Durham, N.C. — The box office at the new Durham Performing Arts Center opened for the first time Friday.

The DPAC will officially open with a performance by legendary blues singer B.B. King Sunday night.

DPAC officials said patrons won't have to pay a service charge at the box office and will get the help of a staffer to pick out their seat.

"Our No. 1 priority is customer service at DPAC," Ben DuGoff, the box-office manager, said. "We want every DPAC patron to walk away eager about the experience that lies ahead."

The box office lies at Vivian and Blackwell streets, and patrons can park in a temporary lot on Vivian or in a new parking deck adjacent to the DPAC.

The $44 million facility is the largest performing-arts center in the Carolinas. It boasts spacious seating for 2,800, no more than 135 feet from the stage; state-of-the-art sound and lighting; and an outdoor sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.