PortTIX

Policies, Terms, and Conditions

Last updated April 15, 2008.

Terms of Use

By entering PortTix.com, you agree that this is a copyrighted site in resepect to all content, design, and image, and you will never duplicate or copy works herein without express written consent.

Your use of this site also releases PortTix from any liability related to computer or network issues resulting from your use of this site.

By using PortTix.com, you are making known to PortTix your IP address and usage information, which can be used by PortTix in the prosecution of copyright and terms of use violations. Please review our privacy policy below.

Privacy Policy

By purchasing a ticket to an event, or by creating an account at PortTix.com, you indicate your consent to PortTix sharing your email address and other information with those involved in the specific event (e.g. the presenting organization or other producer or promoter) and that you consent to those involved in the event using your information to contact you by email or other means to send you marketing and other messages. You also indicate that you consent to PortTix contacting you by email or other means.  If you join our email list you may opt out at any time.  We will never sell or share that list with other organizations.

PortTix respects your privacy and will not share your information in ways not permitted by this document.

Notice Regarding Ticket Limits

We ask all customers to adhere to published ticket limits. Persons who exceed the ticket limit may have any or all of their orders and tickets cancelled without notice by Porttix in its discretion. This includes orders associated with the same name, e-mail address, billing address, credit card number or other information. By clicking on the "Add to Basket " button, or otherwise using this web site, you agree to the Terms of Use which, among other things, prohibit using automatic processes to access this web site or requesting excessively large amounts of web pages.

The tickets sold by PortTIX belong to our clients and typically represent only a portion of the total venue seating capacity.  The decision as to which tickets are made available for public sale is made by the organizations that bring events to Merrill Auditorium.

Why can't I find information on PCA Great Performances?

PCA Great Performances has changed their name to "Portland Ovations."  You will still find the same great programming offered by PCA under the "Ovations" name.  Go to the home page and click on the "Ovations" category for a full list of upcoming Portland Ovations events.

New at Merrill Auditorium - Ticket Scanners:

Take a look at your tickets and you'll notice we now have barcodes for most shows.  This ensures greater security for ticket purchasers and allows us to offer more delivery options, like print at home tickets.  Your tickets will be scanned when you enter the auditorium, so please be patient with our ushers as they adjust to this new technology and allow for extra time when arriving for an event.

Are food and beverage services available and allowed into the theater?

Yes, concession stations are available in most parts of the Auditorium. Food and beverages, with the exception of bottled water purchased here, are not allowed into the theater.

What is the appropriate dress for attending the theater?

For our primary production companies, the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Portland Ovations, dress typically varies from dressy to business casual.  For holiday shows, many patrons like to dress up for the season.  But there is no "dress code" and it is entirely you decision what to wear.

Does Merrill Auditorium have an elevator?

There is an elevator available in the lobby that stops at all seating levels.

Where should I park?

Parking is available at the Elm Street Garage, one block off Congress Street near Monument Square. Parking is also available for most performances at Top of the Old Port, an open-air parking lot on the corner of Congress and Pearl Streets. Handicapped-accessible parking is available on both sides of Myrtle Street for patrons with a valid permit. Additional parking is available on Congress Street in front of City Hall. These spaces are in demand, so we suggest you arrive early.

How do I get to Merrill Auditorium?

We have prepared detailed directions for you.

Are cameras allowed?

For most performances, absolutely not. This policy is strictly enforced. Please, for the safety of the performers and stage crew and the enjoyment of other patrons, no photography, flash or no flash, or recording devices are permitted.

What is your policy on mobile phones and beepers in the theater?

Beepers and mobile phones are not to be used in the theater. If you must bring a mobile phone or beeper into the theater, please turn it off or to vibrate before the performance begins. If you must use your mobile phone, please take the call in the lobby and remember to turn it off or to vibrate before re-entering the theater.

Is smoking allowed?

City Hall, including Merrill Auditorium, is a smoke-free building. Smoking is prohibited in the theater, lobby areas and within twenty-five feet of the Myrtle Street entrance.

What is your child policy?

All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the theater. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian and must have a ticket for a seat adjacent to the adult. You can check about the age-appropriateness of shows with your ticketing agent.

What does the facility fee do?

The facility fee helps repay private and municipal bonds that, with fundraising by the community, Portland Ovations, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra, paid for the 1997 renovation of theater.

What do the fees do?

The per ticket handling fee covers the costs of running PortTix, such as credit card processing fees, employee wages and ticketing software.  The $1 per order mail fee covers the cost of mailing tickets.  The Print-at-Home fee helps to pay for the technology required for this feature.

Is there a list of upcoming shows and events?

Here is a chronological list of all events currently on sale. PortTix sells tickets for all ticketed events held at Merrill Auditorium, in addition to some events at other venues.  Join our monthly email list and we'll keep you informed when new shows go on sale! Click here

Why isn't there one brochure or mailing list for Merrill Auditorium?

Merrill Auditorium isn't a cultural organization, but rather a venue that plays host to many different organizations. Our primary presenting and production organizations are Portland Ovations and the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Both companies' websites list and describe their upcoming events, and they both publish comprehensive brochures for each season. PortTix also has a simple brochure that lists all shows with performance dates at Merrill. This is updated on a weekly basis; ask a ticket-seller for a copy.

When do the doors open prior to each performance?

For most performances, the doors at Merrill Auditorium open no less than thirty minutes before the scheduled performance time.

What is Merrill Auditorium's latecomers policy?

Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the production company's house manager. Latecomers are not guaranteed seats, so please arrive at the venue on time.

What number can be left for the babysitter in case of an emergency?

The emergency number for our event coordinators is 207.233.5163.

