Marcus Amphitheater

Q: How is venue seating set up? Which seats are under the roof? What are "red” seats, "pavilion” seats, etc?

A: Please refer to the map on the main page for the venue configuration.

Pavilion seats are chairs with seat backs and arm rests. This includes Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8. PIT section chairs do not have arm rests. Pavilion seats are reserved. All of our Pavilion seats are under the roofline.

Bench or Bleacher seats do not have seat backs or arm rests. These seats are usually reserved and are not under the roof line.

Lawn tickets are always general admission seating on the grass at the back of the venue. Although Lawn tickets display a section, row and seat number this information is strictly for inventory tracking purposes; holders of Lawn tickets may sit wherever they please on the Lawn. The Lawn is not under the roofline.

"Red Seats” is the description for Sections 1, 2 and 3. These seats are literally red.

"Yellow Seats” is the description for Sections 4 through 8. These seats are literally yellow.

Q: How are the rows named within the Marcus Amphitheater?

A: Our row naming convention is A to Z with no row "I” or "O”, and then AA to GG. The exception is in the "PIT” section where the front row is AAA, second row BBB and third row is CCC. This makes Section 2 Row A the fourth row for our standard seat configuration.

Q: Do seat numbers run left to right, or right to left?

A: If you are in the venue facing the stage the seat numbers run right to left. The artist on the stage would read the seat numbers left to right.

Q: How can I find the exact location of my tickets? Are my seats on an aisle?

A: Click here to open a pdf file of the venue and use the section, row and seat information on your ticket to identify your location.

Q: Why do some shows have special seat charts on www.ticketmaster.com? How can I figure out if my ticket is next to a stage extension?

A: Artists performing at the Marcus Amphitheater may bring stage extensions, runways or B-stages (small stages set up in the back of the venue). This results in modifications to our standard seat configuration. A custom map is displayed on www.ticketmaster.com. We cannot guarantee which seats will be immediately adjacent to stage extensions until the actual staging is in place on show day.

Q: Why do some Marcus Amphitheater seat charts on www.ticketmaster.com have a "Pit” section and other seat charts have a "GAPIT” section? What’s the difference?

A: The Pit section and GAPIT section are alternate configurations of the area directly in front of the stage. Artists’ production needs may result in the removal of some seats or rows.

The Pit section typically contains three rows of reserved seats. Row names within the Pit are AAA, BBB and CCC. Specific reserved seat numbers are in use.

The GAPIT section is a general-admission, standing-room-only area. Some artists require removal of the seats in front of the stage to create this open area. Admission to the GAPIT is usually first-come first-served, but some artists reserve the right to allow certain ticket holders (e.g. fan club members) to gain early admittance.

Q: Who is in charge of the sound and video during the show?

The crew of the headlining artist is in complete control of the sound and any video production during the performance.

Q: What is the Marcus Amphitheater Re-entry policy during Summerfest?

A: Patrons who wish to leave and re-enter the Marcus Amphitheater must have their Amp even ticket or free lawn wristband scanned out and then back in at the Amp turnstiles. Failure to get your ticket scanned out may result in the patron not being allowed back into the venue.
If the patron also wishes to leave the festival grounds, a re-entry wristband must be obtained at any festival gate. Re-entry wristbands will be issued from Noon until 6:30 pm and patrons must re-enter the grounds by 7:00 pm the same day. Note that free lawn wristbands are not valid for re-admission to the Summerfest grounds; an additional wristband must be obtained. No re-entry wristbands will be issued after 6:30 pm and no re-entries will be allowed after 7:00 pm.

Q: Where are the Marcus Amphitheater and its Box Office located?

A: The Marcus Amphitheater and its Box Office are located on the south end of the Summerfest grounds at the end of Polk Street east of Harbor Drive.

During Summerfest: Harbor Drive is closed to public traffic during Summerfest. From downtown Milwaukee, take Water Street to Erie Street and travel east. Follow signs to the parking lots nearest the Marcus Amphitheater. Be prepared to show your prepaid parking pass if you purchased one. Patrons may also park in any outlying downtown parking lot and take a shuttle bus to the festival North Gate.

Outside Summerfest: From downtown Milwaukee, take Water Street to Chicago Avenue. Travel east on Chicago Avenue to Harbor Drive. Go south on Harbor Drive to Polk Street. Make a left turn on Polk Street for passenger drop off and the Box Office. Turn right on Polk Street for event parking.

Q: Why are ticket prices different at Ticketmaster.com than at the Box Office?

