Boulder stories

Macky Auditorium at Sundance 2027: Seating, Entrances & Getting There

Published October 2026

Macky Auditorium is one of the two marquee venues confirmed for Sundance Film Festival's inaugural Boulder run (January 21–31, 2027). Sitting prominently on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, this grand, century-old concert hall brings serious cinematic scale to the festival — and a few logistical quirks worth knowing before you show up.

Specific showtimes, ticket prices, and programming assignments to Macky have not yet been announced by the festival. Check the official Sundance website for updates as 2027 approaches.

Approximate Capacity

Macky Auditorium is a large hall by any measure. Its seating capacity is typically cited at roughly 2,000 seats, though the exact configuration for film screenings — which may differ from concert setups — has not been confirmed by Sundance. Expect a steeply raked main floor and a balcony level; sightlines are generally strong throughout. Check the Macky Auditorium official page for the most current layout information.

Entrances and Will-Call

The building's main entrance faces east, toward the central campus quad area. A secondary entrance on the side of the building is also used for larger events. For festivals and ticketed performances, will-call windows are typically set up near the main entrance lobby — arrive at least 20–30 minutes early to allow time for ticket pickup and any bag-check procedures. The festival may designate specific entrances for different ticket tiers or press credentials; watch for signage and any pre-show emails from Sundance closer to the event.

Parking Options

Parking on the CU Boulder campus is managed through CU Parking & Transportation Services. The closest public-facing option is typically the Williams Village parking structure or surface lots near the stadium — but campus lots fill quickly for major events. Expect to walk five to ten minutes from most campus parking areas to Macky's entrance.

Paid daily permits are generally available in visitor lots; prices vary by lot and are subject to change
Evening and weekend parking restrictions are typically more relaxed than weekday daytime rules — confirm specifics on the CU parking site
Street parking on surrounding neighborhood streets is limited and regulated

Campus Transit & Getting There Without a Car

Skipping the car is often the smarter move. Options include:

RTD bus routes connect downtown Boulder to campus frequently; the RTD trip planner can map your ride
CU's Buff Bus system serves campus loops and may have event-specific schedules
Biking is well supported — Boulder's bike lane network reaches campus, and rack parking is available near Macky
Rideshare drop-off points near the main campus entrance work well, though surge pricing during busy festival periods is common

Walking Time to Downtown Venues

Macky sits on the east side of the CU campus, placing it about a 20–30 minute walk from the Pearl Street Mall area where downtown Boulder venues cluster. It's a pleasant, mostly flat route through campus and along College Avenue — but factor this into your schedule if you're trying to catch back-to-back screenings across the two venue zones.

Accessibility

Macky Auditorium offers wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible entrances, and restrooms in compliance with ADA standards. For specific accommodation requests, contact the venue directly through the Macky Auditorium website or watch for Sundance's own accessibility guidance once festival details are published.