Welcome to Denton!
Is there mass transit in the area? The triangle that connects Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton has been dubbed the Golden Triangle (with each side about a 30-40 minute drive). There is no mass transit between DFW airport (or Dallas Love Field) and Denton. 2 (or more) Symposium shuttle vans will be running to and from the airport at the beginning and ending of the Symposium. If you wish to be included in a shuttle van pick up, please contact the host via email – include the arrival airport, airline and flight number, departure airport, and arrival gate (if known). There is a light rail – Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), opened in 2011, travels from Denton to Trinity Mills, at which point one can transfer to DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) to downtown Dallas.
What will the weather be like? Temperatures in May in Denton can range from 60°F to 90°F. The most precipitation Denton receives is in May, so you might experience a true Texas downpour! All of the venues are air‐conditioned, but there will be some walking outside on campus.
Where can I park and how much does it cost? Participants who are staying on campus may park for free in the R lots. If you are staying off campus, parking is $5 a day and you can park in the G lots. Please refer to the UNT Parking map (link to unt.edu/transit/maps.html) for the locations of those lots. Because the campus will be rather empty during the Symposium, there will be free street parking available near campus but you will have to search for it.
What about the distances between facilities? There will be six buildings used during the Symposium: Kerr Hall (dorm), the College of Music building (mornings), the Murchison Performing Arts Center (Winspear Hall), the Main Auditorium (Friday evening), Gateway Center (banquet), and the Student Union (Saturday). The College of Music is a 6-minute walk (I timed it and I walk slowly) from Kerr Hall. Winspear Hall is a 7-minute walk from the College of Music but slightly longer on the return trip because you are traveling up hill. The Main Auditorium (used Friday evening for the One O'Clock Lab Band concert) is an 8-minute walk from Kerr Hall. Kerr Hall to the Student Union is no more that 5 minutes. The longest walk is from Winspear Hall (Murchison Performing Arts Center) to Kerr Hall – a 10-minute or less walk. If you have a bicycle and are driving to Denton, bring your bike and ride it between venues – there are bike racks at each location.
How do I get to the Murchison Performing Arts Center (Winspear Hall)? Your program book contains a map with the Murchison Performing Arts Center noted. The walk will take approximately 7 minutes and signs are posted between the College of Music and the Murchison to lead you there. The Murchison is an unmistakable silver Armadillo‐shaped building, located next to I‐35.
Will there be transportation to the Murchison Performing Arts Center? Two (or more) shuttle vans will be running from about 7:00 am to after the evening concert, with breaks during meals. These vans will service some motels and Kerr dorm. There will be an attempt to make the vans available when and where it is most convenient to the participants – the service will react to the needs of the participants. All Symposium venues are within a walk of 10 minutes.
Where can I eat on campus? Kerr Cafeteria is open from 7 am‐7 pm seven days a week (please see your Program Book for specific meal times and costs). There are also many dining options in the UNT student union. The Union is open on weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm but is closed on weekends. The Union houses a Taco Bell, Chick‐Fil‐A, an American grill, Chinese, Boars Head, and Einstein Bros., among others. See recommended local restaurants on this website.
What is the deal with the one‐way roads along the interstate? Don’t panic! These frontage roads are confusing even for natives. The important thing to remember is that they are all one‐way with traffic driving the same direction as their respective sides of the interstate. Because of this, if you are going to a destination south of campus that is located on the left side of the interstate, you will have to exit the interstate after you have passed your destination and then take the frontage road (not the interstate) back to your destination.
Can I practice while at the Symposium? Yes. There are two practice buildings across the street from the College of Music. These will be available and hours posted. Practicing in the dorm is fine until 10 pm. If ensembles would like to practice late at night, see the host.
What and where is “The Square”? The Square is the historic downtown of Denton and features a lovely town hall built by Italian masons, surrounded by a small park. The “Main Street” that surrounds the park is recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. Many small shops, restaurants, and jazz venues either line the Square or are within a few blocks walk. Beth Marie’s on the square is a favorite for ice cream! Restaurants serve alcohol. The northeast corner of the square houses Recycled Books and Records with a vast collection of books (there is a entire music section) and used CDs generally priced below $10. Beware – enter this shop with a maximum budget! If you want to take a souvenir home, purchase one of the several CDs by Denton's "America's Premier Dance Band" – Brave Combo.
What and where is Loop 288? Natives have dubbed the thriving dining and shopping area near the Golden Triangle Mall after the main road in the vicinity, hence, Loop 288. To get there, take I35 E south to the TX Loop 288, exit 463. A left at the stoplight takes you to the Golden Triangle Mall. Dining options are in either direction.
Are there other things to do on campus? UNT has a state‐of‐the‐art recreation center, called Pohl Rec Center. Institute attendees who are 18 and over can use the facility for $5 a day. Check in at the front desk to use the facility. Details are online at www.unt.edu/recsports. Additionally, the Sky Theater, a unique domed theater located in the Environmental Sciences building on Avenue C, has various film showings. Adults are $5 each. Details are online at http://skytheater.unt.edu/.
Want the real Texas experience? Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards to see Texas longhorns, rodeos, and dance at the world largest honky‐tonk: Billy Bob’s. There are many shopping and dining options in the Stockyards as well.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.