Van Andel Arena is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Information on accessibility can be found below. The Guest Services staff at Van Andel Arena strive to provide excellent service to all our guests. Van Andel Arena provides a full range of accommodations for guests with ADA needs to ensure their safety, comfort and enjoyment of our events and facilities.
For questions regarding accessibility, please call 616-742-6600 or e-mail webmaster@asmgrandrapids.com.
Accessible Seating & Ticketing:
Wheelchair accessible seating and semi-ambulatory seating are located in various sections and levels throughout Van Andel Arena.
When ordering accessible tickets, it is important to indicate that you require accessible seating so we can properly seat you. Accessible seating is also available for purchase online by clicking on the official ticket link on the VanAndelArena.com event page or in person at the box office during regular box office hours. The number of companion/escort seats available may be limited depending on the seating location. The companion/escort may accompany a guest with a disability only in designated seating areas.
If a patron needs an accessible (ADA) seating location, but has purchased a ticket on the secondary ticket market or is using a Van Andel Arena premium seat ticket that is not designated as an accessible (ADA) seating location, the patron should contact the ADA Coordinator for proper arrangements at 616-742-6600. Tickets purchased on a secondary ticket site are not guaranteed a relocated seat.
Accessible Seating Terms:
Wheelchair Accessible: seating location in which there are no stairs that allows for wheelchair or scooter usage.
Companion Seat: seating for individuals that are attending an event with someone who requires wheelchair or semi-ambulatory seats.
Semi-Ambulatory: seating reserved for those with limited mobility that may require walking a few incline/decline stairs..
Accessible (ADA) Seating Relocation Policy:
Please call several days before an event to be relocated to accessible seating. Please be aware that while we will attempt to accommodate you however possible, we cannot guarantee that there will be an available relocation seat for you. ASM Global is not responsible for ticket sales for some events, and we cannot guarantee the availability of additional seats at events, particularly those events that are sold out. If you encounter an issue during an event with your ticket or seating, please visit the Guest Services Desk located on the concourse level outside of Section 104.
Accessible Parking:
Accessible parking is available in all City owned and operated parking ramps and surface parking lots. Each lot has accessible designated spaces, including van-accessible spaces, for vehicles displaying a current state-issued disability placard or license plate. Accessible spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan accordingly. Please refer to the tab for locations, availability and additional information regarding City parking. City of Grand Rapids Parking Services can be contacted at 616-456-3290.
Building Access:
The Arena is equipped with automatic doors for easy access. Concession stands, counters and drinking fountains are at a convenient height for everyone.
The best entrance for guests with ADA requirements is the ADA/Suite entrance located on the southwest corner of Van Andel Arena on Ottawa Avenue near Weston. An elevator right inside this entrance allows for easy access to ADA seating.
Elevators & Escalators:
Arena elevators are located in the north end of the Arena's main lobby, in the employee entrance (southeast corner of Arena), and inside the ADA/Suite entrance (southwest corner of Arena).
The Arena escalator is located in the main lobby of the Arena.
Emergency Evacuation Policy:
Van Andel Arena personnel have been properly trained in emergency evacuation procedures to ensure the safe evacuation of all patrons, including those guests with ADA requirements, in the case of an emergency. Please pay careful attention to the personnel instructions should an evacuation situation arise.
First Aid: Certified personnel from AMR are on site for every event. If you are in need of attention from AMR, please notify the nearest building staff member.
Guests with Service Animals:
Trained guide dogs, signal dogs, or service animals assisting guests with disabilities are permitted inside Van Andel Arena. Please identify such animals to security and ticket takers upon entry.
Hearing Assistance:
Complimentary hearing assistance devices are available at the Guest Services Booth outside of Section 104 on the concourse level. Identification is required in order to check out the device. Identification will be returned to the patron upon return of the device following the event.
Sign language interpreters can be arranged upon request. If you require a sign language interpreter, please contact Hilarie Carpenter at hcarpenter@asmgrandrapids.com. For best availability, please contact Van Andel Arena with your request before tickets go on sale to the public. If this is not possible, seating for optimal viewing of the interpreter will be based on availability at the time of the request.
Michigan Relay Service:
The Michigan Relay Service can relay calls between a person with a TDD phone and any other phone user. Specifically trained personnel are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to relay the call. To use the Michigan Relay Service, simply pick up any phone and dial 711 to reach relay services.
Restrooms:
Restrooms accessible to guests that use wheelchairs are located throughout the Arena. The Arena has two family restrooms on the third floor by the north elevator and two family restrooms on the terrace level. The terrace level restrooms may not be available for some events.
Sensory Bags:
Van Andel Arena offers sensory items free of charge for patrons. To check out a sensory item visit Guest Services located on the arena concourse outside Section 104, a photo ID will be required to check out any item. Items are available on a first come first serve basis. These sensory bags were provided by i Understand love heals.
Sensory items available:
- Wiggle Seat: A specially designed wiggle seat helps calm and focus while allowing those using it to quietly move while working, enabling them to stay on task and be more productive. The sensory cushion is an outlet for excess energy.
- Lap Pad: Super soft fleece weighted Lap Pads are sensory tools that offer deep calming pressure; increasing the ability to focus, relieving anxiety and stress. It gives those with the wiggles a comforting sense of security and has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. Soothing dual textures alleviate excess energy, decrease restlessness, relieve stress and improve attentiveness.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones: World-class noise cancellation headphones will allow for a better listening experience in any environment. They feature a noise-rejecting, dual-mic system for clear sound and voice pick up. The balanced audio performance can be played at any volume and includes cable-free Bluetooth pairing.
- Fidget Toy/Pop-It's: These toys provide external stimuli to focus and an outlet for pent-up nervous energy. Pop-It fidget toys also help to relieve anxiety and stress by providing something to keep your hands busy, which are the most visibly affected body part in stressful situations.
Signage:
All Van Andel Arena reachable signs have Braille lettering.
Transportation:
Van Andel Arena is accessible by The Rapid public bus service and the DASH public bus. For more information about bus routes, please visit ridetherapid.org.
Wheelchairs:
Complimentary wheelchair escorts will be provided upon request at every entry point, based on availability. Please be aware that our staff will not remain with you during an event, nor will they allow you to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event.
For guests who wish to transfer to a seat from their own personal wheelchair, we will store your wheelchair at our Guest Services booth located outside of Section 104 on the main level concourse. Our staff will make arrangements to return the wheelchair to you at the end of the event, or any other time you would prefer.
We welcome all comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact Guest Services during an event or call the ADA Coordinator at 616-742-6600.
