The Sacramento Memorial Auditorium at 1401 K Street sits in the middle of downtown, a few blocks from the Capitol. It’s the venue that covers most of Sacramento’s mid-size touring acts—performers who’ve outgrown clubs like Ace of Spades or Harlow’s but aren’t yet filling Golden 1 Center. Orchestras, touring comedians, pop artists, and tribute shows all pass through here, and for most Sacramento residents who attend live performances, this building comes up eventually.
The structure dates to 1927. A major renovation in 2018 updated the main sections while preserving the building’s Historic Landmark designation. The result is a venue that blends original character with modernized seating in the lower sections.
The Four Sections
Understanding the layout before you book matters, especially if accessibility or comfort is a factor.
Main Floor: Floor level, wide seats with armrests, fully renovated in 2018. This is where accessible seating for mobility devices is located. For anyone prioritizing comfort and step-free access, the Main Floor is the section to book first.
Dress Circle: One tier up, restored cushioned seating. Accessible seating for mobility devices is available here as well. The Dress Circle is elevated enough to clear the floor crowd but close enough to the stage that it works well for most concert and performance formats. For many shows, this section offers a strong combination of sightlines and value.
Lower Balcony: Second tier up from the floor, restored cushioned seating. Reached by stairs only. There’s no elevator access to the Lower or Upper Balcony, so if anyone in your group has mobility concerns, the Main Floor or Dress Circle are the right options.
Upper Balcony: The original 1927 narrow wooden seats. This is the historic section and typically the most affordable option for most shows. The building’s age shows in the best sense here—a room that’s been hosting Sacramento crowds for nearly a century—but the seats are narrow by modern standards. Upper Balcony access is stairs only.
Getting There
The auditorium is at 1401 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Downtown parking is available in structured garages in the blocks around the Capitol and along the K Street corridor. The area is walkable from multiple light rail stops—if you’re coming from elsewhere in Sacramento, the city’s light rail network connects to downtown stations within a few blocks of the venue.
For timing: doors typically open one to two hours before show time, though this varies by event. Check your ticket confirmation for the exact entry time and which gate to use. For weekend shows, arriving with 20–30 minutes to spare makes parking noticeably easier.
Before You Go
Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster. The venue maintains a bag policy—check the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center website before you pack, as oversized bags and certain items are typically restricted at shows here.
Concessions are available inside. The K Street area and the blocks between the Convention Center and Old Sacramento have dining options within walking distance if you’re planning dinner before a show. The Sacramento holiday calendar already has several upcoming shows booked at the venue through the end of 2026.
The Memorial Auditorium is part of a larger complex that also includes the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center and the Jean Runyon Little Theatre, which has operated on the same site since 1927 and handles smaller shows and community performances.
The Details
- Address: 1401 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone: (916) 808-5291
- Website: safecreditunionconventioncenter.com
- Tickets: Ticketmaster
- Accessible seating: Main Floor and Dress Circle
- Balcony access: Stairs only (Lower and Upper Balconies)
- Parking: Downtown Sacramento garages along the K Street corridor
Bottom Line
The Sacramento Memorial Auditorium is a historic 1927 venue modernized by a 2018 renovation and one of the city’s main mid-size indoor rooms for touring acts. For first-timers: balconies are stairs-only, the Dress Circle is usually the best combination of sightlines and comfort, and the Main Floor has the accessible seating. Check the bag policy before the show and plan parking time for weekend nights. For specific upcoming shows at the venue this season, check the individual show pages for ticket links, timing, and what to expect.
