Fight to improve the poor conditions for the handicapped at the Tweeter Center,Camden, NJ

This summer I have attended over 24 concerts and sporting events, as a disabled man, in my wheelchair. Having attended many venues in my condition, I was apalled at the lack of facilities for the handicapped, at the Tweeter Center at the Waterfront in Camden. Not only is the outdoor venue, the worst facility to see a show in a wheelchair, it is outright dangerious. Please view my letter writing campaign against the Tweeter Center and the City of Camden to follow. Links are provided to email the city of Camden in the hopes that you will aid my fight in changing the conditions for all disabled individuals at this venue. Guidelines for attending shows while disabled, for all NY/Philly Metro Venues will also soon be posted. If you have information on other venues, please email me so I can post it for all to share.

The Tweeter Center at the Waterfront in Camden, NJ, is quite possibly the worst venue to see a show, if your in a wheelchair. The staff is very friendly and supportive, but the problem stems from poor venue design, and a lack of concern for improving the venue, for the disabled. It is obvious that the man who designed venue, didn't know anyone in a wheelchair, and the man who approved the venue as being handicapped accessable, had no clue.

The problems at the Tweeter Center start the minute you try and purchase tickets. Being guided to the Ticketmaster event page, if you click on the handicapped access link, and fill out the form, an hour later, you will be advised by Ticketmaster, that they do not handle this type of seating for the show. You must call the box office.
It has been my experience that the box office people, are unresponsive.

I have always purchased regular seats, and let the staff guide me from there. If you purchase seats inside, you will be guided to the proper handicapped area. The problem with this is, the grade in the venue does not support viewing the stage, while others are standing. Keep in mind if you can't stand, you will be looking at someone's ass the whole show. If you decide to move your wheelchair to the aisle, for a better sightline, your success will depend on the demeanor of security working that night.

If you end up on the handicapped section on the lawn, you will have to be carried up the steep, unstable grade in this area. The sightline is better, but depending on the crowd, and the availability of security, you might not be able to enjoy the show. You can read about my experience below and view photos of the poor conditions in this area.

Handicapped parking is located in parking lot one. There isn't enough of it, so arrive early, and demand parking. Bring your handicapped parking placard, and be polite but insistant. The one thing going for the venue, is the availability of portable handicapped bathroom facilities.

My advice for attending a show at the venue, is DON'T. If you can see the same band at another venue, go there. You will have a much better time for your concert dollar. If you do go to Camden, bring supportive friends, ask questions, arrive early, and be prepared for anything. Good luck.

Advocacy letter to Camden and The Tweeter Center

Email Camden Mayor Gwendolyn A. Faison and ask for improvements.

View the pictures of the poor conditions at Tweeter...

Handicapped Ramp

Handicapped Section

Handicapped Sightline
More pictures...Coming soon...

Attending shows at the PNC Bank Arts Center

Unlike the venue design at the Tweeter Center, PNC is well designed for handicapped access. They have a great supportive staff and it's obvious, experience pays off. I hate to sound one sided, but PNC is an excellent venue to see a show, while disabled.

Here's why....

When purchasing tickets at the Ticketmaster website, click on the handicapped access link and fill out the form to request seating. Ticketmaster will respond with your tickets within a hour. No need to call the box office.

If you are unable to purchase handicapped seating ahead of time, purchase regular seats. On the day of the show, arrive early and go to the box office. Ask for an "ADA UPGRADE". The box office will issue you a voucher, and they will accomodate your request for special needs seating.

If you purchase lawn seats, PNC has excellent handicapped lawn seating. The area is maintained with concrete, a railing to insure crowd safety, and a decent sightline for lawn seats. The area is in full view of the jumbotron, close to the beer and the bathrooms.
It is located behind the CARVEL stand and is staffed with security and EMT's.

Inside the venue, the sightline for handicapped seating is excellent, even if your wheelchair bound. The grade of the venue offers a good sightline, even if the people in front of you stand.

Advice to insure a great show at PNC Bank Arts Center...

Bring your handicapped parking placard. Upon entering the North Parking Lot, be insistant that you park on the right side of the facility, facing north, towards The Meyer Reception Center. There is handicapped parking on the left side of the venue, but on the right you will be closer to the wheelchair entrance, the ticket booth, and the bathroom. All access to the special needs seating is on the right of the venue anyway. I found that the more insistant and polite you are to the parking attendants, the closer you will be to the venue, and the less far you will have to walk.

The handicapped area, again for lawn seating is located by the CARVEL stand, when you enter the right side of the venue at the top of the center. The handicapped ramp for seating on the inside of the venue, is just beyond that of the handcapped lawn area.
If you are in a manual chair, bring a strong friend, it's worth the trip, when you get there. Leave early and enjoy the show.

Handicapped Section at PNC, the way professionals design it.

Attending shows or games, at Giants Staduim...

Attending shows at Giants Stadium, while disabled, is fantastic. They have the most supportive staff around, and considering the stadium was built in the 1970's, the staff goes out of the way to accommodate you. I have seen Springsteen, as well as football games, and the line of sight and the accomodations were perfect.

Again, tickets are easily purchased through Ticketmaster, without having to call the box office. The staff has been very responsive of my needs on the phone.

Advice for a good show at Giants Stadium...

Arrive early, two hours before showtime is best. Try to park as close to the South Tower entrance pictured below, in the handicapped area. Bring your placard. When arriving and entering the stadium, trust me, disregard the man on the speaker, telling you handicapped can enter at Gates C or D. Proceed directly to the South Tower Entrance. There you will find escorts with radios, who will directly escort you to the elevators, and will insure you get to where you need to go. Bravo to the staff and management.

Getting out is another story, wait for the crowd to leave, and enjoy a trip down the spirals!