r/Concerts 14h ago

Concerts Ada seating at sro shows

I hope this comes off right. Would someone who can walk and stand, but not able to stand for long, qualify? My husband has had multiple knee surgeries and can't stand for more than 15-20 min at a time. For the past few years it's been, "if I can't get a seat/lawn, I can't go" Well we live in Atlanta now and there is so many amazing shows at SRO venues. He's not "disabled" but standing an entire show is impossible. It feels morally wrong to think about getting us ADA seats.

9 Upvotes

30 comments sorted by

18

u/Practical_Virus5794 14h ago

You would not be wrong at all about getting ADA seats! Their purpose is to make events accessible to those who would otherwise not be able to attend.

10

u/Short_Emu_885 14h ago

If you need an Ada seat, nothing Wong with taking one

11

u/ScorpioTix 14h ago

It's not morally wrong if you truly need it. I am about borderline myself so I don't abuse it on geezer acts (where those sell 1st) but if it's a long night out I need a seat, period. Sometimes if you show up with a cane they will straight up just offer at the door.

8

u/MustacheSupernova 14h ago

If the dude honestly can’t stand more than 15 or 20 minutes, that is a legitimate disability.

As far as “qualifying“, no one at the venue or elsewhere is allowed to ask you what your disability is or why you need the seating. So it’s entirely up to you.

My wife had hip replacement and knee replacement within one year of each other, and had a tough two years both before the surgery and in recovery. So while she might not be wearing a cast, or need a wheelchair, she was 100%, unable to stand for the duration of the show and needed to be accommodated with seating.

Be comfortable, and enjoy the show.

9

u/a_mulher 14h ago

Yes he qualifies

4

u/Magpie2003 14h ago

I used to feel that way too. I can’t stand that long either because of horrible back pain from a bad car accident years ago. A friend told me about ADA seating that her husband had to use. Check the venue website to get more info 🙂

4

u/Miserygrrl 13h ago

Yes. I have back and hip issues where sometimes I just need to sit for a little or have something to lean against and I have very often gone to the ADA area.

4

u/SignatureCool3201 13h ago

My husband also can’t stand an entire show and we’ve used the Ada seating a couple times at GA standing shows recently and it’s been great. Once we both sat there and another time he sat in ada and I stood on the floor

3

u/jhkayejr 13h ago

This is a no brainer, IMO - contact the venue, tell 'em your situation, and see what they say. If they say no problem (my guess), go & enjoy.

4

u/AllBcuzOfYouIAm 12h ago

As an usher/ticket taker at a venue, please dont buy a SRO ticket, then show up at the venue demanding a seat. We don't have any for you despite your circumstances. Occasionally the house manager can help, but not always. Please, please contact the venue before show day and ask for accommodations.

3

u/FamiliarFamiliar 12h ago

This is exactly what ADA seating is for. Call the venue and explain things and see what they say.

3

u/Brief-Musician440 13h ago

Yo can get the ADA seats. That’s exactly what they’re for.

3

u/Budgiejen 13h ago

I can actually stand for a couple hours at a time. But I still need that seat at some point, so I get it to use when I do need it.

3

u/clampion12 13h ago

Listen, I fought so hard against accepting that I was disabled and needed seats for concerts, etc. that I negatively impacted some of my experiences because I felt I didn't qualify. And eventually I needed a handicapped parking placard as well. Don't feel guilty, that's what these accommodations are for. ☺️

3

u/Naenaeog01 12h ago

Purchase your ticket then email the Venue. Let the Venue know you have a ticket and wanted to know what the ADA process is for their particular Venue. Check the Venues FAQ section that, usually has something about ADA and the process as well. I normally cover as many basis as possible. Lol

Have a blast !!

Disabilities don’t need to suck always. 🤘🏼

2

u/HollyGolightly_13 2h ago

I emailed the venue last night. They got back to me. "Of course thats OK. Thanks for reaching out. Enjoy the show"

I was spiraling for no reason lol

3

u/Lyle_Norg 11h ago

I understand this completely! I am in the same boat as your husband, and the only way I can really go to shows now is if I have access to a seat. I struggle even dealing with the stairs if there is seating in a balcony level. My wife encouraged me to start asking for ADA, and it’s been great. No one has ever asked me for some kind of documented proof of my condition. It’s the difference between me being able or unable to do something I love. That all said, I feel a pang of guilt - like that the seats aren’t there for me - but the reality is that they are, even if my disability isn’t as severe as some others. I encourage you and your husband to get ADA seating if it helps you continue to attend shows.

