ASU Gammage: Where Art and Architecture Collide

Photo Credit: Arizona State University

School is out of session in Downtown Tempe, but live art performances are still in full swing at Arizona State’s campus. Whether you’re an enthusiastic theatre patron or just looking for a new and exciting date night plan, you can find what you’re searching for at ASU Gammage Auditorium. 

Auditorium Excellence and Architectural Marvel

Formally known as Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, named after the legendary former ASU president Grady Gammage, this elegant performance hall is host to a multitude of live shows such as musical and dramatic Broadway productions, orchestra concerts, and grand opera

Yet Gammage’s excellence isn’t limited to the performances held there—the facility itself is a feat in architecture. 

Surrounded by incredible pillars and glass walls, Gammage was beautifully and thoughtfully designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1964. The auditorium was carefully crafted to deliver the highest quality in acoustics and viewing to every audience member, regardless of where they may be seated in the house. 

This arts center is still being led with creative excellence in the modern day by Executive Director Colleen Jennings-Roggensack. 

Stop by in the daytime for a stroll through the art museum in these historic halls or stay into the night to be transported into another world by the live acts—ASU Gammage Auditorium is the pinnacle of Downtown Tempe’s creative scene. 

Beetlejuice: A Whimsical Broadway Classic

After finishing up a successful round of shows featuring their rendition of the musical Hairspray, ASU Gammage Auditorium is already prepared to take on another Broadway classic in August with Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is a whimsical and unique musical based on the Tim Burton film, also titled Beetlejuice, and has proved to be a fun show for the whole family. Beetlejuice will be showcased at Gammage Theater this summer from August 22nd through the 27th and tickets are available for purchase on their website. 

In true Gammage fashion, the upcoming season tickets are already selling out months in advance, so be sure to secure your auditorium seats ASAP. The 2023-24 ASU Gammage season lineup is not something you want to miss!

Photo Credit: AZ Central

Dining Delights in Downtown Tempe

Feeling hungry before the show? The ASU Gammage Auditorium is conveniently located right next to the most popular destinations for bar and restaurant goers in Downtown Tempe: Mill Avenue. 

Mill Avenue is packed with a variety of dining options sure to meet the needs of whatever your pre-show dinner may look like, all the way from a night out with your co-workers to a family-friendly joint if you're bringing the kids along for a memorable time. 

Due to its popularity, Mill Avenue is a traffic disaster on busy nights, especially when Gammage is holding a performance.

Since Gammage is located right off of Mill Avenue, roads accessible by car can be completely blocked off on show nights, causing traffic delays and parking challenges.

Don't let parking woes and traffic congestion dampen your experience. Make your transition from dinner downtown to ASU Gammage Auditorium quick and seamless with Zen.

Zen is a popular on-demand rideshare service offered throughout the ASU campus and Downtown Tempe.

By opting for Zen Shuttles, you can enjoy a convenient and effortless transition from your pre-show dinner downtown to ASU Gammage Auditorium. Skip the hassle of searching for parking spots and the anxiety of arriving late to a truly special performance in Gammage Auditorium, and just Zen.

For more info: Download the Zen Shuttles App in the App Store and Google Play Store!

Previous
Previous

ASU Football Schedule 2023: A Season Packed with Home Games

Next
Next

Finding the Perfect Housing at ASU: Why Canvas Apartments is Popular in Downtown Tempe