Ovens Auditorium, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a large venue that hosts various concerts, Broadway shows, graduations, and other events. With a capacity of over 2,400 seats, Ovens Auditorium features different seating configurations depending on the event.
Overview of Ovens Auditorium
Ovens Auditorium first opened in 1955 and was originally named the Charlotte Municipal Auditorium. It was renamed Ovens Auditorium in 1975 after former Charlotte mayor John M. Ovens. The venue has undergone renovations and expansions over the years to improve the facilities. Ovens Auditorium is managed by the Charlotte Convention Center.
Some key facts about Ovens Auditorium:
- Location: 2700 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
- Opened: 1955
- Managed by: Charlotte Convention Center
- Seating capacity: 2,441
- Main theater size: 95,000 square feet
- Features: Full theatrical stage, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, concessions
- Type of events hosted: Concerts, Broadway shows, graduations, dance recitals, speakers
The main theater in Ovens Auditorium has a permanent proscenium stage with an orchestra pit in front. There are theater-style tiered balconies with seating as well as flat floor seating on the main level. The versatility of the space allows for different seating configurations.
Stadium Seating
Stadium seating refers to tiered seating arrangement where each row is elevated above the row in front of it, similar to bleachers in a sports stadium. This enables those sitting in the back to have an unobstructed view over the heads of people in front of them.
The key benefits of stadium seating are:
- Excellent sightlines – Can see clearly over people’s heads
- No obstructions – Don’t have to peer around people’s heads
- More capacity – Allow more people to fit into the space
- Intimacy – Brings the audience closer to the stage/screen
Does Ovens Auditorium Have Stadium Seating?
Ovens Auditorium does utilize stadium seating for some event configurations, but not all events there have this type of seating arrangement.
Specifically, the permanent tiered balconies on the upper levels of the main theater provide stadium-style seating. There are no aisles dividing the upper sections, just rows of seats rising up at incremental heights. This gives occupants in the back an unhindered view of the stage over the rows in front of them.
However, the flat floor seating on the orchestra level of the theater does not have any elevations or rises. These are standard folding chairs set on one flat level, with some aisles dividing sections. Therefore, the floor seating does not have a stadium seating arrangement.
Typical Seating Arrangements
Here are some of the typical seating configurations used in Ovens Auditorium for different events:
- Concerts – Primarily floor seating plus some balcony seating. Does not utilize full stadium seating.
- Broadway shows – Orchestra level floor seating and front balcony seating. Does not utilize stadium seating in rear balconies.
- Comedy shows – Floor seating with some balcony seating. Not full stadium seating layout.
- Graduations – Floor seating only. No balcony seating used. No stadium seating.
- Dance recitals – Front orchestra floor seating. No balcony seating. No stadium seating.
As the above configurations demonstrate, many events at Ovens Auditorium do not use the full stadium seating capabilities. Concerts, comedians, and other shows typically want attendees closer to the stage and only use some rear balcony seats. Graduations and dance recitals utilize flat floor seating only. Only certain theatrical performances or other programs may make full use of the tiered balcony stadium seating.
Factors Impacting Stadium Seating Use
There are several factors that determine whether stadium seating is utilized in Ovens Auditorium for a particular event:
- Size of audience – Larger audience makes greater use of stadium seating
- Type of performance – Rock concerts favor floor seating, while operas use balconies more
- Production requests – Performers/event planners make specific seating requests
- Acoustics – Sound quality better near stage for concerts
- Lighting – Stage lighting focused on front center seats
- Revenue goals – More expensive floor seats sold before balcony
Ovens Auditorium staff arrange the seating configuration for each event based on considerations such as these, as well as the architectural layout and capabilities of the venue itself.
Comparing Ovens Auditorium to Other Venues
It can be helpful to compare Ovens Auditorium’s stadium seating to other venues in the region. Here is an overview:
Venue | Location | Seating Capacity | Stadium Seating? |
---|---|---|---|
Ovens Auditorium | Charlotte, NC | 2,441 | Partial – balconies only |
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center | Charlotte, NC | 2,100 | Partial – rear mezzanine only |
Durham Performing Arts Center | Durham, NC | 2,700 | Full stadium seating |
DPAC Theatre | Raleigh, NC | 3,000 | Full stadium seating |
Peace Concert Hall | Greenville, SC | 1,800 | Partial – balconies only |
This comparison shows that some venues have full stadium seating throughout, while others like Ovens Auditorium only have it in certain sections. The type of events hosted, construction layout, and audience capacity all impact stadium seating capabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, Ovens Auditorium does provide stadium seating in the permanent tiered balconies of its main theater, but many events do not utilize the full stadium seating configuration. Concerts, comedians, graduations, and other programs often restrict seating to the flat floor orchestra level, while theatrical performances may make greater use of the elevated rear sections. Factors like audience size, show requirements, and revenue goals determine how the stadium seating areas are utilized for any given event at Ovens Auditorium.
The partial stadium seating design gives event planners and Ovens Auditorium staff flexibility in configuring the seating. Other comparable venues in the region offer full or partial stadium seating as well. Ultimately, the mix of flat floor and tiered balcony seats enables Ovens Auditorium to accommodate different types of events and audiences.