Location and Loading
Directions
The theatre is located on campus where Grand Avenue ends at Perimeter Road.
From US Hwy 101 Northbound, take the “Grand Avenue–Cal Poly” exit. It just after the California Street exit, Turn left on Grand Avenue at the bottom of the off-ramp.
From US Hwy 101 Southbound, take “Monterey Street–Cal Poly” exit and stay to the right of the freeway. At the top of the off-ramp take a right then an immediate left on Loomis St. Stay on Loomis until you get to Grand Avenue, then turn right.
Continue up Grand Avenue to the stop sign at the Main Entrance. If you do not already have a parking permit arranged for, you must purchase one at one of the campus pay stations. The closest on is at the turn-around in front of the PAC (Cohan Center) by the parking structure. (#3 on the map below)
Continue until Grand Avenue ends at a stop sign. The theatre is on your left. The smaller box-like one, not the one that resembles a space ship. Turn left at Perimeter Road onto the red pavers of South Perimeter Plaza. Yes, this is a right turn only lane, but if you are coming to the loading dock you are allowed to turn left. Turn left at the first drive way into the small Loading Dock. (#1 on the map below) Make sure to get a dock pass from the Stage Manager when you arrive.
If you are in a loading dock that can accommodate multiple semis, you are at the wrong loading dock. Go back to Perimeter Road; turn right then right again – before Grand Avenue. It’s the loading dock by the box-like theatre.
The drop off for school buses for our kids shows is the turn-around in front of the PAC (Cohan Center) by the parking structure.
From US Hwy 1 Southbound, use the Highland Drive entrance to campus and head for the “academic core.” This will get you onto Perimeter Road. Follow it around to Grand Avenue and the theatre.
Visitor Permits
Visitor permits are required in the loading zone, see the technical director and get one immediately upon your arrival.
Loading
The stage is served by a scene shop, which opens to the loading dock on the NorthWest side of the building. There is a fairly straight driveway about 100′ long to the dock from Perimeter Road. The loading zone is fully paved, with a truck dock at stage level. A roll-up door opens on a hallway 8′-9″ wide by 9′-6″ high and this opens into the scene shop through another similar door. The loading path is straight into the scene shop, and one left turn into a 12′ wide x 30′long hall to the stage door (10′ wide x 15′high).
Campus Map
Close-up of theatre and loading docs
- Spanos Theatre loading dock
- PAC loading dock
- School bus drop-off
