Football season is finally here! As a fan, there's nothing quite like the thrill of being in the stands, cheering for your team and soaking in the atmosphere.

For those with mobility restrictions, going to a game can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Sitting for hours at a time, endless stairs, and dealing with inclement weather can put a damper on even the most exciting games.  In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know to enjoy a game day without sacrificing your comfort or safety.

Before Game Day

• Check for accessible seating: Review seating options online, or contact the venue to ask for their accessible seating options. This is especially important if you use a wheelchair or powerchair since they usually require special seating preferences. Even if you don’t require accessible-assigned seating, you may want to intentionally purchase seats at the end of a row for more legroom and easier transfers.
• Research transportation: Make sure you know what your transportation and parking options are ahead of time. Some stadiums provide accessible shuttle buses for those with disabilities. Knowing your options in advance will help make everything go smoothly on game day.
• Check the weather forecast: If you'll be using a wheelchair or powerchair, keep an eye on the weather before heading out. You may also consider bringing ponchos and other rain gear in case of inclement weather.
• Contact the venue with any other mobility questions: For more specific accessibility questions, contact the venue directly so you can get all the information you need. 

Much of the above advice generally applies to larger football stadiums with a customer service team and resources available online. If you’re attending a small local game (who doesn’t love cheering on the local high school team?), simply arrive early to find seating and parking options that work for your needs. 

On Game Day

• Arrive early: Getting to your seat well before the first quarter is important, but it's even more critical for those with mobility concerns. This gives you plenty of time to take care of things like finding an accessible entrance or parking space.
• Locate accessible bathrooms: There’s nothing worse than rushing through a crowd to find an accessible bathroom in between quarters. Make sure you know the location of accessible bathrooms before you arrive, or when you arrive. 

Mobility Solutions

Depending on your unique accessibility needs, the following mobility solutions can help make game day enjoyable and stress-free:

Wheelchair or power scooter

A portable wheelchair or power scooter can help you get around the stadium with ease, as well as eliminates the strain of transitioning in and out of cramped stadium seats. As a bonus, wheelchair and scooter seats are generally far more comfortable than general game seating. 

Collapsible cane

If you are a cane user, consider investing in a collapsible cane. This type of cane is easy to store and transport, making it perfect for taking with you to the big game. Get to your seat, then fold down the cane in just a few seconds and tuck it into your bag out of sight. 

Vive Folding Walking Cane

At an ultra-affordable price, the Vive folding cane effortlessly provides extra security while walking on any surface. Folding at three points along the cane shaft, the cane is easily stored in your purse, backpack, or wheelchair bag.

Portable seat cushions

Let’s be honest– bleachers and plastic seating are far from comfortable for hours on end. Portable seat cushions can provide extra comfort and support, alleviating pressure points and making it easier for you to enjoy the game. Look for cushions that are lightweight and easy to carry. 

Extra accessories

It’s all in the details! Take time to consider any other items that would make a difference in your comfort. You may consider: a personal fan to help manage heat, portable chargers for devices, and earplugs to protect your hearing.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual spectator, don’t let mobility concerns keep you sidelined. With a little bit of extra planning and some helpful mobility tools, you can enjoy all the excitement of the Friday night lights all season long. 

Need some assistance finding the perfect game-day mobility lineup?  Our team of product experts would love to help. Give us a call anytime and together we’ll find the perfect solution for your needs.