The Los Angeles Philharmonic announced the expansion of its accessibility program to the Hollywood Bowl, where $10 tickets will be offered for 2027 performances to Los Angeles County residents with active Medi-Cal or EBT cards, according to the organization.
Following a successful debut at The Ford during its 2026 season, the program is scaling up to provide at least 100 tickets per Hollywood Bowl performance at the $10 price point. According to LA Phil CEO and President Kim Noltemy, the initiative aims to ensure concerts remain open and welcoming to all Angelenos. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with detailed request instructions to be released closer to the 2027 season.
Expanding Access and Community Impact at the Hollywood Bowl
Operating the Hollywood Bowl involves a partnership between the LA Phil and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Norma E. García-González, director of the county department, noted that the collaboration breaks down cost barriers for thousands of families. According to LA Phil Board Chair Jason Subotky, the expansion helps build the next generation of audiences and arts supporters across Los Angeles.
Did You Know? The LA Phil already distributes more than 50,000 tickets annually for just $1 and provides tens of thousands of complimentary tickets through community groups, including programs that cover transportation and meals for seniors and at-risk youth.
Additional reporting notes that general ticket prices for the orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl average around $48. Cynthia Fuentes, LA Phil vice president of community and government engagement, explained that the pilot run at The Ford allowed the organization to build the necessary back-end infrastructure for assigned-seating EBT cardholder ticketing before scaling up to the larger venue.
Leadership Transitions and Future Programming
The accessibility expansion arrives alongside upcoming leadership changes for the orchestra. Daniel Harding is set to step in as the new music director starting with the 2027–28 season, succeeding Gustavo Dudamel and overseeing programming at both Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Meanwhile, newly appointed creative director Esa-Pekka Salonen begins his tenure at the start of the 2026-27 concert season, and Anna Handler will serve as conductor in residence for the next three years, starting with the 2026-27 season. According to Fuentes, Gustavo Dudamel will maintain a continued presence with the organization through annual summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and also in December of this year at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Expert Insight: Moving an EBT ticketing model from a pilot phase at a smaller venue like The Ford to a major amphitheater like the Hollywood Bowl requires careful operational planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the $10 Hollywood Bowl tickets?
Los Angeles County residents with active Medi-Cal or EBT cards are eligible to purchase the $10 tickets for 2027 LA Phil performances.
How many discounted tickets will be available per concert?
At least 100 tickets will be made available for each Hollywood Bowl performance presented by the LA Phil in 2027.
When and how can eligible residents request these tickets?
Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the LA Phil will announce detailed instructions on how to request them closer to the 2027 season.
How might this expansion influence ticket accessibility models across other major performing arts venues in the region?