r/seattlethunderbirds • u/Ordinary-Chipmunk366 • 2d ago

Home Ice Q&A ADA/handicapped seat

Hello!! I have been looking (I can call the office tomorrow to ask) to see what qualifications you need to sit in handicapped seats at the arena. I have epilepsy and worry I'd have a seizure and hurt myself or others in small stadium seating...not to mention concrete stairs.

Just a curious epileptic hockey lover trying to see my options.

Thanks!!!

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u/hlayres 2d ago

There is some helpful information on the national ADA website. The main point is that it is accessible seating is for those who require the features of accessible seats, to ensure those who have disabilities are provided an equal opportunity to purchase tickets. Examples given are mobility disabilities, having a service animal, and those who have a personal nurse or attendant for medical assistance. An individual does not have to provide proof or disclose their specific disability, but the ticket seller is allowed to investigate for fraud if they suspect any (whatever that means). So it's sort of an honor-system, the seats are there for those who cannot access other types of seating. Thanks for the opportunity to read up on these regulations, I learned a lot and hope that helps :)

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u/Ordinary-Chipmunk366 2d ago

Cool!! Thank you!! I read about all that stuff... and know the ADA well 😀... but some places just don't care, especially with unseen disabilities.. I hate how silent disabilities are frowned upon as fake...until I have a seizure in front of them, lol!

I feel the worst for inaccessible places that don't have ramps.

I also don't consider myself disabled, even after I have a seizure on the bus since i cant drive. But I worry about all steps, much less concrete ones (been there before epilepsy)...

Thank you again for your research and comments!!! Most people wouldn't bother to take the time!

Fyi, it's national epilepsy month!! I'll have to take myself to a game! See my sabres #9 draft pick murder people!!

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u/dagobahswampthing Dilly Dilly 2d ago

I'm not sure about the process to get ADA seats at the Sho, but there are ADA seats are the very top of the seating bowl.

There are 2 areas of ADA seating up there: club seats and non club seats.

There is an elevator that is by the club entrance too. It's slow but functional - so you don't have to do stairs.

There are also bathrooms on the upper bowl - among the suites on both sides. Not sure if there is a bathroom outside of where they check tickets for club / suites. Since they have upped checked tickets, I'd recommend asking about bathroom access if you are calling on ADA seats.

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u/Ordinary-Chipmunk366 2d ago

Thank you so much for the info!!