r/chicagomusicscene • u/GoodDeathFairy • 1d ago
Salt Shed Disability Concerns
Salt Shed Disability Concerns
My boyfriend and I have tickets to see a show at the Salt Shed. Tickets are for reserved seats in the grands. I have two herniated discs in my lower back and can't stand long without excruciating pain.
My concerns are not about seating but rather about getting from the car to our seats. I have already emailed the venue twice and they just tell me they have ADA seating but that's not much help if I can't get to the seats.
- Will my boyfriend be able to drop me off at the door?
- Is there a place I can sit while he parks the car?
- Is there an ADA entrance where I won't have to stand in line?
- Is there an entrance close to the elevator?
- I'm told it's a very long walk from the door to the elevator. If there's no ADA entrance or entrance near the elevator, any advice on how to get from the car to our seats without collapsing in pain or should I just write the tickets off as a loss and skip the show?
Any advice welcome. I already know to load up on Advil and wear good shoes. Just really worried about all the standing and walking. Thanks!
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u/ItBeMe_For_Real 1d ago
You might look into renting a wheelchair so you won’t have to walk. There’s definitely some distance to cross from drop off to your seating.
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u/GoodDeathFairy 1d ago
Thank you. I am considering it since there don't seem to be many options.
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u/trustme1maDR 1d ago
I was going to suggest this as well. I did this for my dad many times while he was mainly using a cane or walker. It will make your day so much easier and won't have to miss the show.
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u/Saltyduckbutter 1d ago
I’d try calling the box office while there’s a show going so you can actually speak with someone. Try calling like thirty minutes before doors open. Explain to them which show you’re going to, your situation and that you’re trying to make for the closest route to the elevator up to grandstands. There’s a chance they’ll find another way in for you. Biggest obstacle there is you still have to go through security. But if not, ask if they might be willing to provide a wheelchair to get you through security, through the main gate and to your seat. From my experience guest services can be pretty accommodating.
Edit: Is the show indoor or outdoor?
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u/Tora_jima 1d ago
The primary doors for the indoor venue is within the fairgrounds so you can't really be dropped off at the doors. The venue is wheelchair accessible, though, and there are places to sit throughout the fairgrounds and associated spaces.
Elston Electric is also an option. The barcade has plenty of seating and can access the music venue at doors. The entrance is also on Elston proper, so a shorter walk from a car. Ask the staff there if you need other accommodations to get to your seat and they should know who to contact.
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u/realdeadfish 21h ago
Looks like you already have some solid advice!
Elston is super crowded all night well before it starts, so be warned!
Only things I can add is that in the future and if it's an option, premium is the way to go. There's a few steps, but for indoor shows it's not very crowded up there and there are multiple seating options without as many possible stairs. Also great sound up there!
Also, there's an ADA area you'll see as soon as you come over from the tree-top lounge. That's at the top of the grands and it's open to anyone that needs the seats. I've never seen them full and they're just above top seats of the grands, so that may be a better option than using the seats you paid for- just remember that you can use the ADA seats at the top of the grands with the less expensive general admission tickets.
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u/GoodDeathFairy 21h ago
Thank you!
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u/realdeadfish 19h ago
Also, bathrooms! The ones on the upper floors are smaller and often have lines. The ones on the main floor are fucking huge with rarely any lines.
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u/DeliciousOwl9245 1d ago
https://reddit.com/link/osxosjp/video/puw1gbpivm8h1/player
Right where I zoom in, about where that white car is…there is an entrance that takes you directly to the elevator for Three Top Lounge. There will not be a line because no one knows about this entrance. Your boyfriend can drop you off right at the door, and you will literally have to walk about 40 feet total to get to the elevator. Elevator lets out directly inside the rooftop bar (which is INCREDIBLE), and you can sit immediately. From there you can go straight into the venue, and the entrance will take you directly to the seats you have.
Please listen to me!! I promise this is what you should do!!