The Wheelchair View of Concert Venues

For most pop music fans, securing tickets to a hot event that can sell out in 36 minutes is generally the most difficult challenge they have to face in planning an evening with their favorite rocker, and Calendar in recent weeks has looked repeatedly at problems surrounding ticket buying (“A Tangle Over Tickets,” June 9, “The Price People Pay,” June 13, among other stories).

A bigger challenge, however, can await disabled pop fans who arrive at a venue, only to find that it does not offer proper accommodations--and this two years after President Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.

That major civil rights legislation was supposed to protect an estimated 43 million disabled Americans from discrimination in employment, public facilities and services, transportation and telecommunications. Still, the handicapped can’t drink from water fountains, use certain restrooms or even eat at restaurants at some pop events.

Now, at the height of the summer pop season, perhaps it’s time to check up on local venues to see what awaits the music lover who arrives in a wheelchair.

Los Angeles Sports Arena--It’s hard to see from some of the wheelchair locations if fans stand during the event. Parking in front is limited. If spaces in the immediate area are taken, parking attendants will allow a disabled driver into the VIP section, but untrained attendants have directed disabled drivers as far as half a mile away.

Greek Theatre--A great location is provided for wheelchairs, just behind the orchestra section, no more than 40 feet from the stage. The view of the entertainers is only somewhat obstructed if the audience stands. There is an ample supply of marked parking spaces, although they could be closer to the theater. Closer spaces are reserved for VIPs.

Universal Amphitheatre--Seating is in the rear of the orchestra section, a little closer than before the amphitheater moved indoors a few years ago. Universal has several handicapped parking spaces (the new preferred termed is “accessible parking”) for the amphitheater as well as the cineplex and the studio tour. These attractions also accommodate wheelchairs.

Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre--This Orange County venue accommodates 52 wheelchairs with provisions for guests. Seats are a decent distance from the stage, located on the top row of the orchestra level. The designated parking area for disabled drivers is next to the entrance.

Pacific Amphitheatre--There is an innovative ramped platform for wheelchair patrons, but its distance from the stage makes it difficult to see the expressions on the faces of the performers. However, the three-foot platform eliminates any obstruction of the stage by excited fans who stand during a performance.

More marked handicapped parking spaces are needed, but the event staff is attentive and accommodating if the designated area is full.

Wiltern Theatre--Because of its historical classification, this theater cannot be structurally altered. Some wheelchair patrons cannot fit in the designated area because of the limited space, requiring some to view the stage from an angle. There is also a slight incline to manipulate while wheeling to the area.

There are no marked parking spaces for handicapped drivers, but the attendants are helpful. The theater staff likes to be notified in advance of special needs.

Hollywood Bowl--Another historic site, the Bowl provides ramped seating in what appears to be converted boxes or suites. The view is great, although there are some hardships to endure.

Wheelchairs are placed at the front and the rear of the suites and there is not enough spacing between the rows. The route to this area is slightly inclined with little grading for stability.

Handicapped parking is available, but there are few designated parking spaces. A parking ticket may be obtained through the mail. Attendants direct drivers to park in tight rows, thus trapping anyone who might want to leave early.

Forum--The arena can accommodate 40 wheelchairs plus a guest for each. The handicapped sections can be found at either end of the arena on the street level. There are no problems of blocked views by people standing because of the configuration of the area. The Forum also provides hosts to serve these patrons from the snack bar. There are marked parking spaces near every entrance.

It is possible to obtain information about special accommodations from the ticket broker handling the event. It’s important to inform the facility of special needs, but if the hindrances become too taxing, don’t forget to complain. The law is on your side.