Tips for Attending a Concert in a Wheelchair

Summer is the perfect time for a concert, but sometimes attending shows large or small can be challenging. Here is a list 5 of tips that can help make attending a concert a little easier:

Research the Venue – Every amphitheater, arena or concert venue should at the very least meet ADA standards, but this does not necessarily mean it will be entirely accessible. There may be parts of the venue you can only access by stairs or the seats you are assigned may have an obstructed view caused by people standing.

Ask Questions – Often times, larger venues will have an employee whose job is dedicated to providing a quality accessible experience. If all of the information you desire cannot be found on their website, give the venue a call with a list of questions. Some things to consider are accessible parking, service dog policies, and what items you are allowed to bring into the concert.

Call to Purchase Tickets – To avoid any confusion when purchasing your tickets, call and actually speak to someone over the phone. Online ticket resale apps can be convenient, but sometimes they overlook the need for finding accessible seats. Be sure to ask exactly where your seats will be, and if you will have a clear view of the stage.

Arrive Early – Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the doors open. This way if there are any issues with your tickets or getting into the building, you will be able to make arrangements without having to miss any of the show.

Review the Venue – The best thing you can do after the show is over to help improve accessibility awareness is leave a few reviews on sites like Yelp, Facebook, and Google. This will help other wheelchair users plan their trips, and can even lead to policy changes or renovations if your standards were not met.