their visit.

Why can't I take photos or videos during some performances?

Photography and video recording policies vary by event and are often determined by the artist, performer, producer, or presenter.

Restrictions may be in place to:

• Protect copyrighted material
• Safeguard intellectual property
• Fulfill contractual obligations
• Preserve the audience experience
• Prevent distractions for performers and guests

When photography or video recording is prohibited, we ask patrons to respect the policy and enjoy the performance in the moment.

Why do most events at The Auditorium begin between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM?

Live entertainment involves much more than the performance itself.

Many productions begin loading equipment as early as 8:00 AM. Crews work throughout the day to prepare staging, lighting, sound, and other production elements.

Once the show ends, the entire production often needs to be dismantled and loaded out that same night.

Starting shows between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM helps balance:

• Audience convenience
• Production schedules
• Artist travel requirements
• Staff well-being

 

Programming & Booking

Why isn't my favourite band or artist playing here?

We ask ourselves this question all the time!

Thunder Bay occupies a unique geographic position. We are a full day's drive from Winnipeg, Sault Ste. Marie, and many of the larger markets in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Our market size also plays a role. With 1,496 seats, The Auditorium is ideal for many performances, but some arena level tours require larger venues and audiences to support the costs of moving large productions, crews, and equipment across the country.

Booking entertainment is often like putting together a giant puzzle. Dates, tour routing, venue availability, community events, and production schedules all need to align.

Many events are booked months or even years in advance.

Our team works hard every day to bring new and exciting entertainment to Thunder Bay. If there's an artist you'd love to see here, let us know. And if you happen to have Metallica's phone number, we'd love that too.

 

How can I suggest an artist or show?

We actively welcome suggestions from patrons.

While we cannot guarantee that every artist can be booked, hearing what the community wants to see helps inform future conversations with artists, agents, managers, and promoters.

Many factors influence whether an event can ultimately be presented in Thunder Bay, including:

• Artist availability
• Tour routing
• Venue availability
• Production requirements
• Financial feasibility

If there is an artist, comedian, musician, speaker, or production you'd like to see at The Auditorium, we'd love to hear from you. Who knows? Your suggestion might help start the conversation.

 

Still Have Questions?

If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, please contact our team. We're always happy to help and welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions.