Live Concerts and Disabled Access

I went to The LG Arena Birmingham (Used to be called The NEC) to see Depeche Mode live. When we got to the venue we where directed to park in the designated disabled car park which you now have to pay £8 for, it is a good car park with extra large spaces which are helpful when getting a wheelchair out of a car boot and manoeuvring it for me to shuffle into! The car park is very close to the arena and box office where we had to collect our disabled tickets from. Now a days when you buy disabled tickets for a show you are sent an email which you have to take to the arena with you and collect the tickets from the box office which I think is crazy and totally pointless! The Arena is very roomy and easy to manoeuvre around. The disabled seating was in a superb location very close to the stage that you could see the performers very well. Had a great night but I'm totally deaf this morning and the cold has got to my joints, was it worth it? Hell yeah!!

Collecting the tickets from the office might be to stop able bodied people using these spaces?

I agree because there are a limited number of places but it is a pain in the bottom!!

Depeche Mode, you lucky girl! Generally here in the states we have pretty good accomidations at concerts for those with disabilities. Some older auditoriums can have quite tiny seats, if you are using their seat, because the buildings are old, but that gradually is changing. When I purchase tickets they are mailed to me. I'm able to walk in, but need to have a lot of leg room and can request a specific seat. Handicap seats are generally roped off and an usher will escort you to your place and make sure you are comfortable. Floor spaces where seats have been removed are used for wheel chairs.

Several months ago when my husband and I went to see Arlo Guthrie, I actually had a seat against the wall, which was great, because I could lean against it if necessary, as my pain was bothering me a bit that day.

Does Britain not have a federal law covering people with disabilities in public places? Here is your chance to get into politics, Amanda! (What you've always wanted, right?) HA!

Jana how did you know?! LOL! I'm a member of a site 360 degrees which helps people with problems due to the government and law. We confront them about law and changes and try to make them change. Depeche Mode where amazing I thoroughly enjoyed myself!