What is the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center’s new patron screening system?

The War Memorial & Performing Arts Center has implemented the Evolv Express Patron Screening System to increase safety in our venues. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology to pinpoint and distinguish a wide variety of potential threats versus many common everyday items, such as keys and phones. It is designed to alert the location(s) or potential threat(s) to reduce the need for manual searching.

Why is the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center installing a patron screening system?

The safety and well-being of our patrons, staff, and artists are a top priority for the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. As part of our continued improved security upgrades throughout the campus, we are implementing the Evolv Express Weapons Detection System at ticketed entrances across our performance venues. The use of this system is another layer of our comprehensive security program.

What can patrons expect at entrances?

Patrons will walk through an Evolv system after having their tickets scanned at the venue entrance. If the device alerts, the patron will be directed to a secondary screening area for a follow up screening. See below for our Bag Policy and Permitted Items.

What do I need to remove from my pockets before walking through the Evolv System?

Nothing! Patrons can walk through the Evolv system with keys, cell phones, and other permitted items in their pockets and bags. If the system alerts, the patron will be asked to step to the secondary screener.

What happens when the Evolv system “alerts” security staff of a possible threat?

When a possible threat is detected, a security team member will receive an alert indicating who triggered the detection system and the general location of where the item may be located. Security will ask the individual to step aside to an area adjacent to the screening unit to conduct a hands-off secondary screening to address the situation.

How does security know where to search?

Through its advanced sensor technology, the Evolv display identifies a possible threat by indicating where the potential threat is located on an individual. Security will view the image and determine which area to focus on during the secondary screening.

What is secondary screening?

Secondary screening is only performed when the Evolv system alerts for a possible security threat. Our security team will inform the individual that an item was detected and ask the individual to verify the item. This may include:

• The individual being screened using a handheld device to scan them without contact.
• Asking the individual to open their bag or show the item(s) for a closer inspection.
• Security will not physically search bags or persons, only a visual or wand-scan search will be conducted.

   

How long will it take to get through the security screening?

The impact on patrons and visitors should be minimal. This state-of-the-art frictionless screening system can screen 3,000 people every hour. This is 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors and does not require anyone to empty pockets, remove bags or slow their pace as they walk through. Also, multiple people can pass through the system at a time.

What if a patron or visitor presents or declares that they have a weapon when arriving at our facility?

Weapons are not permitted inside the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center venues.  If a threat is identified upon screening, the patron will have the opportunity to exit the venue and return for re-screening prior to admission to the building. See our Permitted Items list.

Will the Evolv technology impact implanted devices like a pacemaker, pump or defibrillator?

Patrons or visitors with medically implanted devices may enter through the system as it is considered safe with low risk. Patrons can check with their doctor or proceed through a secondary screening location where they will be screened with handheld wands. All patrons who enter the venues will be screened through either the Evolv system or with handheld wands.

Does Evolv technology impact those who are pregnant?

The Evolv Express screening technology has low risk to anyone pregnant, but patrons can check with their doctor or proceed through a secondary screening location to be screened with handheld wands.

What is the science behind the Evolv technology?

The Evolv Express system generates a detection field that is the same as the theft-detection devices in use at large retail stores, which many people pass through regularly. Evolv’s distinction is in how it processes the information. For further information, see Evolv’s health & safety brochure here.

How should I enter if I use a mobility device?

Individuals can pass through the Evolv system in a wheelchair, using a cane, or on crutches. If you have a bag attached to the wheelchair, you may be asked to remove it and carry it as you pass through the device. 

How should I enter if I am accompanied by a service animal?

Service animals can pass through the Evolv system, however, certain harnesses may require a secondary screening. See our policy on service animals on our Accessibility page.

Do I have to pass through an Evolv system?

The Evolv Express system is the quickest, easiest, least obtrusive and most secure method of patron screening in our venues. However, patrons who don’t want to pass through the system will have the option of entering through a secondary screening area where they will be checked with a handheld wand. All patrons who wish to enter the venues will need to be screened through the Evolv system or a handheld wand.

Do other institutions check for potential safety threats or use this technology?

Yes. The Evolv Express screening technology is deployed in over 800 prominent institutions across the Unted States and Canada.  The Fox Theater, The Masonic, Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival are performance venues in the Bay Area that use the Evolv System.  Other well-known locations include Lincoln Center, The Chicago Lyric, The Hollywood Bowl, and the BOCH Center. Evolv Express is also in use at Oracle Park, SFO Airport, San Francisco General Hospital and several prominent hospitals.

Do I have to pass through Evolv to pick up my tickets at the Box Office?

No, at Davies Symphony Hall and the War Memorial Opera House, you may continue to enter the Box Office prior to passing through screening. The Evolv systems are located between the box-office lobbies and the entrance to the main lobbies,

Which entrances will screening be in place?

At Davies Symphony Hall there will be a screening system at the main doors past the Box Office Lobby, as well as the upper lever terrace entrance, when that entrance is open.

The Opera House will have screening locations at the main entrance on Van Ness Ave as well as the south side Taxi ramp entrance and the north side carriage entrance.

Do I have to pass through screening if I am arriving early and dining at the restaurant before the performance?

