This week we are pleased to introduce guest blogger, Patrick Gleason.
Boston’s TD Garden crackled with emotion on April 21, 2013. The hometown Bruins were looking for their first win since the bombings at the Boston Marathon just six days before.
Fans were out in force, many wearing black and gold “Boston Strong” shirts that mimicked the team’s jersey colors. The Bruins had already punched their ticket to the playoffs, but needed positive momentum for the postseason.
As I looked out from my manual wheelchair in Balcony section 307 celebrating my 33rd birthday with my longtime friends Nicole and Michael I thought, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Experiences With Disability Seating
I’m a veteran of attending events through disability seating. It has been a regular part of my life since the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. Red Sox games, rock concerts, comedians; I’ve been fortunate enough to see them all.
I bring up those examples because society hardly ever talks about the idea that individuals with disabilities may want to attend these events. The opportunities to attend are there, and they may be easier than you think.
ADA Guidelines
First, the ADA mandates that disability seating must be available in every seating area and price range, so patrons can choose their location. Second, virtually every venue has a dedicated ADA line where you can order tickets directly from a live operator.
Third, many venues only allow disability seating to be sold by the box office, so you don’t have to worry about scalped or fraudulent tickets.
Lastly, many venues don’t sell the row in front of disability seating, so views are often unobstructed.
Absolutely Worth It
It can sometimes be a maze to find your seats. For the Bruins game, we parked in an accessible spot, took three separate (but clearly marked) elevators, got searched by security, and sat down about ten minutes before puck drop.
Was it a hassle? Maybe a small one. But after watching the B’s pitch a 3-0 shutout and literally give the shirts off their backs to first responders in attendance, I didn’t mind at all.