UBS Arena

Description

Checklist

Attraction Type:  theater
Number of accessible spaces:  *
Location of accessible spaces:  **
Surface of lot:  flat
Distance to venue:  depends on where you park, or arrive at arena
Transportation to venue offered:  shuttle busses and accessible mini busses
Terrain:  flat
Places to rest:  some benches outside of arena
Paths and walkways:  concrete sidewalks
Location of accessible entrance:  All entrances are accessible, Main entrance has ADA line
Doors:  multiple doors
Number of floors:  three
Elevators:  located throughout the arena
Ramps:  none
Steps and staircases:  steps to all levels
Width of aisles:  aisles to seats is adequate, with handrail in middle
Places to sit:  the only places to sit within the arena are in your seats - unless you belong to one of the "clubs"
Location of restrooms:  restrooms are located on all levels
Type of restroom:  multi-stall restrooms with large, accessible stalls: large, accessible, single-occupancy, family restrooms
Ease of entry and exit:  multi-stall are easy to enter and exit; single-occupancy restroom entry and exit vary
Baby changing station:  yes
Available food services:  no sit-down restaurants for most people, many types of food available at individual stands
Friendliness of staff:  very pleasant and knowledgeable
Notes:  * Each parking area has a dedicated accessible area ** These sections are located at the end of the parking lot closest to the arena.

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Although the UBS Arena has been open since November, 2021, this was our first visit to the venue. Destination Accessible US Inc. was fortunate to have been invited for a tour of the facility before an Islanders’ game.

When we checked online regarding parking, the only option that was available to us was the Emerald lot. Parking had to be prepaid. Since we were quite early, parking was no problem. We noted the area for busses that transport patrons to the Arena. Seeing that the walkway was lit, we chose to see how walking would be. As we continued to the end of the lot we passed the “Accessible Parking” area. We were told that this area has a dedicated shuttle. There was no shuttle there when we arrived. We saw the shuttle on our way back. The driver told us that the vehicle can accommodate four wheelchairs ( people can stay in their chairs.) We were told that there are dedicated “accessible” parking areas in each of the lots.  Our leisurely walk took us about 10-15 minutes. We have been told that there are “…only 28 legal accessible spaces. Otherwise you will have a 1/4, 1/2, or one mile walk to the Arena. Busses from the Emerald Lot let you off 2,000 feel from the building.” (C. Razenson)

There is a shuttle drop off area in front of the arena – although I would not call it “close.’ It is still a distance to the main entrance, which has a dedicated entrance lane for guests with disabilities.  We were told that patrons can ask to be dropped off at any entrance they wish, but need to go to the dedicated accessible shuttle area when leaving. We are not sure how this works after a performance. The area seems to be small and is “out in the elements.” If we are correct about where this is, I wouldn’t want to have to go outside from the arena, get to this area, and then wait for a shuttle. The UBS Arena website, www.ubsarena.com, has an “Accessibility A -Z Guide,” which has a great deal of information. Among the information regarding parking and transportation, it states that “one can get information at the Arena Accessibility Hotline (516) 460-8598, email ADA@ubsarena, or text the  UBS Arena Helpline on event day at (205) 827-4357.” The website states that there is accessible transportation available from the train stations as well. I must confess that we have not tried any of these, so we cannot comment on how good/or not, they are. Based on the Arena’s statement that they are “committed to providing accessibility and accommodations to all guests,” we hope that all of the above options work really well. Even if they do work well, they will never be as good as being as close as possible to the venue. We do not know about closer accessible parking options, but it doesn’t seem that there are any “really close” options for anyone that is not in the very “elite” category. We know that there is a “drop off” area, but have heard that it has problems as well. Again, we cannot speak to that issue as we don’t have any first-hand information about it. We have also been told (and it is stated on the website) that there are Arena Employees at each entrance to assist anyone with a mobility problem. These people can help get you to your seat and assist with any devices the patron may have. Again, we do not have first-hand information about this.

Once inside, we were impressed!  We were happy to see how spacious everything is, making navigation easy. There are escalators and elevators to the upper level. As we looked around, I noticed that the only way to the 300 section seats is by walking up steps from the 200’s. When I asked about this, I was told that if someone has seats in the 300’s and cannot get to them, they only have to ask the employee at that section and he/she will help to get a different seat. 

The last row in most sections doesn’t require any steps to get to your seat. You need to call the box office to ask about “mobility seating.”  Wheelchair and companion seating are available. It was good to read that there is seating available for those with vision and hearing impairments. 

Family restrooms and sensory rooms are located on each level near the Guest Services kiosks. These rooms are wonderful additions for those that need them. Sensory bags are available at the Guest Services kiosks. Signs for single-occupancy, accessible restrooms are easily seen near each Section sign. Each multi-stall restroom has accessible stalls and sinks as well.

It seemed to us that the many food options can satisfy all – from classic stadium food, to BBQ, fried chicken, steak, sushi, Kosher and Halal. We apologize if we have left any out. The problem we have with all of these places is the lack of any place to sit. One either has to stand or take the food back to his/her seat. We see this as presenting a problem for those with mobility limitations. Unfortunately, there are no true, sit-down restaurant options for those of us “common folk” that cannot afford special seating or joining one of the “clubs” at the venue.

Of course there is an Islanders’ store, which had a line of at least 50 people waiting to get inside. We skipped it!

We loved our tour and are extremely thankful to the wonderful person who was extremely pleasant and willingly answered ALL of my questions. 

Almost forgot to mention that we loved seeing the Islanders’ game. It seems as if there are no “bad seats” anywhere. Our seats were comfortable and there is a decent amount of legroom. 

All in all, we can say that the UBS Arena itself is accessible to all, but the parking situation is one that makes it less than desirable for someone with a mobility challenge to get to the venue to enjoy the experience. Make sure you are aware of the challenges you will face if you choose to go. Also, if you have specific needs/problems, try calling as soon as possible to get assistance. Destination Accessible US Inc. believes that everyone, including those with mobility challenges, deserve to have the best time when going out for fun. Getting to this venue does not allow those people to have the best experience. 

As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to visit a venue’s website, www.ubsarena.com, when planning a visit, to “know before you go,”  and get the assistance you may need. 

Location

Nearby