How do I know my transaction is secure?

When you choose your tickets, check the top of the page in the address bar for a lock symbol.  This lets you know that PortTix.com has an SSL certificate and that your information is encrypted and cannot be accessed when you make your purchase online.

PortTix, LLC. has also been certified PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant.  This means that PortTix has met the standards set by the Payment Card Industry to address security, data integrity and privacy concerns associated with processing electronic payment data.

How can I purchase tickets to Merrill Auditorium?

You can purchase tickets at this website or by calling PortTix at 207.842.0800, Monday through Friday, noon to 6 pm (summer hours). PortTix accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. You may also purchase your tickets in person at our box office in the lobby of Merrill Auditorium during the same business hours. In person we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, personal checks (seven days prior to the performance date), or cash.

What type of payment is accepted at the box office and over the phone?

In person, PortTix accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, cash and checks (seven days prior to the performance date being purchased). Over the phone and online, PortTix accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Regular service and handling fees apply.

How can I purchase tickets for a Weekend performance if PortTix is only open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 pm?

On Sunday, if there is a performance, the Box Office will open at least one hour before curtain.  On Saturday, if there is a performance, the Box Office will open at noon.  The week prior to a performance, call 207.842.0800 and press 5 to find specifics on hours, length of performance, and ticket availability.

Can tickets be ordered over the telephone with a credit card and then paid for with cash at the box office?

No. If tickets are purchased by telephone, they must be paid for with the customer's credit card at the time the reservation is made.

What is a Print at Home ticket?

Some events purchased online offer a Print at Home delivery option.  You can print these tickets at the time of your purchase or later on from an email attachment.  With Print at Home tickets there's no waiting in line at the Will-Call window and no waiting for the mail to arrive.  Simply select the Print at Home delivery option at the payment screen and submit your order.  There is a fee for using this option, which helps to pay for the technology needed to make this feature available to our patrons. 

How can I purchase tickets and have someone else pick them up?

When purchasing tickets through PortTix, give the ticketing agent the specific name of the person who will be picking up the tickets at the Box Office. The tickets will then be left at the reservations window under that name on the day of the show. A picture ID will be required.

How can I replace my lost tickets?

Tickets can easily be replaced by contacting PortTix. Simply call or visit the box office in person and let us know that you need to report lost tickets. It will be important to know the date of purchase and the performance date. You will need to show picture identification to pick up reprinted tickets.

How can I order tickets by telephone?

You can order tickets by telephone by calling PortTix at 207.842.0800, Monday through Friday, noon to 6 pm (summer hours).

How can I receive a refund or exchange on my tickets?

As is the case with many theaters, we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges on ticket purchases. If you find you cannot use your tickets, you can always donate them to a local charity. We will be happy to provide you with a list of local charities who distribute tickets to those in need.

What happens if a show is cancelled?

If an event is cancelled, the presenter will refund the face value of the ticket price only. The handling fee from the original sale cannot be refunded; it will help us process your refund.  All refunds must be made to the original ticket purchaser.

What is your policy on student rush, rush, or senior discounts?

The availability of discounted tickets is decided by the production company; the policy varies from show to show. Please call us directly for more information at 207.842.0800. Discounted tickets are not currently available for sale online.

How can I find out when tickets will go on sale for a particular show?

Ticket sales are usually announced in the local newspapers and sometimes through radio and television stations. You can also check this website or call for a list of upcoming shows.  Or, join our monthly email list and we'll keep you informed when new shows go on sale!  Click here

Do you sell subscriptions?

Portland Ovations and the Portland Symphony Orchestra both have their own subscription tickets.

When and where can I pick up my tickets from will call?

Will call tickets are available at the reservations window of the box office sixty minutes prior to show time. The box office is a busy place before a show, so we recommend that you pick your tickets up thirty minutes prior to show time.

How do I purchase group tickets?

For Portland Ovations group sales, call the Ovations office at 207.773.3150. For Portland Symphony Orchestra group sales, call the PSO office at 207.773.6128.

How can I purchase accessible tickets to performances?

Accessible seating for patrons with disabilities and communication disorders should be purchased in person at the PortTix box office or by telephone by calling PortTix at 207.842.0800 or TDD at 207.842.0812. Both methods available Monday through Friday, noon to 6 pm (summer hours). Please inform your ticketing agent of your needs at the time you purchase your seats.

Do you sell accessible seating? Where are accessible seats located?

The theater has three types of accessible seating. Lift arm seats, into which patrons can transfer from wheelchairs, are available in the Orchestra, Terrace, Grand Tier and Balcony. Removable seats, at which patrons can sit in wheelchairs are available in the Orchestra and Grand Tier. A limited number of oversize seats are available in the Grand Tier. For certain shows, production requirements reduce the number of both accessible and non-accessible seats in the Orchestra. Ushers are available if you need any assistance in locating your seat. Please inform your ticketing agent of your needs at the time you purchase your seats; we are happy to accommodate you in any way we can.

Does PortTix offer services to the hearing impaired?

Yes.  See below:
1. The TTY number for PortTix is 207.842.0812.
2. Assisted Listening Devices are available to patrons for all performances at Merrill Auditorium. Simply ask one of the event staff in a red coat when you go in.
3. A sign language interpreter can be provided upon request with at least two weeks notice based on the availability of a qualified interpreter. Call 207-842-0800 or 207-842-0812 (TTY).

How soon before the performance should I purchase accessible seating?

PortTix strongly recommends that patrons purchase their tickets well in advance.

Is there wheelchair accessibility in the bathrooms?

The lobby level bathrooms, accessible by elevator from all other levels, are wheelchair-accessible.