Most Accessible Major League Baseball Stadiums

 

Green grass is growing back. Leaves once again adorn the trees outside. The gloominess of winter is finally relenting to the rejuvenating power of spring. With Spring comes the start of baseball season. Over 75 million people passed through turnstiles at Major League ballparks last year, setting a new record. Despite the ongoing steroids scandal, Major League Baseball anticipates another record season for attendance during the 2008 campaign. Among the crowd will be patrons with disabilities. Although all major league facilities must be ADA compliant, some ballparks have made extra strides to be near the top of the accessibility chain. Here are some of the most accessible ballparks nation-wide:

 

• Pittsburgh constructed PNC Park with the disability community in mind. The Pittsburgh Pirates offer accessible seating in all general seating areas, giving a patron with disabilities the same opportunity to enjoy the game as the general public. All concession countertops are lowered to be at wheelchair accessible height. Additionally, the large scoreboard in center-field features a captioning system for all PA announcements and game information. The only other facility that currently offers a captioned scoreboard is Minute Maid Park in Houston.  Additional access details can be obtained by calling guest relations at 412-321-2827.

• American League East rivals New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are battling it out for most accessible park in the northeast. Yankee Stadium currently boasts accessible seating in the majority of general seating areas. The Yankees offer accessible tickets along with a companion seat at discounted rates. Additionally, all accessible seating areas are accompanied by electrical outlets for recharging of power chairs or other medical equipment at no cost. Yankee Stadium also features The Access Service Center, a booth dedicated to assisting guests with disabilities. Contact the ADA manager’s office in Yankee Stadium for additional information at (718) 293-4300 x 4510.

• Red Sox nation should be proud that Boston’s historic Fenway Park makes special considerations for guests with disabilities by offering some great amenities. Fenway has several accessible seating areas and even utilizes specifically designed areas for people with visual and auditory disabilities. All ATMs at Fenway feature a headphone jack for enhanced listening and Braille signage for those with visual disabilities. Additionally, Fenway Park offers large print and Braille season schedules which are available at no cost to fans. Questions should be directed toward the ticket office by calling (877) 733-7699.

• For baseball fans on the west coast, the Seattle Mariners’ Safeco field makes a concerted effort to provide guests with disabilities an enjoyable and convenient experience. Although service animals are allowed in all major league ballparks, only Seattle offers to assist a patron to a service animal restroom area. In addition, the stadium will provide bowls of water for the animal at no charge. The Mariners instituted a program to better serve young guests with disabilities in 2001. This program allows children with disabilities ages 14 years and under, to have equal access to the field during batting practice. This program is extremely popular and reservations are suggested. Patrons may contact Guest Services for more information or to make reservations at 206-664-3660.

No matter who you are rooting for this season, you will be able to cheer for your favorite team comfortably at any of these accessible stadiums. These facilities go above-and-beyond the standards set by the ADA to ensure that all patrons enjoy their ballpark experience. So go buy your peanuts and cracker-jacks and let’s PLAY BALL!