I am concerned about the honorability of my intentions

[jmtorres]

When we went to see Lady Gaga, we got the seats still available when I went to purchase several days after sales opened, that is to say, you-are-lucky-you-got-anything, one row from the back at the very top of the arena. I was unhappy with the quality of these seats for several reasons, not limited to it really did not look like the floor was sold out, etc, but one reason was: the people I went with both have physical disabilities to one extent or another; neither uses a wheelchair so I didn't think to arrange for accommodations, but both sometimes use canes to walk and okay, stairs. You have to climb steep stairs to get to the nose-bleed seats, and it was not ideal.

The last couple of days I've been poking at tickets to see Janelle Monae, and I was looking really hard at what sections things were available in, because I didn't want to do second balcony to my friends again. There actually were main concourse seats still available online, though they were in obstructed view sections. Then I noticed there was a number to call the venue about accessible seats, so I did, partially because I had no way to tell if there were lots of steps in main concourse (not sure if this venue is steep enough, or if it ramps down at that level) and partially because, well, frankly, I was hoping for something better than obstructed view.

We currently have three tickets, one of which is a wheelchair slot we are supposed to ask an attendant for a chair for, at the back of the non-obstructed area of main concourse level (leading me to suspect: probably stairs). I am yay for getting accessible seating for my friends on the phone today! I am yay for me actually making the damn call today! I am yay for getting non-obstructed view and wondering if my motives are sufficiently impure that I should feel shame for using my friends' disabilities to that end.

Well: scratch that, actually. I am feeling some shame and wondering if it is justified, or if I should give myself permission to feel pleased about other beneficial side effects of getting accessible seating for my friends.

Comments

[traykor]

You are allowed to enjoy the few fringe benefits my gimpness confers upon you, such as certain seats and parking. I certainly enjoy them, it in some tiny way makes up for the suckiness of being in my body that 'hey, at least I get the good seats!' and can share that with friends, rather than 'getting to this seat is going to hurt a lot and means I will not be nearly as much fun a companion'.

[synecdochic]

Not to mention, venues with accessible seating plan for at least one additional party member per accessible seat!

[copracat]

Part of accessibility is that people of all abilities should get the opportunity to see shows together. You're not getting benefits because you're friends require specific seating; the venue is catering to its audience accessibly.