The Real
Fan Experience
Accessible Game Day at The Arena:
Accessing the Game with Ease
By John Devenwood
Accessibility Fan Experience Blog
There is something special about arriving at a venue on game day. The lights, the crowd, the music, and the energy outside the building all builds even before you enter.
For disabled fans, though, game day often starts long before arrival. It starts with questions.
Where should I park? Which entrance is easiest? Will I be able to get to my seat without stairs? Where are the accessible restrooms? What if I need a sensory break, assistive listening device, wheelchair escort, or help from Guest Services?
I recently attended a game at The Arena to experience the venue from the perspective of a fan with a disability and to better understand what future guests should know before attending. Overall, The Arena offers a strong range of accessibility services, including accessible seating across multiple levels, accessible parking, step-free entrances, assistive listening devices, captioning, sensory supports, family restrooms, accessible concessions, elevators, ramps, Guest Services support, and more.
This blog is meant to provide the full game day journey from the experience of a fan with a disability.
Planning My Visit and Buying Accessible Tickets
My first step was reviewing ticket options. Accessible seating at The Arena can be purchased
through the same process as other tickets, including online, by phone, or through the Box Office.
That is important because fans should not have to use a completely separate or confusing
process just to find seating that works for them.
When purchasing online, accessible seating locations are shown on the seating map with the
accessibility symbol. Accessible seating is available throughout the venue, including the
Lower Level, Middle Level, Upper Level, and premium areas such as suites, club, and loge spaces.
For this visit, I wanted to sit on the Lower Level to get a close view of the court while still being
near the main concourse. Accessible seating is available in several Lower Level sections,
including Sections 100, 105, 109, 113, and 116.
The Arena also allows companion seating with accessible seating purchases, subject to availability.
That matters because most fans do not attend alone. Disabled fans should be able to sit with family,
friends, caregivers, or companions just like anyone else.
Tip for fans: If you are attending with a larger group or need companion seating, contact the Box Office
or Accessible Services Team before purchasing. It can make the process smoother and help confirm the
best available options.
Getting to The Arena
On game day, I chose to arrive early. That is always my recommendation for disabled fans, especially when visiting a venue for the first time.
Accessible parking is available in designated areas near The Arena on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking cannot be purchased in advance.
Accessible parking is available in:
Lot A near Gate 1
Lot B near Gate 2
Lot D near the Main Entrance
East Garage on East Drive
West Garage on Arena Way
Parking staff were positioned around the lots to help direct traffic and answer questions.
Fans are encouraged to enter through the south arena entrance, and accessible routes
are available from accessible parking areas to the nearest accessible entrances.
There is also an accessible drop-off and pick-up area near Lot B / North Entrance,
which is especially helpful for fans who use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or who have difficulty
traveling long distances.
Public transportation and rideshare are also available outside the South Entrance
at Gate D. The Arena also offers accessible shuttle service from remote parking
areas, with shuttle locations at Gates A, B, and C.
Arriving at the Entrance
For my visit, I used one of the recommended accessible entrances. The Arena lists several accessible
entry points depending on where you park or get dropped off:
Gate 1 / Main Entrance: Closest to West Garage, Lot D, and Guest Services
Gate 3 / North Entrance: Closest to Lot A and Lot B accessible parking
Gate 4 / East Entrance: Closest to East Garage accessible parking
One thing I appreciated is that the guide does not simply say “all entrances are accessible” and leave
it at that. It identifies which entrances may be most convenient based on parking and seating location.
Security screening was straightforward. All guests are subject to the venue’s carry-in and screening
policy. Guests who are unable to go through a walk-through metal detector can request screening
with a hand-held detector or physical pat-down. Medically necessary items are permitted after
inspection, and guests bringing medical supplies, mobility equipment, or disability-related items
should notify security staff during screening.
First Stop: Guest Services
After entering, I went to the Guest Services Booth near Section 101.
This is one of the most important locations for disabled fans to know.
Guest Services can help with questions, directions,
assistive listening devices, sensory kits, wheelchair escort assistance,
TTY access, charging
locations, and general event-day support.
The Arena’s Guest Services Booths are located at:
Main Concourse near Section 101
Upper Concourse near Section 215
Club Level near the Club Lobby
Wheelchair Escort Assistance
The Arena offers wheelchair escort assistance from designated entrance locations to seating areas. This service is intended for guests who need help getting from
the entrance to their seat or from their seat to an exit.
It is important to note that this is an escort service, not a wheelchair rental for the entire event. Guests who need a wheelchair, scooter, or mobility device throughout the game should bring their own.
To request wheelchair escort assistance, fans can contact the nearest venue staff member upon entry.
Finding My Seat
My accessible seating location provided a step-free route.
Accessible seating at The Arena is spread throughout the building,
which gives fans more choice in
sightlines, ticket prices, and overall experience.
Accessible seating is available in the following areas:
Lower Level: Sections 100, 105, 109, 113, 116
Middle Level: Sections 200, 203, 206, 208, 211, 214, 216, 221
Upper Level: Sections 302, 304, 306, 309, 311, 315, 318, 321, 326
Premium Areas: Suites, Club, and Loge
The seating area had adjacent companion seating, which is critical.
Accessibility is not just about getting a wheelchair space; it is also about being
able to enjoy the event with the people you came with.
Restrooms and Family Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are available throughout The Arena on each public concourse level. Family restrooms and companion care restrooms are also available for guests who need assistance from a companion or caregiver.
Accessible restroom locations include:
Lower Concourse near Sections 104 and 114
Middle Concourse near Sections 205, 208, and 217
Upper Concourse near Sections 309, 315, 321, and 328
Event Level for authorized guests
Family restroom locations include:
Lower Concourse near Section 119
Middle Concourse near Section 212
Upper Concourse near Section 303
During my visit, I liked that family restroom locations were identified separately. For many disabled fans, especially those who travel with a caregiver, companion, child, or personal care attendant, that information is essential.
