The Colden Auditorium, located on the Amherst campus of the University at Buffalo, is a large venue used for a variety of events including concerts, lectures, and graduation ceremonies. Determining the exact seating capacity of the Colden Auditorium is an important detail for event planning and management.
Quick Answer
The total seating capacity of the Colden Auditorium is approximately 2,550 people.
Detailed Answer
The Colden Auditorium was constructed in the early 1970s and named after James R. Colden, who served as chairman of the Council for the State University of New York. The multi-purpose facility was designed to host major events for the university as well as the surrounding Western New York community.
According to official information from the University at Buffalo, the maximum seating capacity of Colden Auditorium is 2,550 people. This capacity accounts for all seats on the main floor level as well as the balcony level. The main floor contains 1,500 seats while the balcony contains 1,050 seats.
The auditorium features a proscenium stage with adjustable height options. There is also a full fly system to accommodate different scenery and backgrounds. For concerts, the stage can be expanded by a hydraulic lift that connects to the main floor seating area. The stage dimensions are approximately 70 feet wide by 40 feet deep. However, this can vary based on the adjustable options.
Main Floor Seating
The main floor of Colden Auditorium is the large, ground level area directly in front of the stage. There are 1,500 fixed, cushioned seats arranged in a traditional auditorium layout facing the stage. The seats are divided into three main sections:
- Center section – The main center seating section has approximately 800 seats in rows A through P.
- Left section – The left seating section (facing the stage) has approximately 350 seats in rows A through H.
- Right section – The right seating section has 350 seats in rows A through H mirroring the left section.
There are two main aisles splitting the center, right, and left sections along with various smaller cross-aisles between row groupings. The seating rows are gently sloped from back to front to improve sight lines. There is standing room available at the very rear of the main floor behind row P as well as aisle standing room for special events if needed.
Balcony Seating
The balcony level of Colden Auditorium contains 1,050 fixed seats arranged in a horseshoe configuration looking down on the main floor stage. There are 23 rows labeled A through W. Rows A through D are considered the loge section and feature cushioned seats with backs. Rows E through W are bench style bleacher seats without backs. There are between 44 to 46 seats across each row.
Like the main floor, there are right, left and center sections of balcony seating. The center section has approximately 600 seats while the right and left each have about 225 seats. There are entrance/exit vomitories on each side along with aisles between row groupings for access and egress.
ADA Accessible Seating
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Colden Auditorium provides wheelchair accessible seating areas and accommodations for patrons with disabilities. On the main floor level, there are dedicated wheelchair positions situated around the perimeter. These provide space for wheelchairs with adjacent companion seating.
In the balcony, the first several rows are considered ADA compatible seating. There are open spaces along the aisles to accommodate wheelchairs. The accessible seating areas have appropriate sight lines and proximity to amenities such as restrooms and concessions stands. Assistive listening devices are also available upon request.
Seating Capacity for Different Event Configurations
While the maximum seating capacity is approximately 2,550 people, Colden Auditorium can accommodate different capacities based on the type of event and seating configuration needed. Some key points:
- For concerts with a stage extension, the capacity would decrease to approximately 2,400 as some main floor seating near the stage is usually taken out.
- Lecture style events with no stage extension can fit the full capacity of 2,550.
- Only using the main floor levels reduces capacity to around 1,500 people.
- Utilizing just the balcony levels would allow for approximately 1,000 patrons.
Event organizers work closely with the auditorium management to determine the ideal seating configuration and capacity for their specific needs. Certain safety regulations and codes also determine the allowed occupancy.
Conclusion
Colden Auditorium on the North Campus of the University at Buffalo can accommodate audiences of up to 2,550 people through its extensive seating capacity. With 1,500 fixed seats on the main floor and 1,050 seats in the balcony, it is one of the largest indoor venues in Western New York. The seating arrangements are flexible and can be adjusted based on the requirements of different types of events and productions. The information on total seating and the breakdown of capacity for each level and section provides helpful details for anyone involved in planning and hosting events in Colden Auditorium.