Yes, everyone entering the building will be scanned upon arrival.  After ticket-scanning, you will swiftly pass through the Evolv system and can proceed to the restaurant. The screening systems are always in operation when patrons are present in the building.

If I step outside during intermission, will I have to pass through the screening system again?

Yes.  If you leave the building during the intermission, please be sure to have your ticket available for re-screening and re-entry.  Also please note that you may be required to re-enter through a different door than which you exited.   

All bags may be subject to search upon arrival.  

Currently, clear bags are not required.

Patrons may bring bags into the auditorium, but they must fit under the seat or on the patron’s lap (approximately 14″x14″x 6″).  Patrons with large items inclusive of, but not limited to large backpacks, luggage, shopping bags, and other large packages that will not fit comfortably at the seat will be asked to check those items at coat check.

• ALL OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES
• Marijuana and drugs without a prescription
• Laser pointers
• Audio or video recording devices, GoPros, professional cameras or cameras with removable lenses
• Bullhorns or noisemakers
• Balloons
• Signs
• Animals (except service and support animals)
• Bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, scooters, and hoverboards
• Remote control flying devices or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)
• Bags, parcels, backpacks, or luggage larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ (These can be left at the complimentary coat check in Davies Hall and the Opera House)
• Weapons or items construed as weapons of any kind (including but not limited to firearms, knives, pepper spray, mace, blunt objects)

• Empty multi-use water bottles
• Bags, parcels, backpacks, or luggage smaller than 14″x14″x 6″
• Covered beverages purchased from concessions.

Patrons, Donors, and Guests of War Memorial & Performing Arts Center Performances and Events

The safety of visitors to the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center (WMPAC) venue performances and events is of primary concern to campus management. To provide a safe performance experience and preserve the quiet enjoyment of performances and events, the War Memorial and the San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Opera, and the San Francisco Symphony (“Resident Companies”) have established the Rules of Conduct. This policy outlines the rules of conduct for patrons, donors, and guests of the venue, as well as procedures for responding to violations, including the circumstances under which privileges may be suspended.

If you are subjected to, or witness, any behaviors that are listed below that violate the Rules of Conduct, or you experience anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please report the incident to the nearest usher or uniformed War Memorial Public Safety Officer.

Section I – Rules of Conduct

Patrons, donors, and guests of the WMPAC venue performances and events shall conduct themselves in a respectful, orderly and safe manner. Conduct of the nature described below shall not be permitted on the campus or in the venues and will result in Management seeking the remedies described in Section II.

• Any act of violence including direct or indirect conduct, verbal or physical, which tends to cause another to reasonably fear for their own personal safety, the safety of others, as well as their property. This includes:
• Any threat of violence including direct or indirect, intentional, or unintentional, words or actions targeted at another individual.
• Any physical harassment including assault, battery, impeding or blocking, other unwanted physical contact, or interfering with the normal movement of another individual.
• Any verbal harassment including, but not limited to, hate speech or raising one’s voice to levels that disturb the individuals around them.
• Any sexual harassment – including comments, gestures, jokes, or
• Any conduct that results from intoxication or otherwise impaired conduct that affects surrounding patrons’ experience, creates an unsafe environment, or inhibits staff’s ability to perform their duties.
• Unsafe conduct or conduct which creates a safety hazard to
• Vandalizing, damaging, defacing, stealing, or destroying
• Any illegal or criminal
• Accessing or attempting to access any restricted area such as backstage or onstage without pre-approved
• Any violation of War Memorial or Resident Company policies including, but not limited to, those regarding the use of camera and recording equipment.
• Disorderly or disruptive conduct that causes someone to become a nuisance or annoyance to the staff or patrons.
• Failure to follow instructions given by authorized staff or interfering with staff’s performance of

Section II – Violations of Rules of Conduct

Violations of the Rules of Conduct shall be cause for one or more of the following actions, at the discretion of management, which will be evaluated by management based on  the severity and/or repetitive nature of the violation:

• Verbal and/or written warning from usher(s) and/or security or management staff on
• Refused admission to or ejection from the performance or event venue by security or management staff on duty.
  • Law Enforcement will be contacted if a Patron refuses to leave the performance or event venue when directed by WMPAC personnel. 
• Suspension of privileges to enter and attend activities on the WMPAC campus.
  • A suspension of privileges for an individual will apply to all of the WMPAC campus.
  • A notice will be sent to all of the WMPAC campus.
• A lifetime ban could be issued based on the severity of the incident  or as a result of repeated violations. 
  • A lifetime ban for an individual will apply to all of the WMPAC campus.
  • A notice will be sent to all of the WMPAC campus.

• The WMPAC campus can pursue civil action in consultation with the Office of the City Attorney.

The WMPAC takes the above issues seriously and will act in good faith to address concerns in a timely, respectful, and conscientious manner. If War Memorial or a Resident Company’s Management decides to impose a suspension of privileges, the patron, donor, or guest will be so advised in writing at the time of the incident. In the event the individual has left the premises before the notice is issued or if the individual refuses to receive the notice, the notice will be held at the location of the incident until the individual returns.

Thank you for helping make the War Memorial campus a welcoming and respectful place for the entire community to enjoy.

Adopted by the War Memorial Board of Trustees, Resolution 25-08, on March 13, 2025.