Radio City Music Hall Rules

Radio City Music Hall has a list of policies and rules that ensure performances go ahead as planned. These have been put in place to make sure attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience. We’d recommend familiarizing yourself with some of these rules ahead of time so that your night runs as smoothly as possible. Here are some of the most important rules and policies to be aware of:

Code of Conduct

Radio City Music Hall has a general code of conduct. The entertainment experience is far more enjoyable for everyone when the performers and the audience are safe and respectful to others around them. This includes doing your best not to block other people’s view, even if artists ask you to stand up.

You mustn’t block the aisles, or stand on seats or on any other part of the theater structure.

You must have a valid ticket for your allocated seat or particular seating area, which you must produce for inspection if requested.

No re-entry into Radio City Music Hall is permitted, so all exits from the theater are final.

The City of New York mandates that no smoking is permitted anywhere in Radio City Music Hall. This includes any kind of tobacco or smoking product, such as e-cigarettes.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed for adults, provided you drink responsibly. However, MSG Entertainment policy requires anyone who wants to purchase alcohol to produce a valid ID, if they appear to be under forty (40) years of age.

You must comply with staff requests regarding operational and emergency procedures in the theater.

You may not sell, peddle, barter or sample any products or merchandise on Radio City Music Hall premises.

You mustn’t attempt to distribute promotional items such as handbills, flyers, or printed materials unless you have the management’s written permission.

You must not cause a disturbance or interfere in any way with the performers or the event. This includes any disrespectful behavior, such as foul/offensive language, obscene gestures, fighting, throwing objects or any other behavior that detracts from the enjoyment of others.

If you see anyone behaving in this manner, please help the management by reporting the incident to a security officer, an usher, or a Radio City guest experience representative.

The staff at Radio City Music Hall are trained to intervene if necessary and to use their best efforts to promote compliance with the Code of Conduct. If you violate these rules you could be ejected from the theater without a refund and even be arrested if you’re breaking the law.

NOT ALLOWED

The following items are strictly prohibited from Radio City Music Hall:

• » weapons of any kind
• » mace or pepper spray
• » selfie sticks
• » laser pens
• » cowbells or air horns
• » signs, flags, banners
• » professional cameras, video cameras/recording devices*
• » glass, cans, aluminum bottles
• » food and beverages purchased outside, including alcohol
• » skateboards or hoverboards
• » pets except service animals

This list may vary by event and includes the right of the management to disallow any item it deems inappropriate or offensive.

* Recording devices may not always include cell phones. However, Radio City also designates some events as “device free,” where items such as phones, cameras, smart watches, Fitbits, laptops, tablets or Bluetooth-enabled headphones must be sequestered during the performance.

ALLOWED

The following items may be (but not always) permitted at Radio City Music Hall events.

• » laptop computers or tablets when events are not device free. They must fit comfortably in a bag no larger than 22” x 14” x 9”.
• » personal bags that will fit comfortably under your seat. They don’t need to be clear, but must be no larger than 22” x 14” x 9”.
• » empty bottles made from clear, soft-plastic, which you may fill at the water fountains.
• » strollers, provided they’re collapsible and will fit under your seat. Free stroller check is offered at the Christmas Spectacular and some events for family entertainment.
• » service animals are allowed into the theater. You should liaise with the Accessibility Services Department at Radio City Music Hall to confirm seating arrangements, etc.

Please note that Radio City Music Hall has no facility to check coats, bags, or any other personal belongings.

Dress code

Radio City Music Hall doesn’t have a formal dress code, so you can wear whatever you’re most comfortable in during attendance. However, for special events like the Christmas Spectacular, the venue asks you use your best judgement when choosing attire. 

Costumes are permitted with some exceptions. However, to ensure a safe and positive experience for all guests, full-face coverings are permitted only after clearing security and must be removed if requested by security personnel. Large costumes or headpieces, as well as full face paint, fake weapons, and any other hazardous or distracting items, are examples of costume items that won’t be permitted by security staff. 

Bags

When attending Radio City Music Hall for a show, the venue recommends guests arrive early and travel light. Your bags don’t need to be clear, but they must be able to fit comfortably under your seat. Bear in mind that oversized bags (larger than 22” x 14” x 9”) are prohibited.

Radio City Music Hall does not provide an area to check bags, coats or any other personal belongings, with the exception of strollers. If you or someone in your party have a medical condition or specific needs that require bringing in outside for or beverage, make sure to contact Guest Relations at (212) 465-6225 or [email protected] prior to your event.

Cameras 

Radio City Music Hall does not permit photography or recording during any of its shows. So, video cameras, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, audio recording devices, and professional cameras are not permitted inside the venue. As well as this, the Hall asks that you put away any mobile devices during the duration of the performance to avoid distracting other guests in attendance. 

Emergency procedures 

If you or someone in your party starts to feel unwell and need assistance from medical personnel, seek out immediate service from an usher, security officer or guest experience representative at the venue. There is a medical office on site, which is located on the lower level in the Grand Lounge near the elevator bank. If you can’t find an employee at the venue to ask for assistance, call the security office at 212-485-7200.

Radio City is equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) which are located throughout the building in case of emergencies. All the designated employees and medical staff have been properly trained and are certified to use AEDs.

Accessible accommodations

The Box Office Lobby on Sixth Avenue between 50th and 51st Street at Radio City Music Hall is an accessible entrance you can use to reach the building. Service animals are permitted inside Radio City Music Hall, but you’ll need to contact the Accessibility Services Department at [email protected] or 888-609-7599 before the event. Staff will then be able to provide you with a dedicated space for service animals in the venue. 

As for accessible restrooms, these are located throughout the venue. You can ask an usher or guest experience representative to direct you to the nearest location. 

If you’re attending an event like the Christmas spectacular, bear in mind that these acts include immersive elements in their shows, including confetti, pyrotechnics, smoke effects, flashing lights, and fairy-drones that could be an issue for some guests.