A: Our venue utilizes the Ticketmaster system for concert ticket sales as it is the best way to reach a substantial portion of our customers. Prices listed on Ticketmaster event web pages include the base price and combination of venue facility fees and Ticketmaster's own convenience fees. Prices at the Box Office include the base cost, and facility charge and typically $2 per-ticket box office fee.

Box Office purchases do not assess the Ticketmaster Convenience charge, which will be assessed if you purchase through Ticketmaster. Instead there is a $2-per ticket box office charge on most purchases. This makes the Box Office the most cost-effective way to purchase tickets for events held at our venue.

Q: Do children require a ticket to gain admittance to the Marcus Amphitheater?

A: All children ages 3 and older require a ticket to gain admittance to the Marcus Amphitheater. Children ages 2 and under do not require a ticket, but must sit on the lap of their parent or guardian. We strongly recommend parents provide hearing protection for their children.

Q: What is the Will Call policy?

A: Will Call tickets can be picked up at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office on the day of the show only. The purchaser, or the person authorized to pick up tickets during the on-line ticket purchase process, must bring a photo ID, the confirmation number and the credit card used for purchase when picking up Will Call tickets purchased through Ticketmaster or the Fan Club.

If you are a guest of the band, you must provide photo ID. Band guest tickets and passes are typically available close to show time. If you plan to arrive early, you may wish to call the box office in advance to determine if the band has sent their guest list and passes to the box office yet.

Q: What is the food and beverage policy?

A: Food or beverages of any kind (alcoholic included) cannot be brought into the venue; an exception is made for patrons with a medical necessity and/or special dietary requirements. Concession stands throughout the venue sell various types of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Wisconsin law prohibits the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21. Guests may be required to show proper identification and proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages. Patrons may bring in an EMPTY plastic water bottle, one liter or smaller.

Q: What items are prohibited in the Marcus Amphitheater?

A: Umbrellas are NOT allowed in the Marcus Amphitheater, but they are allowed on the Summerfest grounds.

There are specific items that cannot be brought into Summerfest. Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. reserves the right to alter carry-in policies at any time. Currently, these items include, but are not limited to:


  • Strollers
  • Backpacks
  • Large bags
  • Other carry-ins
  • Outside food or beverages (exception for empty plastic bottles, one liter or smaller)
  • Cans or glass bottles
  • Alcohol
  • Contraband
  • Pets
  • Video Equipment
  • Recording devices
  • Laser pointers
  • Lawn chairs
  • Skateboards
  • Inline skates
  • Coaster wagons
  • Kites
  • Frisbees
  • Picnic baskets

Q: Can I bring a video or still camera into the Marcus Amphitheater?

A: The camera policy varies by artist, however, professional cameras and video cameras are usually banned. Point-and-shoot and cell phone cameras typically are permitted by most artists. It's best to call the Box Office on the day of the show to confirm the camera policy for that day's performer. You may bring your personal binoculars.

Q: When do the doors open prior to a concert?

A: Summerfest gates open at Noon each day of the festival. Gates into the Marcus Amphitheater typically open one hour prior to event time. The exact time is determined by the artist performing at the venue.

Q: Are there ATMs inside the Marcus Amphitheater?

A: Automatic Teller Machines (TYME) are located at the entrance ramps to the Amphitheater and in the Info Booth/Wheelchair & Stroller Rental area near the South Gate. The machines are operated by M&I Bank. For your convenience, most Marcus Amphitheater concession stands, bars and merchandise tents accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card.

Q: Are animals allowed?

A: Animals or pets of any kind are prohibited with the exception of service animals for guests with disabilities and/or special needs. Services animals are welcomed into the building and must remain on a leash or harness at all times.

Q: Can I bring in a purse or backpack? Will my purse/bag be searched?

A: For the safety and security of our patrons, Summerfest only allows small personal purses or baby bags into the building. We advise you to leave your backpacks, large packages or other bags either at home or securely stored in your vehicle. You should also be aware that all small bags are subject to search before being allowed into the Amphitheater.

Q: May I be searched upon entry to the venue?

A: Guests entering the venue during an event may be subject to a metal-detector screening, visual inspection, a pat-down search and/or a bag inspection. Patrons who refuse to submit to either a visual or pat-down search may be refused entry and may not be eligible for a refund on their ticket purchase. The purpose of the inspection is to detect prohibited items.

Q: Is smoking permitted in the Marcus Amphitheater?

A: The Marcus Amphitheater is a non-smoking venue. Designated smoking areas will be available outside the Marcus Amphitheater.


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