Accessibility Discussion Group: Sports Venues

[SVdg]

I am trying to create a discussion forum for people with disabilities (be it physical or mental, spinal cord injury or otherwise) who either like to attend sporting events but always run into problems, or simply would like to attend said events/venues with friends and(/or) family but just run into insurmountable obstacles making it so they cannot participate in the event to the same degree as the rest of the population. I am trying to gather personal experiences, opinions, and/or critiques that people may have, with the hopes of ultimately compiling the information and presenting it to higher ups that control the organizations/venues.
I am not simply just trying to amass complaints with the hopes of getting someone to listen to me, but rather looking for solutions as well create a more so level playing field for fans as a whole.
If you have personal experiences, opinions or critiques when it comes to attending such venues, please reference the flyer I have attached to this for access to both the email address I have created and also the Facebook group for this type of discussion.

[RollPositive]

I am trying to create a discussion forum for people with disabilities (be it physical or mental, spinal cord injury or otherwise) who either like to attend sporting events but always run into problems, or simply would like to attend said events/venues with friends and(/or) family but just run into insurmountable obstacles making it so they cannot participate in the event to the same degree as the rest of the population. I am trying to gather personal experiences, opinions, and/or critiques that people may have, with the hopes of ultimately compiling the information and presenting it to higher ups that control the organizations/venues.
I am not simply just trying to amass complaints with the hopes of getting someone to listen to me, but rather looking for solutions as well create a more so level playing field for fans as a whole.
If you have personal experiences, opinions or critiques when it comes to attending such venues, please reference the flyer I have attached to this for access to both the email address I have created and also the Facebook group for this type of discussion.

I am not sure I am following you post can you explain a little more??

I am very fortunate in that my Wife and I travel a lot and we experience many venues for sports and we dont have issues and when we do we talk to the venue and they always make it a great experience!


So what kind of issues are you having?

[mrb]

Commonwealth Games velodrome, disabled viewing area not raised, solid barrier in front, no way to get a chair close enough to see over the barrier so only possible to watch half the track. Nothing staff could do so photo of my view point shared on social media. A friend who was director of cycling events at London Olympic games saw it and contacted velodrome manager but too late for me to watch in same way an AB could. Lengthy discussion with velodrome team resulted in a raised viewing platform for rest of the games and an offer of alternative sport tickets which I didn't take up as it meant more nights in over priced hotels because of the games.

I do consultancy work in the cycling industry and attend a number of events, first year at one there was no disabled parking, organisers took my comments on board and slowly increased places each year as they kept filling them, proof that putting them in was worthwhile.

You might want to widen your research into music venues some of which are excellent others not so.

[SCI-Nurse]

You might want to define the geographic areas that you are seeking information about. We have members here on CareCure from all over the world, not just the USA, and of course the ADA applies only to the USA.

I do want to mention that Petco Park (baseball) in San Diego has great accessibility, with accessible seats in most areas of the stadium. The local chapter of the PVA and the San Diego Access to Independence Center (CIL) were consulted during the design process, which really made a big difference compared to the access at the older Qualcomm stadium (baseball & football).

(KLD)

[HockeyFan]

Stretching your focus a bit, the facility that I've found most impressive is the Mountain Winery in the SF Bay area (a concert venue). What makes this facility stand out is that they have an entire lot dedicated to accessible parking; a variety of seating options (prices); and they have this wheelchair adapted cart (like you see in airports) that will take you from the seating area to the parking lot after the show. But most of all it's the training of their staff. They greet you at the seating area and offer to take you down to your seat (there are usually some elevators involved), and before they push you up the ramp into the cart they ask your permission first. I've never encountered another facility that just 'gets it' as much as they do.

[Colorado Boy]

Hard Rock stadium near MIami is brand new and very accessible. Great seats down low close to the field and up high too. Nice bathrooms and ramps or elevators everywhere.

[Spitzbub]

Soldier Field + Chicago Bears are easily the best I've encountered. Staff, ticket office, front office all attentive and helpful. They will escort you through the stadium, including blocking for you through the crowd (feel like Walter Payton back there). Parking isn't close but a shuttle drops you off at the gate. Good seats at all price points. To exchange tickets for ADA tickets, they suggest calling ahead but will do same-day exchanges that are fast, friendly and very generous with the seats they give you. I cannot vouch for other events at Soldier Field.

Cellular Field or whatever they're calling White Sox park now: plenty of good seats and parking.

(The city of Chicago in general is very tourist-oriented and seems committed to accessible infrastructure and events.)

Houston Texans Energy Field: good seats, but a long trek through the lot and stadium to get there.

[HACKNSACK44]

Amalie Arena! Home of the Lightning! We were there last night for game 5 of the ECF. Even though the Lightning won we left the arena not happy. It starts with getting to our seats. The one elevator that is supposedly dedicated to their disabled guests http://www.amaliearena.com/guest-ser...aaccessibility is used by anyone and everyone (even though there are stairs and escalators right next to it). After waiting in line we make it up to our accessible seats. I'm the only one in a wheelchair in our section of ten accessible seats (we still haven't figured that one out yet). After the first period we head towards the one family/companion bathroom that is on our level and what is there a line of about ten women waiting to use it. Really??? I guess they are to good to wait in line for the ladies bathroom (and the one in line with your 6-7 year old daughter she can go to the bathroom by herself) (and the one that said you can go in front of me you shouldn't even be in the line). There was a lady on a scooter that yelled at them. Of course they stood there wondering why she was yelling. Finally getting out of the arena. They have a service elevator they use to help get us out. Unfortunately it's the same way anyone and everyone uses it. It took us about one hour to get out of the arena. Then we had to get to our van. I honestly don't know who is worse the arena for allowing all of this to happen or the people that do it.

[hugheswf]

I echo the statements by RollPositive. I have been a t-10 para going on 31 years now and have rarely found issues . . . when there was a problem and after discussing with the venue personnel every accommodation that was possible was made available to me. Of course - - not everything was always perfect and unfortunately for many of us that is just going to be a fact of life. Staying positive, friendly and not hostile - - usually leads to a better social outing.