Frequently asked questions
Parking
Does The Center have its own parking area?
Yes. The Center owns the Parking Garage. There are entrances located on 7th Street, Washington Street, and though President Abraham Lincoln/Doubletree by Hilton Hotel.
How much does it cost to park in The Center’s Parking Garage?
Event parking is typically $5-$10 per car. Hourly parking on non-event days is $1/hour with a maximum of $7 per day.
What Happens if I lose my Parking Ticket?
A Lost Ticket will result in an automatic charge of $25. You may obtain a Lost Ticket Voucher at any of the Pay on Foot Stations by pressing the “Lost Ticket” button.
I am hosting an event at The Center. Can I pay for my attendees’ parking?
Yes! We offer parking vouchers. Contact the Box Office at 217-788-8800, ext. 5 for more details.
Accessibility
Does The Center have wheelchairs on-site?
We have wheelchairs for use in case of emergency only.
Does the Center offer assited listening devices and/or sign language interpretation?
Yes. Assistive listening devices (personal headsets) are available, free of charge. We ask that you call the Box Office at 217-788-8800 to make advance arrangements
It is up to organizers of each event to provide sign language interpreters when necessary. BOS Center will work with you and the event's organizer to facilitate an interpreter as long as a request has at least 3 weeks prior the the even you wish to attend. Please email info@theboscenter.com or call 217-788-8800 to find out about arrangements for the event you wish to attend.
Are there elevators available to access all floors of the building?
Elevators access all floors except the Upper Level Balcony.
Event Related
Are cameras, iPad's, or video recorders allowed inside The Center?
This varies from event to event. A general rule of thumb is no professional photo/video equipment is allowed. Other devices allowed unless otherwise stated.
Am I allowed to leave and re-enter the venue?
Yes you are for most events. Please note, however, your ticket must be scanned upon exit & re-entry.
Are emergency personnel on-site for events?
Most staff of The Center is trained in CPR and use of automatic defibrillators. The majority of public events will employ off-duty police and fire fighters, as well. We also have 24 hour security and are located only two blocks from the nearest fire station and are close to both St. John’s and Memorial Hospitals.
How long before an event do the doors open?
Doors typically open an hour before the show starts but this can vary from event to event.
What food and beverage options are available during large events at The Center?
Concession sales include hot dogs, big soft pretzels, corn dogs, nachos, popcorn & miscellaneous candy. For all day events, concessions try to accommodate breakfast and lunch/dinner items. For select events, alcoholic beverages are available to customers 21 and older with valid state ID. The Center proudly serves Pepsi and Miller/Coors products.
The sound is too loud/ too soft/ bad. Can you do something?
The BOS Center is not in charge of the sound systems for events. The equipment is rented and/or provided by the tour/event and they control sound levels.
Miscellaneous
Can I take public transportation to and from The Center?
Springfield Mass Transit District does offer service. Please visit the SMTD Web site (http://www.smtd.org/routes) for complete route and fare information.
Where can I smoke/vape at The Center?
Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted anywhere inside The Center. Smoking is not allowed within 30 feet of entrances.
Is there a Lost and Found at The Center?
If you have lost an item during an event, please check with security and the Box Office staff. After an event you may call the Center’s Administrative Office at 217-788-8800, Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM. Please be prepared to provide a detailed description of the item, exact date it was lost, and your contact information.
Are animals permitted inside The Center?
Only certified service animals or service animals in-training for guests with disabilities are allowed in The Center.
Is there an ATM located inside your facility?
Yes. There is an ATM located in Main Lobby next to the Box Office.
How do I access the Mezzanine Level?
Elevators located on the West end of the Main Hall will take you to the Mezzanine Level. The Mezzanine can also be accessed by stair wells located on the West and East end of the Main Hall and the ramps on the North and South sides of the Main Hall.
Are there restrooms with diaper changing facilities available?
Restrooms are now located on all levels but the Balcony. All restrooms, both men’s and women’s, now have changing stations.
Where are restrooms located?
Restrooms are located on the North and South sides of the Main Hall and lower level as well as in each corner of the Mezzanine Level.
Are there water fountains in the building?
Yes. Water fountains are located outside restrooms.
Do you have space to rent for banquets or meetings?
Yes! The Center has very flexible meeting rooms and spaces for all types of events, large and small. Please call the administration offices at 217-788-8800, or click here to contact us to discuss details with one of our event coordinators.
I have rented space at The Center for my event. Can I place my order for electrical service over the phone?
