the legendary
count basie
orchestra

Accessible seating for patrons with disabilities may be purchased in person at the PortTIX box office, by calling PortTIX at (207) 842-0800, or on our website. In person and telephone sales are available during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 11am–3pm). Please inform your ticket agent of your needs at the time of purchase. All of our ticket agents are very familiar with the hall and can assist in finding the best seating.

To purchase wheelchair accessible tickets online, look for the wheelchair symbol when selecting seats. You can buy that location and the one next to it with a star symbol for a companion (please note there will be no chair in the “Wheelchair Seat” location).  Typically, these will be available in the Grand Tier sections 2 and 4 and Orchestra section 1.  If you wish to inquire about other possible options, please call our box office for assistance.

Wheelchair Accessible Seating: There are several wheelchair accessible seating areas within Merrill Auditorium. They are located in the front and sides of the Orchestra Section, as well as the rear of the Grand Tier. Ushers are available if you need any assistance in locating your seat.

Lift Arm Aisle Seats: Aisle seats with a movable arm to facilitate entry and exit are located throughout the auditorium. Please check with the box office for specific locations. These can be used to transfer from wheelchairs into a regular auditorium seat if desired.

Over-Sized Seats: Not all the seats in Merrill Auditorium are the same size. We can provide two sets of over-sized seats (two seats with a removable center arm and broader backrests). Please contact PortTIX and inform your ticket agent if you would like one of these seats. They are available on a first come, first serve basis.

We recommend that patrons purchase their tickets well in advance. For certain shows, production requirements reduce the number of both accessible and non-accessible seats in the Orchestra. Please inform the ticket agent of any accessibility requirements at the time of purchase.

Assisted Listening Devices via an infrared listening assistance system are available to patrons for all performances at Merrill Auditorium. Simply ask one of the Merrill Event Staff (those wearing red vests) when you enter the auditorium to obtain a headset. A valid driver’s license or credit card is required as a deposit.

You may also connect to the Assisted Listening system via your phone. This requires downloading the  application “ListenWiFI” and connecting to the network. Merrill Event Staff can also assist you with this.

Sign Language Interpreters can be provided upon request with at least two weeks’ notice based on the availability of a qualified Interpreter. Please call (207) 842-0800 to request this service.

The bathrooms in the main floor lobby of Merrill Auditorium are accessible by elevator from all levels and are wheelchair-accessible.

There is an elevator at Merrill Auditorium that can reach any floor of the building. However, the only areas that are accessible without any stairs are the Orchestra and Row G of the Grand Tier. All other sections do require stairs to reach the seats.

Accessible parking for patrons with disability permits is available on both sides of Myrtle Street and on Congress Street in front of City Hall. Parking spaces are in high demand in Portland. To avoid disappointment, please allow sufficient time before the start of a show to find a parking space.

Service animals are always welcome. They are required to remain on a leash or harness at all times. We recommend speaking with a ticket agent about the best seating options for you and your service animal.

Ask a Merrill Staff member wearing a red vest. They are in charge of the ushers and are a very useful resource.

Have a question about accessibility not listed here or need more information? Drop us an email or call us at (207) 842-0800 and we’ll be happy to help.