I am writing to inform you of my concert experience, September 6th, at The Tweeter Center, in Camden, NJ, where I attended a performance by the Dave Matthews Band.

Prior to purchasing all my tickets for all the events at the venue this summer, I contacted Ticketmaster, and the box office in regard to handicapped seating, and was always informed that this type seating was unavailable. On many occasion, messages left at the box office regarding this seating, were not even returned. Having no other option, I purchased tickets on the lawn, and would sit in the handicapped area, located above section 200, 202 as I have been confined to a wheelchair, having been diagnosed with the fatal, Lou Gerhig's disease.

In all my years of attending concerts at the venue, I have yet to see clearly marked, or well designated signs indicating the location of the required handicapped parking area. I have yet to meet a parking attendant, who would guide me to such an area. Many times, my family and I, have parked as far away from the venue, as the prison area, and paid fifteen dollars for the privilege of having to be escorted almost a mile, in my wheelchair, to attend the show.

Upon entering the handicapped ramp area, there were no visible security guards, and the crowd, was permitted to use the ramp for access, unlike past shows I attended. At the top of the ramp, I had to exit my chair, and climb the railing in my condition, due to the grade, and poor conditions at the entrance, where the ramp meets the lawn. There is no visible, safe way a caretaker can easily guide anyone in a wheelchair up this steep, sandy grade, that lies over concrete.At past shows, friendly " bikers " teamed up, and literally carried me up that hill safely.

Prior to the end of the opening acts set, I witnessed three other people in wheelchairs, in the surrounding area, as well as many patrons, who arrived early, and were seated nicely on blankets, or in chairs, enjoying themselves, waiting for Dave to take the stage. I have pictures of this. During the intermission, and the opening of Dave's show, a large crowd ensued, coming up the handicap ramp and the adjacent stairway, at no time was security in sight. The people that were seated nicely in chairs or blankets, were trampled. Pushing and shoving matches occurred, and the people seated, were forced out, and either moved, or left the venue. The three other people in wheelchairs, were pinned to the outside railing, in the handicap area, and later left, for fear of their safety. Many times, drunken lots of concert goers, or kids on cell phones, tripped and fell on me, in my wheelchair. Confrontations began. Fearing for my safety, and the safety of my cousin who attended the show with me, I made the decision to leave the area, as it was certain we would be injured. Had the crowd surged at the point, or a fight broke out, I would be dead.

Struggling our way back to the steep graded area, that you call the handicap ramp, now the ramp was covered with beer, empty beer bottles and clothing. Again, security was not present. At the top of the ramp is where we stopped and called security. It was at this ramp, in front of the pillar, were we watched the show, or the back of the pillar, if you will. I have pictures of the area, again littered with garbage.

When security arrived, they designated a guard to insure our safety, and no longer permitted anyone up the ramp, as they have done in the past. Concert goer's were turned away, and most complied. On one occasion, one heavily intoxicated man refused, and was beaten or violently pushed all the way to the bottom of the 30 foot ramp. I was shocked, and surprised, the drunken man, didn't fall and crack his skull. The security guard should have called for assistance, in my opinion, but he had no radio.

It was at this point that I turned to view the crowd behind me, and was shocked to see the number of people on the lawn area, elbow to elbow, top to bottom, left to right. I have attended many sold out shows, at Tweeter, but it was blatantly obvious to me, that Clear Channel had over sold the show in the name of profit, at the end of the summer. This wasn't lawn seating or general admission, it was obviously a heavy intoxicated bunch of teenagers that were forced on the lawn, to fend for themselves, with no lighting, and a lack of security. I have been to sold out Dave Matthews shows at this venue, and clearly this was not a typical show, with the proper number of people I have seen in the past. It was a disgrace.

At the completion of the show and before the first encore, we were advised by security, that they could not guarantee our safety, with 10,000 drunks exiting our way. I agreed we should leave. Arriving at the men's room, I was greeted by EMT's who advised me to use the bathroom, in the EMT area, due to the fact, that the men's room floor was soaked with urine, beer and water. For my safety, I moved to the EMT area. At this area, while waiting for assistance, I observed, a half dozen heavily intoxicated people lying on gurneys receiving medical attention. Apparently, this was going all night.

While leaving the venue, with Dave still in his first encore, I was shocked to learn, that alcohol was still being served to minors, as a typical wrist band system was not used. There was no " last call " enforced at this event prior to the end of the show. Again, it was obvious, there was no regard for patron safety. The word of the night was profit. The Alcoholic Beverage Commisson singles out the small nightclub owner, for petty violations. But in Camden that night it was a free for all. The ABC in this state is a joke.

This letter is much more than a complaint from a disabled guy who had a bad night at a show. In my 25 years of attending almost 2500 shows, up and down the Eastern Coast, I have never once feared for my safety and that of the people with me. Having been confined to a wheelchair, I have been to 24 shows, without incident. I must say now I am disgusted.

I intend to question the very nature you do business. I know people die at rock concerts. With names, like Altamonte, Roskilde and in recent time " The Station Nightclub " in Rhode Island, it is a fact that, fans die, in the name of promoter's profit. I was surprised Camden wasn't added to the list of towns, where fans have died. Dave Matthews should wake up one morning and call Pete Townsend, Jack Russell, or Eddie Vedder and ask them how well they sleep knowing that because of a poorly managed event and their bands popularity, that innocent fans are dead or scarred for life.

The Tweeter Center brings in millions of dollars in revenue, in the way of ticket sales, overpriced parking fees, and 7 dollar draft beers. I am appalled that for the lack of planning, 2 trucks of concrete, 100 feet of railing and some new lighting, that the conditions for the disabled, are not improved, as in other outdoor venues. I intend to seek legal consul and question as to why, not only did you violate my rights as a disabled individual and the rights of others in my condition, but put my safety in jeopardy. I would like to question the state inspector that deemed that area, handicapped accessible, and issued you the permit to operate knowing full well, the conditions that exist.

I would like to thank the staff of the Tweeter Center for their effort and support on improving my concert experience, you all for the most part have been very accommodating. It is ashame, this night that there were far too few of you working.

I would like to thank the PNC Bank Arts Center staff and management, who showed me nothing but respect and a good time at every show I attended this summer. Your venue and staff are clearly well equipped to handle the needs of the disabled.

I would like to thank The Red Hot Chili Peppers, who the following evening restored my belief in attending shows while disabled.

A complete guide on how to prepare for and attend concerts, and sporting events while disabled, will be posted on my website, shortly at www.ronriker.com . As well as detailed photos of the poor conditions in Camden. As for the conduct of the fans at the show, I am ashamed to admit I am a fan of the Dave Matthews Band.

Sincerely,

Ron Riker
Beach Haven, NJ