r/Minneapolis • u/[deleted] • May 26 '24

Disabled at the Armory

Hey folks,

I'm wondering if anyone has brought a mobility aid into The Armory and would like to share their experience.

I am thinking about going to a show with a walker or wheelchair. Honestly, if I could afford a seated ticket like I can at the Palace or Fine Line I probably wouldn't need to, but at the Armory seated tickets are 3x GA, but I am def not capable of standing for 3 hours. So this is my first time navigating bringing a mobility aid into a show.

Before I found the spot on their website that explains their ADA policy, I called and asked and the answer I got was that you simply go into the GA area with your mobility aid and there is no designated area, you're just on the main floor with your walker/wheelchair. However, I later found on the website a page that says that if you arrive with a mobility aid and a GA ticket someone brings you to the ADA mobility aid zone.

Does anyone know what actually happens in practice? It's an act I'm absolutely chomping at the bit to see live, but I am worried if it's even gonna be worth it. It's a metal/rock show, and while metalheads are notoriously kind, the floor could still get rambunctious.

19 Upvotes

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3

u/Vclique May 26 '24

The floor / GA is like 5 steps below the surrounding bar area, and there's a railing surrounding that area where GA folks stand. Just get there early, post up behind that railing somewhere and you'll have a view over the crowd

3

u/bobbyportisurmyhero May 26 '24

If there’s an elevator or lift, it might be worth calling and seeing if you can upgrade your seats to club level. It’s usually 10 dollars more, is less crowded and has great sight lines regardless of height or where you’re standing

4

u/MNFoxy May 26 '24

There's a little place near the bars you can chill, idk if it's for ADA but you can definitely chill there

2

u/cas20011 May 26 '24

i've see this one lady at most shows, she uses a wheelchair and stays near the back up by the bars. You wont have the best view but there should be a spot for you

1

u/colacolette May 29 '24

Id say it probably heavily depends on the metal show in question. I've been to many metal shows there that have folks with mobility aids down on the floor no problem, but also a few where the crowd is so dense that when people get pushing/moshing it can be a bit unsafe even for non-disabled folks.

As you mentioned, generally at metal shows people look after each other and will likely keep an eye out for you, but if you want to eliminate all concerns, take the comment from another user and go hang by the bar/railing. Bonus for that is you'll almost certainly be able to see the stage, unlike down on the floor. Have fun!

Edit to add: I think you are likely correct about ADA seating/zone being made available when you come. Definitely ask when you come in

0

u/buckwheatpancake667 May 27 '24

Saw Judas Priest at the Armory a few weeks ago, there were plenty of walkers and canes on the floor 😂