Elevators, Escalators, and Ramps
The Arena has elevators and escalators that help fans move between seating areas, premium levels, upper concourses, restrooms, and other public spaces.
Elevator locations include:
Elevator A near Gate 1
Elevator B near Gate 3
Elevator C near the East Entrance
Elevator D near the West Entrance
Escalators are located near Gate 2 and Gate 4.
Ramps are also available in select areas to support step-free movement. Ramp locations include the exterior route from Lot A to Gate 1, the Main Concourse near Section 102, and the accessible seating platform near Sections 114–116.
The most important thing for fans to know is that the best route may depend on your gate, seat location, and the event setup. If you are unsure, ask staff before heading too far in the wrong direction.
Tip for fans: After entering, ask staff for the best step-free route to your exact section. It can save time and avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Assistive Listening and Captioning
Assistive Listening Devices are available at no charge from Guest Services on the main concourse. A valid photo ID or credit card is required as a deposit and is returned when the device is brought back after the event.
Available assistive listening options include:
Ear speaker
Stereo headset
Neckloop
Handheld radios
Captioning is displayed on video boards for fans who are deaf or have hearing loss. Captioning is also provided on televisions throughout The Arena. Depending on the event, captioning may also appear on ribbon boards, scoreboards, handheld devices, mobile devices, or another platform.
Sensory Kits and Sensory Room
The Arena offers sensory support resources for guests who may benefit from a quieter or
more controlled environment.
Sensory kits may include noise-reducing headphones, earplugs, fidget tools, sunglasses,
communication cards, or other calming items. Kits can be checked out from Guest Services.
There is also a sensory room or quiet area available at Room 401 in the
left field concourse for guests who need a break from crowd noise, lights,
or event stimulation.
Fans interested in sensory kits or the sensory room can visit the Guest Services Booth
near Section 101.
This is the type of service that can make a venue more welcoming for families, autistic fans,
fans with sensory processing needs, and others who may need a reset during the event.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at The Arena. The Arena recognizes service animals
as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks
for a person with a disability.
Service animals are permitted in all public areas where fans are allowed to go.
They must remain under the control of their handler. A harness, leash, or tether
should be used unless it interferes with the service animal’s work or the guest’s
disability prevents its use.
The service animal relief area is located on the main concourse on the east wing.
Charging Wheelchairs, Scooters, and Medical Equipment
One useful detail in The Arena’s guide is the availability of electrical outlets for guests who need to charge wheelchairs, scooters, or other medical equipment.
Electrical outlets are available at all Guest Services Booths and at select wheelchair accessible seating areas, including Sections 100, 109, 200, 211, 302, and 315.
Fans should bring their own charging cables and adapters. Venue staff can assist with identifying the closest available charging location.
Personal Care Attendants and Wheelchair Storage
The Arena provides complimentary entry to government-funded personal care attendants whose attendance is required to enable ticketed fans requiring PCA services to attend games. PCAs are seated with the fans they are assisting.
PCA ticket requests should be made at the time of ticket purchase by contacting The Arena’s Accessibility Services Team.
Wheelchair and mobility device storage is also available for guests who transfer from a wheelchair or mobility device into a fixed seat. Guests should speak with an usher or Guest Services staff member in their seating area. Staff will help identify a storage location.
Concessions, ATMs, and Water Fountains
Concession stands are available throughout The Arena and include accessibility features for guests using wheelchairs or mobility devices. Staff can assist with reaching items, reading menus, completing purchases, or carrying items back to seating areas.
The Arena also notes that concession stands have aids such as pens and paper, Braille or large-print menus, and staff support for communication assistance.
Accessible ATMs are located on public concourses, including:
Lower Concourse near Section 106
Middle Concourse near Section 119
Upper Concourse near Section 314
Club Level near Club Lobby
Accessible water fountains and bottle-filling stations are available near:
Lower Concourse Sections 103, 111, and 118
Middle Concourse Sections 203, 211, and 221
Upper Concourse Sections 308, 316, and 327
Club Level near C6 and C13
Tip for fans: If you need assistance carrying food or drinks back to your seat, ask concession staff or Guest Services.
The guide states that staff can assist with carrying items.
Feedback Welcome
The Arena also encourages fans to provide feedback about accessibility and the guest experience. Feedback can be submitted through the accessibility feedback form at arena.com/feedback-form, by email at accessibility@arena.com, or by phone at (800) 111-2222.
If the feedback relates to a specific issue, fans should include the event name, date, seating location, and a description of what happened so the team can follow up.
Tip for fans: If something goes well, share that too. Accessibility feedback is not only for complaints; it also helps venues understand what is working.
Final Thoughts
My visit to The Arena showed how much easier game day can feel when accessibility information is clear, practical, and available before arrival.
The strongest part of the experience was not just that The Arena offers accessible seating, restrooms, parking, sensory supports, assistive listening, captioning, elevators, ramps, and Guest Services support. It was that the information can be organized in a way that helps fans plan the full journey.
For fans with disabilities, a good accessibility guide is more than a list of policies. It is a confidence builder.
Before attending an event at The Arena, I recommend reviewing the official Accessibility Guide, checking the seating and parking maps, identifying your entrance, noting the nearest restroom and Guest Services Booth, and contacting the Accessible Services Team if you have specific questions.
Accessible Services Team
Phone: (800) 111-2222
Email: accessibility@arena.com
Game day should be about enjoying the event. With the right information ahead of time,
fans with disabilities can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time
enjoying the experience.
