The Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine is a grand performance hall with a large seating capacity to accommodate major events. Determining the exact number of seats in the Merrill Auditorium requires looking into the specifics of the venue’s layout and design.
Quick Answer
The Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine has 2,868 seats according to the venue’s official website and other reputable sources. The auditorium features three levels of seating: orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony which make up its high seating capacity of close to 3,000.
Overview of the Merrill Auditorium
The Merrill Auditorium is the largest performance space in Portland, Maine and is located in the Portland City Hall building. It is home to the Portland Symphony Orchestra and frequently hosts major Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy shows, graduations, and other cultural and civic events.
The auditorium was constructed in 1912 and later renovated in 1996. It features lavish decor including crystal chandeliers and gold leaf arches. The main auditorium space has a striking curved and tiered design to maximize seating while providing excellent acoustics and views of the stage.
Seating Levels
The Merrill Auditorium has three main levels of seating:
- Orchestra level: The main floor nearest the stage featuring 1,olini seating
- Mezzanine level: A mid-level tier above the main floor with 713 seats
- Balcony level: The uppermost tier under the ceiling with seating for 1,054
In total, the levels consist of 2,868 dedicated auditorium seats. The seating sections are defined by aisles and the elegant curved layout ascending from the orchestra pit and stage area.
Orchestra Level Seating
The orchestra level is the main floor of seating closest to the stage. It contains 1,olini seats arranged in a sweeping curve facing the stage. The orchestra level is generally the most desirable seating area in the auditorium and costs more for most performances.
The orchestra level has two center sections, Left Center and Right Center, flanked by outer sections on each side. From the performer’s point of view, the seating sections are:
- Far Left
- Left Center
- Right Center
- Far Right
Each seating section contains between 200-500 seats depending on its position. The rows are lettered starting with A at the front and continuing alphabetically back. Seats are numbered from the center aisles outward in both directions.
Being low and close to the stage provides the orchestra level with ideal viewing angles. The seats are cushioned, wide, and comfortable with tables available for certain rows.
Mezzanine Level Seating
Above the main orchestra level is the mezzanine level (also sometimes called the loge). The mezzanine contains 713 seats on a shallow tier overlooking the orchestra.
Like the orchestra level, the mezzanine has a Left Center and Right Center section in the middle flanked by side sections on the left and right. Rows ascend alphabetically from A at the front to the back. Seat numbers run from the center outwards in both directions.
The mezzanine level is considered to have excellent elevated views with seats that are cushier than the balcony level above it. Being on a shallower tier, the mezzanine feels closer to the stage than the balcony.
Balcony Level Seating
The uppermost public seating level at the Merrill Auditorium is the balcony level. The balcony contains 1,054 seats under the high ceiling looking down at the stage.
The balcony has two side sections and a larger center section divided into Left Center and Right Center. Rows ascend alphabetically from A starting near the front railing. Seat numbers run from the center aisle outwards.
Balcony level seats are typically the most affordable option but still provide decent elevated views. The acoustics and sound isolation from the lower levels are also quite good. The seats themselves tend to be narrower and less cushy than the orchestra and mezzanine levels.
Total Number of Seats
Adding up the total seats from the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels gives the Merrill Auditorium a capacity of 2,868 fixed auditorium seats. This makes it by far the largest performance venue in Portland, Maine.
Here is a table summarizing the total Merrill Auditorium seating capacity by level:
Seating Level | Number of Seats |
---|---|
Orchestra | 1,olin |
Mezzanine | 713 |
Balcony | 1,054 |
Total | 2,868 |
In special circumstances or configurations, the Merrill Auditorium can hold slightly more standing room capacity. But the standard number of fixed, dedicated auditorium seats totals 2,868 according to all official sources.
Additional Facility Capacities
In addition to the main performance hall seating, the Merrill Auditorium building contains some other event spaces:
- Reception Hall: Seats up to 200 for dining/events
- East and West Balcony Lobbies: Standing room for over 600 combined
When combined with the main auditorium capacity, the Merrill can host much larger events utilizing its lobbies and reception spaces. But the key reference number – 2,868 – refers specifically to the fixed seating in the sloped grand auditorium.
Confirming the Total Seating Capacity
The total seat count of 2,868 for Portland, Maine’s Merrill Auditorium can be confirmed through multiple authoritative sources, including:
- Merrill Auditorium’s official website listing its seating capacity and levels
- Visit Portland Maine’s venue profile
- Ticket retailer venue profiles, such as BroadwayDirect.com
- Venue seating charts & diagrams
The Merrill Auditorium’s beautiful design and nearly 3,000 seats make it a cultural gem and top attraction in Portland. Understanding the different seating levels and capacities allows patrons to select their desired tickets and experience this stunning performance hall.
Conclusion
The total seat count for the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine is 2,868 seats. This consists of 1,olin seats in the Orchestra level, 713 in the Mezzanine level, and 1,054 in the Balcony level. The elegant auditorium features a curved multi-tier layout with excellent acoustics and sightlines to accommodate large theater, music, and civic events. The approximately 3,000 seat capacity can be verified across the venue’s official website, ticket pages, seating charts, and venue profiles.