If memory serves, you do, but I don't think it was that hard.
Pop the panel with the rear-defrost / heated seat controls, and remove the two bolts
remove the shifter/radio bezel
Here's where things get foggy. I think you'll find a couple bolts under here, and a couple more in the bottom of the storage compartment, under the rubber mat.
I really don't think there's much more to it than that though..