Our Story

PortTIX was founded in February of 1997 and opened as the box office for the newly renovated (and renamed) Merrill Auditorium. The Auditorium (formerly known as City Hall Auditorium) was in desperate need of renovation, struggling with issues such as outdated seating arrangements, no formal box office, and even an issue with pigeons living backstage and in the dressing rooms. These issues and more would all be solved with the major renovation that the auditorium that took place between 1995 and 1997.

An article in Casco Bay Weekly from the February PortTIX opened quotes part of the management team for the newly renovated Merrill, Frank LaTorre, who described what the hall was to become:

From the symphony to graduations, from the opera to political speakers, from organ recitals to meetings of civic and business groups, creating a vibrant community center will be the main objective.

PHOTO BY JOHN EWING — Tuesday, April 13, 1999 — Frank LaTorre, part of a management team that oversaw the operation of Merrill Auditorium, inside the renovated entertainment venue at Portland City Hall. (Photo by John Ewing/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

As we now know, over 25 years later, LaTorre’s vision has come true, with this beautiful hall greatly enriching Portland’s arts scene.

PortTIX was established to be the box office for the newly renovated Merrill Auditorium when construction was completed in February of 1997. We were created by the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Portland Ovations (at the time known as PCA Great Performances) in order to offer a cohesive ticketing experience for themselves, as well as for Merrill and the City’s other venues. This makes PortTIX, run by two non-profit organizations and with a close working relationship with local government, a truly unique small business!

The Original PortTIX logo

The PortTIX logo from 2008-2023

After almost 30 years operating out of the lobby at Merrill Auditorium, PortTIX made the decision to grow and move to a new location. The new PortTIX office is located at 400 Congress Street, Suite A, directly across the street from the main entrance to Portland’s City Hall.

PortTIX takes pride in serving as a personal connection between you, our patrons, our partner organizations, and the arts and entertainment these organizations bring to greater Portland, ensuring the best possible customer experience. Moving into the new space, with storefront visibility and a dedicated lobby area, provides ticket buyers with even greater access and convenience.