We're making some important changes to security.

December 18, 2019

Dear Heinz Hall Patrons,

We hope that you are enjoying the holiday season and are looking forward to a joyful New Year. We are grateful for your support of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and performing artists, and want to let you know of a new security process that will begin next year.

Here at Heinz Hall, the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and host to dozens of other performances each year, we are committed to the highest quality experience possible. We take your safety very seriously and are implementing additional measures to continue to assure that we provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Beginning on January 17, 2020, audience members at Heinz Hall concerts and public events will enter through state-of-the-art screening equipment, designed both to enhance security and convenience. In use at hundreds of places worldwide like Lincoln Center, Oakland (CA) Airport and LL Bean, the system at Heinz Hall will use “smart” technology to enhance security.

What you will experience is a “free-flow” system: you will proceed through the screening machine, keeping all items on your person. There is no need to remove coats or bags; cell phones and keys can remain in your pockets. Heinz Hall selected a “free-flow” system which allows patrons to simply walk through unimpeded. Patrons using wheelchairs and mobility devices will be directed to enter via a door adjacent to the screening equipment where alternative screening will occur. Patrons with children in strollers may enter through the screening equipment. Other current policies, such as reserving the right to search any bags entering the facility, will remain in effect. We encourage arriving early for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Please see additional information below for “Frequently Asked Questions.”

Our desire to create an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone will never stop. We greatly appreciate your cooperation with this new measure to ensure the comfort and safety of all our audiences, artists and employees. We welcome your questions and concerns, so please feel free to call us at 412-392-4900 or email us at customerservice@pittsburghsymphony.org .

Sincerely yours,

Melia Tourangeau
President and CEO

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Heinz Hall “free-flow” screening system?
Heinz Hall selected a “free-flow” system which allows patrons to simply walk through unimpeded. Patrons using wheelchairs and mobility devices will be directed to enter via a door adjacent to the screening equipment where alternative screening will occur. Patrons with children in strollers may enter through the screening equipment. As is the case now, artists and promoters may require additional security procedures for their performances. There is no need to remove your coat, or bags; cell phones and keys can remain in your pockets. In use at hundreds of sites worldwide including Lincoln Center, Oakland (CA) Airport and LL Bean, the Heinz Hall screening system uses “smart” technology to enhance visitor security and convenience.

What if I don’t want to go through the scanner?
An alternative entry door will be available that will have wanding and bag check.

When can I arrive for my concert?
Our doors open one hour and 15 minutes prior to classical concerts and one hour prior for all other performances. For a relaxing and enjoyable experience, we encourage you to arrive early, particularly if you need to stop at the box office.

Why are you starting this system now?
The desire of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Heinz Hall to create an enjoyable and safe experience for all never stops, and this was the right time to introduce this new measure.

Is the scanner safe for medical devices and pregnant women?
The system is safe to go through with medical devices and for pregnant women. However, on request, you may use the alternative entry door that will have wanding and bag check.

Will screening be the same at every concert or event?
As is the case now, artists and promoters may require additional security procedures for their performances.

What makes the system “smart” and what will you do with the video images?
The screening equipment uses computer technology and video scanning to screen for threats. The images are only captured briefly; they are not retained by Heinz Hall.

Will I need to remove my coat, bag, or cell phone?
With our “free-flow” system you will proceed through the screening machine, keeping all items on your person.