Historical photograph of the Tennessee Theatre on South Gay Street

Tennessee Theatre

Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville, TN
Venue location
Theatre
Venue type
96 events
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Visitor guide
Arrival & venue details

About Tennessee Theatre

The Tennessee Theatre is a downtown Knoxville performing arts venue at 604 South Gay Street. Its calendar brings together Broadway productions, orchestral performances, touring concerts, comedy and film programs. The theatre’s Gay Street entrance and its daytime box office on Clinch Avenue serve different purposes, an important distinction for a first visit. Choose seats using the actual performance map, and leave time to navigate downtown parking before heading into the auditorium.

Historical photograph of the Tennessee Theatre on South Gay Street
Historical photograph of the Tennessee Theatre on South Gay Street.

Address

604 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

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Visitor information

Check the venue’s current instructions for your event.

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Tennessee Theatre

604 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

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Plan Your Visit to Tennessee Theatre

How does the seating work?

Reserved performances use orchestra and balcony seating. In the side sections, even-numbered seats are together on the right and odd-numbered seats together on the left. Orchestra-center numbering begins at 101. A pair numbered 1 and 3 can therefore be adjacent rather than separated by a missing seat.

For an event explicitly sold as general admission, a number printed on a ticket may be an inventory reference rather than a seat assignment. Read the event’s admission description before assuming a particular row or location is reserved.

How do I arrive and park?

The theatre does not own or operate a parking garage. Its visitor page identifies Locust Street, Market Square, Langley and Dwight Kessel garages, plus paid options at First Tennessee Plaza and Riverview Tower. Some downtown facilities offer free evenings and weekends; confirm the posted terms at the garage you actually use.

Guests with mobility needs using State Street Garage are directed to Level 3 or above and the pedestrian bridge, which avoids the steeper street route. Elevators serve the garage levels. There is also a northbound Gay Street drop-off area in front of the theatre.

Which accessibility services are available?

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms include a family-style restroom on the orchestra level at Aisle 1. Complimentary assistive listening devices are offered for most performances on a first-come basis with identification held during use. Contact the box office to select accessible seating and discuss individual needs.

Sensory bags are available at the box office, with a quiet area in the lower lobby. Sign-language interpretation should be arranged at least two weeks ahead. The Broadway series identifies Sunday matinees for interpretation and Saturday evenings for audio description; coordinate the performance and seating with the theatre.

What should I know about entry and concessions?

The Tennessee Theatre became cashless on October 1, 2026. Lobby concessions normally offer snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Food and drinks are generally allowed in the auditorium unless the artist requests otherwise.

There is no formal dress code. Choose clothing suitable for the performance while avoiding hats or accessories that obstruct other people’s views. The venue recommends arriving at least half an hour before the performance to allow for parking and getting seated.

Which entrance and ticket office should I use?

The daytime box office is at 224 Clinch Avenue and normally operates Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Performance-day will call is at the Gay Street entrance and generally opens an hour before the show. Keep digital tickets available in the account or wallet specified by your ticket provider.

Tennessee Theatre FAQs

Are seats 1 and 3 next to each other?

Yes, the left-side sections use odd numbers and right-side sections use even numbers. Review the section as well as the seat numbers.

Does a child on my lap need a ticket?

Yes. Every attendee needs a ticket, regardless of age. Individual performances can also have age restrictions.

Is there a dress code?

There is no specific dress code. Avoid clothing or accessories that obstruct nearby guests.

Can I pay cash inside?

The theatre became cashless on October 1, 2026. Bring a suitable card or accepted digital payment method.

Venue information checked 2026-11-04. Event layouts, policies and operating hours can change; consult the venue’s event instructions before traveling.

Sources & References
Venue photo credits