Dolby Theatre: A Premier Entertainment Venue in Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Hollywood, California, the Dolby Theatre stands as a beacon of entertainment and culture. Situated at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, this iconic venue has been the home of the Academy Awards since 2002, showcasing its significance in the entertainment industry. Originally known as the Kodak Theatre, it underwent a rebranding in 2012 to honor Dolby Laboratories, reflecting its commitment to cutting-edge audio and visual technology.
The Dolby Theatre boasts a seating capacity of approximately 3,400, making it one of the largest theatres in Los Angeles. The seating arrangement is designed to provide an optimal viewing experience from every angle, with tiered levels that enhance sightlines and acoustics. For those seeking the best seats, the Orchestra section offers unparalleled views of the stage, while the Loge and Balcony sections provide a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
This venue hosts a diverse array of events throughout the year, including concerts, theatrical performances, and award shows. Notable past performances include concerts by renowned artists such as Adele and Elton John, as well as major theatrical productions like "The Lion King." The Dolby Theatre's calendar is packed with events that cater to various tastes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Parking can be a challenge in Hollywood; however, there are several options available near the theatre. The Hollywood & Highland Center offers convenient parking with validation options for theatre patrons. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid last-minute stress. Additionally, public transportation options such as the Metro Red Line provide easy access to the venue.
Media and Trailers
Dolby Theatre Customers Reviews
Nightmare
An hour before showtime, the traffic on Cahuenga and on Highland was terrible. By the time we reached the Hollywood Bowl, all of its multiple parking lots were full, and we were directed away down Highland. There simply isn't enough parking or traffic management for a sold-out concert at the Bowl unless one arrives between 6pm - 6:30pm. But this was a workday, and we had come up from Orange County. We ate our Bowl picnic in the car as we sat in traffic that was standstill; it was that bad. By 8pm, we were still searching for parking! Our only option was the OVATION shopping center underground lot, which then required a 15 to 20 minute walk back up Highland to get to the Bowl entrance. Frustrated by then, we chose to give up, missing the show we had been anticipating all summer.
Seating at Dolby Theatre – Hollywood, CA
Dolby Theatre is Hollywood's premier performing arts venue at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, home of the Academy Awards. It seats 3,400 guests across four levels.
Seating Levels
- Orchestra + Parterre (~1,460 seats): The main floor — Orchestra is closest to the stage for the most immersive experience. Parterre is behind Orchestra with excellent sightlines and great value.
- Mezzanine 1 (~638 seats): Elevated above the Orchestra with outstanding acoustics and sightlines — widely considered one of the best viewing levels.
- Mezzanine 2 (~529 seats): Elevated mid-level with good views and sightlines.
- Balcony (~773 seats): Highest level — panoramic full-stage view, most affordable. Excellent for seeing the full stage spectacle.
Best Seats
- Best for intimacy: Orchestra front-center.
- Best for value + views: Mezzanine 1 center sections.
- Avoid: Far side Balcony sections — viewing angles can be steep.
Parking at Dolby Theatre – Hollywood, CA
Dolby Theatre does not operate its own parking. The main parking structure is the Ovation Hollywood Garage on Highland Avenue, adjacent to the venue.
Ovation Hollywood Parking
- Entrances: Highland Avenue and Orange Drive.
- Hourly Rate: $2 per 20 min ($6/hour).
- Daily Max: $20.
- Flat Rate: $20 after 10pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- Validation: $3 for up to 2 hours with participating retailers; $3 for up to 4 hours with cinema validation. Dolby Theatre does NOT validate.
- Hours: 24/7.
Public Transit
- Metro B/D Line: Hollywood/Highland Station is steps from the Dolby Theatre.
Rideshare
Uber/Lyft drop-off/pickup on Hollywood Blvd or Highland Ave. Metro subway is highly recommended for avoiding parking and post-show traffic.
Box Office & Tickets – Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, CA
Dolby Theatre is located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028.
Box Office Hours
- Opens approximately 1 hour before performances on event nights.
- Check the specific event page at dolbytheatre.com for exact box office hours.
Ticket Sales Type
- Online Sales: Available at dolbytheatre.com and Ticketmaster.com.
- Broadway/Touring Shows: Also available at broadwayinhollywood.com.
- Mobile/Electronic Tickets: Primary delivery method.
- Will Call: Available at the box office on event nights with valid ID.
- ADA/Equal Access: Information available at dolbytheatre.com.