Hockey Night in Dallas: Accessibility at the Stars Game

Attending a Dallas Stars game at the American Airlines Center (AAC) is an exciting experience, and as a wheelchair user, I was impressed with the overall accessibility. From parking to seating, the venue offers many features that make the event enjoyable for everyone. While there were a few moments that required patience, the helpfulness of the staff and fans, combined with thoughtful ADA accommodations, made the night memorable.

Getting to the Game

Parking at the AAC was a breeze thanks to the dedicated ADA parking lot. We arrived early to secure a spot and ensure plenty of time to exchange our tickets for ADA seats at Ticket Resolutions inside the stadium. The walk from the parking lot to the entrance was straightforward, and getting through security was a smooth process, with staff ensuring everything was efficient and accessible.

A Personal Experience

It had been a long time since my family and I attended a Dallas Stars game, so we decided to go to the December 8th game while my brother was home from college. Knowing the layout of the AAC from past visits, we planned to arrive early for two reasons: to secure ADA parking and to exchange our tickets for ADA seating.

The staff at Ticket Resolutions were incredibly helpful, making the exchange process quick and stress-free. With our new seats secured, I decided to visit The Hangar, the team store inside the AAC, to check out the Stars jerseys. Despite arriving as the doors opened, the store was already bustling with fans. Maneuvering through the tight aisles was challenging, but fellow Stars fans were kind enough to move aside to let me pass.

I found myself drawn to a Wyatt Johnston jersey in the Stars' classic Victory Green. Since the sizes were labeled with numbers instead of letters, a nearby staff member assisted in finding the right fit for me. After trying on both medium and large sizes, I settled on the medium. When it came time to check out, the crowded line felt daunting, but the attentive staff guided me to the front, ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

Watching the Game

Getting to our seats was easy, thanks to the well-placed elevators throughout the arena. Once on the upper concourse, we located our section, and staff helped us find our ADA seats. The view was fantastic, and having the Stars mascot, Victor E. Green, make an appearance near our section added to the fun.

The energy in the arena was electric, and we thoroughly enjoyed the game. The ADA seating offered a comfortable space with great sightlines, ensuring we didn’t miss a moment of the action.

Exiting the Arena

As the game ended, the concourses filled with fans all leaving simultaneously, making it a bit challenging to navigate. However, the elevators remained accessible, and we only had to wait for a few others to use them before it was our turn. Once outside, walking back to the van was easy, although it was slightly crowded with people waiting for rideshares.

Final Thoughts

The accessibility features at the AAC made attending the Dallas Stars game an enjoyable and stress-free experience. From the helpful staff to the conveniently placed elevators and dedicated ADA parking, the venue provides an inclusive environment for fans.

Rating: 5 out of 5.The AAC delivered a fantastic night of hockey, proving that accessibility and fun can go hand in hand. If you’re a wheelchair user looking to enjoy a game, you can feel confident that the AAC will meet your needs.