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ASU Gammage: A Desert Jewel of Performing Arts

A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and vibrant performing arts center in the heart of Tempe, Arizona, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and more.

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ASU Gammage, located on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, is a renowned performing arts center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1964, it stands as Wright's only public building in Arizona and a major cultural landmark in the Phoenix metropolitan area, hosting a variety of Broadway shows, concerts, and other events.

A brief summary to ASU Gammage

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially for popular shows, to allow time for parking and security checks.
  • Consider pre-purchasing parking passes to secure a spot in the ASU Gammage parking lots.
  • Check the ASU Gammage website for upcoming events, showtimes, and ticket information.
  • Note the clear bag policy: only clear bags (max 12”x6”x12”) and small clutch/purse/bag (max 5.5" x 8.5") are allowed.
  • Explore the lobby galleries to view local art before or after the show.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    ASU Gammage is accessible via Valley Metro Rail and bus services. From the Mill Ave/3rd St or Veterans Way/College Ave light rail stations, it's a short walk to the auditorium. Several bus lines also stop near ASU Gammage. A single ride on the light rail or bus costs $2.

  • Walking

    From many locations on the ASU Tempe campus or in downtown Tempe, ASU Gammage is easily accessible by foot. Follow signs towards the intersection of Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard. The auditorium is located at 1200 S Forest Ave.

  • Driving

    If driving, ASU Gammage is located at 1200 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281. Parking is available in the Maroon and Gold Lots. During Broadway shows, the Gold Lot is reserved for season ticket holders and patrons requiring accessible parking. Parking in the ASU Gammage lot is free for performances, but it fills up quickly. Nearby parking garages include the Tempe Town Center Lot and the City Hall Garage. Parking rates in these garages typically range from $6 to $15. Day of parking passes are available for purchase at posted rate.

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Discover more about ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage, formerly Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, is a multipurpose performing arts center located on the campus of Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, Arizona. Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it is one of his last public commissions and the only public building in Arizona designed by him. The auditorium is named after Grady Gammage, a former ASU president who envisioned a distinct university auditorium. Wright's design was adapted from an opera house he had originally conceived for Baghdad, Iraq. However, the Iraqi project never came to fruition due to the 1958 Iraqi coup d'état. Wright repurposed the design for ASU, taking inspiration from the desert climate of both locations. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1964. Neither Wright nor Gammage lived to see the completion of the project. The building stands 80 feet high and measures 300 by 250 feet. Its circular design features 50 concrete columns supporting an interlocking pattern on the roof. Two pedestrian bridges, extending 200 feet, welcome visitors. The auditorium seats over 3,000 people on three levels, with the furthest seat only 115 feet from the stage. The stage is adaptable for various performances, including opera, musicals, concerts, and lectures. ASU Gammage has hosted a wide array of performances and events over the years, including Broadway shows, concerts by famous musicians, and university events. It is the home theater of the Desert Schools Federal Credit Union Broadway Across America - Arizona series and the ASU Gammage Beyond series. The venue also houses three lobby galleries featuring local artists' paintings and photography. ASU Gammage was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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