Located in downtown San Diego, the Civic Theatre has served as one of the city's premier performing arts venue since it first opened its doors in 1965. Over the past six decades, it has welcomed millions of patrons for Broadway tours, symphonies, operas, ballets, concerts, and community events. With more than 2,900 seats and a prime location adjacent to City Hall, the theatre has been a central player in San Diego’s cultural evolution.
"Enhancing the guest experience for those attending events at the Civic Theatre is a top priority," said Carol Wallace, president and CEO of San Diego Theatres, which also operates downtown San Diego's historic 101-year-old Balboa Theatre. "These upgrades will transform the Civic Theatre for a new era and help ensure it remains a vibrant, contemporary cornerstone of San Diego’s arts and cultural community."
Among the improvements are dramatic front-of-house upgrades, including newly painted walls and columns throughout the lobby spaces and the installation of terrazzo flooring on the ground level. The updated design draws inspiration from San Diego’s iconic coastline, blending tones of blue, sand, and brown to reflect the region’s sea and shore. Custom-designed carpeting mimicking coastal tidal pools will be installed across the stairs, floors, and lobbies, complete with golden threads symbolizing warmth and sunlight.
Work began in March with renovations to the upper balcony lobby and is progressing floor by floor. Construction pauses on performance days to minimize disruption and will continue through the summer months. The enhancements, set to be completed by late September, aim to transform the theatre-going experience while preserving the historical significance of the venue.
Joseph Martinez, Board Chair of San Diego Theatres, emphasized the importance of preserving and enhancing the theatre’s legacy. "We are polishing the diamond, so to speak, bringing it into a new era, and ensuring the theatre is something all San Diegans can be proud to have represent our city." Funding for the project comes from ticket fees collected at Civic Theatre events.
Work began in March with renovations to the upper balcony lobby and is progressing floor by floor. Construction pauses on performance days to minimize disruption and will continue through the summer months. The enhancements, set to be completed by late September, aim to transform the theatre-going experience while preserving the historical significance of the venue.
Joseph Martinez, Board Chair of San Diego Theatres, emphasized the importance of preserving and enhancing the theatre’s legacy. "We are polishing the diamond, so to speak, bringing it into a new era, and ensuring the theatre is something all San Diegans can be proud to have represent our city." Funding for the project comes from ticket fees collected at Civic Theatre events.
Additional enhancements include updated restrooms with European-style privacy stalls and new wall coverings, along with upgraded dressing rooms designed to accommodate the needs of today’s touring artists and performers. The project also expands on last summer's exterior landscaping and Civic Plaza upgrades, which introduced a more inviting and functional gathering area with mobile concession stations and space for pre-show entertainment. Additional announcements regarding further improvements to the Civic Plaza are expected in the coming months.
To commemorate its 60th anniversary, San Diego Theatres will host an open house in late September, inviting the public to explore the refreshed space. The event will feature live music, interactive activities, and free guided tours, culminating in a special ticketed performance to be announced soon.
To commemorate its 60th anniversary, San Diego Theatres will host an open house in late September, inviting the public to explore the refreshed space. The event will feature live music, interactive activities, and free guided tours, culminating in a special ticketed performance to be announced soon.
The Civic Theatre will continue to serve as the home of the San Diego Opera and a key venue for national touring Broadway productions. Upcoming performances include fan favorites like Hamilton, A Beautiful Noise–The Neil Diamond Musical, The Book of Mormon and Moulin Rouge!, as well as a full slate of programming for the 2025-2026 season.
San Diego Civic Theatre is located at 1100 Third Avenue in downtown San Diego. For more information on upcoming shows, the renovation project, and anniversary celebrations, visit sandiegotheatres.org.
San Diego Civic Theatre is located at 1100 Third Avenue in downtown San Diego. For more information on upcoming shows, the renovation project, and anniversary celebrations, visit sandiegotheatres.org.
Originally published on April 21, 2025.
