Mid-Week Intermission: Box Office Edition
It’s 2026! As we’re getting back into Mid-Week Intermissions in the new year, we thought this would be a good time to give you a rundown of one of the most important, coolest, and innovative departments at the Long Center – our fabulous Box Office!
You might not know that the Box Office does soooo much more than getting you your tickets for all our shows here at the LC. On top of being the first friendly faces you see when you arrive, the Box Office can:
- Help you make reservations at local restaurants
- Give recommendations of things to do if you’re visiting Austin
- Help you avoid resellers that are overcharging for Long Center shows
- Point you in the right direction for most questions you could have!
One of the Box Office’s biggest projects right now is educating the general public on how to get the best prices and guaranteed seats by purchasing from us directly. Since the pandemic, there has been a huge uptick in reseller activity, and people often wind up clicking on the first link when searching for our shows online, which, unfortunately, is often a reseller charging significantly more for tickets than are necessary for our performances or selling tickets that aren’t valid.
We always want to make sure you’re getting the best seats at the right price, so it’s best to go directly to thelongcenter.org to purchase tickets, or, even better, give the Box Office a call at (512) 474-5664 or visit them in person so they can talk to you about the best seats for your needs.
Our Box Office is a team of artists and culture lovers who LOVE to give you the inside scoop, from the best seats in the house to the next show at the LC you’re bound to love. They’re always happy to help so if you ever have a question, don’t hesitate to ask!
In the meantime, we sat down with some of the crew for a lightning round, chatting about some of the services they offer and the best part about being on the Box Office team. Read on for the deets!
What’s your go-to restaurant recommendation for folks who want to grab a bite before or after a show?
ANNIE: Carpenters Hall (southern-inspired fare in a former carpenters’ union building from 1949)
DAVID: El Alma
ANNE: Terry Black’s BBQ
ZUZU: Sandy’s
JORDAN: El Alma
What upcoming Long Center show do you most recommend right now?
ANNIE: Macbeth
DAVID: Neil deGrasse Tyson
ANNE: Jason Isbell
ZUZU: Texas Burlesque Festival
JORDAN: Jane Austen Improv!
Where’s the best place to stay in the area for our out-of-town folks (or Austinites who are looking for a staycation)?
ANNIE: Austin Motel (funky, retro themed rooms on South Congress)
DAVID: Anywhere in Bouldin Creek!
ANNE: Hotel San Jose (a boutique hotel on South Congress)
JORDAN: Carpenter Hotel (really hip spot within walking distance – not your typical hotel)
What’s the best part about working in the LC’s Box Office?
ANNIE: Helping fans get to see their heroes!
DAVID: Watching the patron fashion show as they enter the building
ANNE: Welcoming new patrons and sharing a love for the arts with our wide variety of shows… and you can’t beat the downtown view!
JORDAN: People watching, and getting to witness people engage with something they love.
What’s one thing you think people might not know about the Box Office?
ANNIE: Several of us are professional karaoke-ers
DAVID: We all have artistic backgrounds!
ANNE: We are at the windows Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm… stop by and say “Hi!”
JORDAN: We have a core group of 7 team members working during day shifts, but we have 12-15 people on the full roster (including interns).
What’s the best piece of advice you have for folks coming to see a show at the LC?
ANNIE: Use public transit or arrive early to grab a bite nearby before the show!
DAVID: Come early and enjoy our beautiful park space.
ANNE: Arrive early so you have time to grab a drink and/or snack before the show. There’s a bar located on each level!
JORDAN: We share a parking garage with the Palmer Events Center and many businesses nearby, so arrive a little earlier than you think you need to find a good parking spot.
Thanks, Box Office team!
You can reach our Box Office by calling at the number below, or visiting us in person during the below hours.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.