Welcome! We look forward to having you in the audience for The Nutcracker! We want you to have a wonderful time, with a chance to relax and enjoy all of the fun, pre-show activities we have in store for you. Now is a good time to start planning your trip to the Long Center and where you'll park, so you don't feel rushed gettting to the performance. Here are some important tips to help you plan ahead:
TIP 1: ARRIVE EARLY!
The Long Center opens 90 minutes before each performance, as does our box office. You can enjoy many family-friendly activities at the venue right until show time. When you arrive early, traffic is typically lighter, and parking garage space is plentiful. Garages start to fill up 30 minutes before show time, so arrive early and skip the last-minute parking stress. Don't forget! The Trail of Lights holiday display at Zilker Park affects driving routes leading to the Long Center, so factor that into your travel plans.
TIP 2: CONSIDER ONE TEXAS CENTER FOR AFFORDABLE PARKING!
Located off of Haywood Avenue near the southeast corner of S. 1st Street & Barton Springs Road, this garage is only a four-minute walk to the Long Center. The price is $5 per vehicle, so it's less expensive than the Palmer Garage ($8). AND you can avoid the traffic--and traffic circle--on Riverside Drive. (Garage entrance is pictured left.) NOTE: This garage is not staffed at all times; you must pay via credit card at the automated gate upon exit.
TIP 3: VALET PARK EARLY!
If you arrive an hour early, enjoy extra pampering by letting valet parking professionals park your vehicle for you ($18/vehicle). Just step out and head straight to the pre-show fun waiting for you in the lobbies and lounges. Valet Parking will close 15 minutes prior to show time (evenings at 7:15 p.m., matinees at 1:45 p.m.), so valet park only if you are arriving early. If you're running late, skip the valet line and head straight to one of the garages.
The entrance to Valet Parking is off of Riverside Drive as you head east toward the intersection of Riverside Drive and S. 1st Street. The Valet entrance will be the first of two driveways on the right side of the street. The second drive on the right leads to the entrance of the Palmer Garage.