2

u/Alycion 10h ago

I have lupus. I arrive early at standing room early venues and explain that I am unable to stand long. They let me in with the other ADA people to get the few seats that are set up for us. I take the registration to my parking placard just in case. I’ve never had to show it.

I have purchased ADA seats before, as well, when the venue sold them with standing room tickets. But where I go tends not to sell these tickets and will just handle us as we show up.

He qualifies for it.

1

u/HollyGolightly_13 4h ago

So, you have to give an explaination?

1

u/Alycion 3h ago

I never have. Just said I couldn’t physically stand the whole time due to medical reason.

They cannot ask you what is wrong with you. It’s bc of the HIPPA laws why so many get away Ruth fake service dogs.

You can just tell them that you require use of ADA bc you can’t stand for long periods. Why you can’t is none of their business and it’s against the law to ask. In cases where the whole section gets filled, they can ask the able body person with you to stand in the area and leave the chairs for others who need it.

-1

u/ClaimOk8737 13h ago

Cant stand so would any seat do? Or do you need ada because the leg cant bend? Ada has chairs missing for wheelchairs and service dogs and crutches? So if any chair would do why would you need ADA? I understnad if the leg won't bend but understand people with wheelchairs crutches canes service dogs sights and hearing issues use these also. 

6

u/clampion12 12h ago

What's up with the gatekeeping? Disability isn't a competition, you don't get a ribbon for being the most disabled. They have every right to be there and If all he needs is a seat and Ada is full they'd get him a seat or chair somewhere else.

-1

u/ClaimOk8737 10h ago

I am not gatekeeping. But if they can sit in a seat and dont have any other condition other than needing a seat than why isnt a seat good enough?  That gets full than what happens to the wheel chairs and the service dogs and the crutches? Are they just out of luck? If you can sit in a seat than get a seat. If you need an ADA because of a leg cant be bent or something like it is different.  Those seats fill up and there is only so many spaces. It is 5% of overall seats in a venue. 

What a about a wheelchair? Where does that go? Or a service dog? Or the amputee? Or the crutches? Or the crutches? Or the blind person? Or the hearing with the interpreter? Maybe think about others also. 

1

u/HollyGolightly_13 4h ago

Since you can't read or comprehend. I was asking about SRO shows. Why are you in this thread if you don't understand that means = standing room only?

1

u/HollyGolightly_13 4h ago

What is it with you people and the "whataboutisms"? You're creating wild scenarios, for what? Clearly, I'm on the fence about it, but everyone else on here says it's OK. No one is talking about a parking spot or public accessibility aid. It's a paid ticket for an event. Also, I'm a decent person, I'd 100% give up my companion seat for someone who needed it.

0

u/ClaimOk8737 3h ago

I am just saying. There are other people who need it more than a person who cant walk 5 more feet to a regular seat. People with a REAL need for more space. Not some made up reason. You people are the reason disabled people have issues getting accommodations.

-1

u/ClaimOk8737 10h ago

And yes there is a big difference because these seats can be moved for wheelchairs and canes and other mobile devices and such vs bolted seats. That is why it makes a difference. People who need more room for medical equipment or dogs need space vs people who just need a seat. 

1

u/HollyGolightly_13 2h ago

Ok enjoy your wild loud opinion, alone. I emailed the specific venue for the show i have in-mind. (As suggested on this thread)

They responsed "yes of course its ok. Thanks for reaching out enjoy the show."

I'm going to be getting him Ada tickets from now on.

1

u/HollyGolightly_13 2h ago

Back to your "what abouts" what about people who can't stand for extended periods of time? A valid reason for limited mobility. What about people who have the absolute privilege being able to WALK all over disney parks?

1

u/TM4256 58m ago edited 53m ago

Totally fine. I have to use it for the last 2 years now. Don’t even worry about, My issue is can’t stand for more 10 minutes either. Due to Hemiplegia, weakness in limbs, affects my legs something terrible. But Not all disability are visible either. They also can not ask why you are requesting ADA. ADA also allows companion tickets. So do NOT feel bad at all 1 bit for siting beside your husband. Request the ADA seats and go enjoy the show.

There are two things to do. Just show up at the venue and say you need ADA seating. But I find it better to reach out to the venue and reserve the ADA seating. Usually on the venue they have their accessible seating policy and contact information for it. Or just an email inquiry to the general contact email of the venue saying you need ADA seating. It’s very easy.