Ensuring Equal Access: The Challenge of ADA Seating at Concerts and the Need for Ethical Ticketing Practices
Brian O’Leary, a 68-year-old concert fan from Chicago, encountered difficulties when trying to purchase ADA seating for an upcoming Bruno Mars concert at Soldier Field. Despite Ticketmaster initially showing available accessible seats, he faced constant inventory unavailability when trying to make a purchase. Subsequently, he discovered that ADA seating was only accessible through resellers, raising concerns about the ethical resale of designated disability seats.
The situation highlighted the need for Ticketmaster to accurately manage its inventory and implement safeguards against the resale of ADA-accessible tickets. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities should have equal access to ticket purchases, with venues and ticketing platforms obligated to prevent fraudulent resale of ADA seats. While the law allows for resale, venues can investigate suspicious transactions to ensure seats serve their intended purpose.
To address the issue, consumers are advised to document available inventory through screenshots and escalate concerns through formal channels. By contacting customer service and escalating to executives, individuals can raise awareness of accessibility barriers and advocate for fair ticketing practices. In Brian’s case, reaching out to Ticketmaster’s leadership team led to a resolution where he was reimbursed for additional costs incurred from purchasing through a reseller.
The experience underscores the importance of advocating for accessible ticketing practices and holding ticketing platforms accountable for ensuring equal access to individuals with disabilities. By engaging with executives and highlighting accessibility concerns, consumers like Brian can drive positive change in the ticketing industry and promote fair treatment for all concertgoers, regardless of their accessibility needs.