Unfortunately, no. You must complete the Electrical/Internet/Forklift Form to be submitted with payment. To pay by credit card, fax the order with all required information to 217-788-0811 to Tracy’s attention.
Does The Center have VIP space for groups to rent during a major event?
We do. Call to speak with an Event Coordinator at 217-788-8800 our submit a inquiry electronically via the "Contact Us" box on our home page.
Ticketing
Can I buy tickets through The Center over the phone?
No, you cannot. The Center is a walk-up only ticket sales location. All other ticket sales can be made through Ticketmaster.com.
I ordered my tickets online through Ticketmaster but have not received them in the mail. What do I do?
Since the tickets were purchased through Ticketmaster, you will need to contact Ticketmaster customer service at 800-653-8000.
Do I need a ticket for my child?
Each event has different age requirements for ticket purchase. Most events will not require a ticket for a child under the age of two. Events designed for young children such as Sesame Street Live, DIsney Live!, etc typically require children one and older to have tickets. Please call the Box Office at 217-788-8814, ext. 5 for information about a specific event.
What do I do if I lost my ticket to an event?
Unfortunately, the Box Office cannot replace tickets that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
I can no longer go the event. Can I get a refund?
No, tickets purchased for BOS Center events are not exchangable or refundable.
What happens if my show gets cancelled?
In the event of a cancellation, refunds will be available at the point of purchase. If you purchased via ticketmaster.com or ticketmaster charge-by-phone, a refund will be issued to the credit card used to purchase your tickets.
I've already purchased tickets but now better seats are available. Can I exchange?
Unfortunately you cannot exchange your tickets.
There are a number of reasons better seats may now be available. If you purchased tickets right when an event goes on sale at 10:00am, please keep in mind that everyone else has access to the tickets at the same time. Tickets may get "locked up" by people who are considering buying and then go back into circulation if a buyer does not complete the purchase.
If it is closer to the event date, a number of seats are typicalyl held for artist and label use. If the artist/label chooses not to utilize these seats, they may be released to the public for purchase.
What is Will Call and where is it located?
If you select Will Call for ticket pick up, your tickets will be waiting for you at the BOS Center Box Office. Will Call tickets will be printed 4 hours prior to an event.
Press passes, VIP tickets, or tickets left by a third party will also be available in Will Call.
A photo ID will be required to pick up tickets from WIll Call.
BOS Plaza
Can I bring a lawn/bag/camp chair to BOS Plaza Events?
No. We do not allow lawn/bag/camp chairs on the BOS Plaza.
Where is the BOS Plaza located?
The BOS Plaza is the area located between the BOS Center's main lobby and the Plaza Parking Garage.
Entrance to the Plaza is permitted via the south gates, located near the lobby doors on Adams Street.
Is there seating on the BOS Plaza?
There is no seating on the General Admission BOS Plaza. Suites and VIP Terrace come equipped with tables and chairs. As a courtesy we provide seats in the south garage levels 4S, 5S, and 6S but view may be obscured or obstructed from these locations.
We also provide tables and chairs in our main lobby for guests to rest, relax, and/or escape the heat.
Where are BOS Plaza Suites located and what comes with a Suite Ticket?
Plaza Suites are located on the north levels (3N, 4N, 5N) of the Plaza Parking Gargage.
Suites are equipped with tables, chairs and a private cash bar.
Where is the VIP Hanson Terrace and what comes with a VIP ticket?
The VIP Terrace is located off of northwest corner of the BOS Center's mezzanine concourse. The VIP Terrace has an outdoor viewing patio with tables and chairs, and has exclusive access to the mezzanine bathrooms.
What is offered with VIP Terrace ticket can vary from event to event. Most events offer a private cash bar and catered snacks for VIP ticket holders. Some events will also include a meet and greet with the permoring artist/s. Check your event page for specifics.
Are G.A. (General Admission) Tickets Standing Room Only?
Yes, GA Tickets are standing room only. As a courtesy we provide seats in the south garage levels 4S, 5S, and 6S but view may be obscured or obstructed from these locations. We also provide tables and chairs in our main lobby for guests to rest, relax, and/or escape the heat.
Are BOS Plaza concerts outdoors?
Yes.
Are BOS Plaza Concerts held rain or shine?
Typically BOS Plaza events will be held rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, we will often have the ability to move the event into our main hall. If we are forced to cancel a Plaza event, refunds will be made available at the point of purchase. If you purchased you tickets via ticketmaster.com, your original method of payment will automatically be refunded.
Can I bring a cooler or snacks to a BOS Plaza event?
No outside food or drink is permitted on the BOS Plaza.