Stadium distressing

We recently attended a Razorback football game in Fayetteville. My husband has developed ambulatory/standing disabilities. Since there are no dropoff locations at the stadium for disabled fans, we had to use handicapped parking, which is several blocks away from the stadium. Bus transportation was provided, but we stood in a long line coming and going, None of the buses accommodated wheelchairs.

The return buses to the lot were located only at the southeast corner of the stadium. Those disabled fans who were seated on the other side of the stadium had an extremely arduous journey to the bus. And while there are ramps in common areas of the stadium, many have no handrails and are too steep for wheelchairs to navigate. We were unable to find any wheelchair-accessible seats. The University of Arkansas stadium cannot possibly meet the criteria of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Additionally, there was a slight snow the night before. No attempt was made to remove snow and ice in the stadium where we sat. In fact, the stairs to our seats were covered in ice, and the area where our feet rested was covered with ice. This made the temperature colder and made it impossible to stand to watch a play or cheer.

Also, the volume of the speakers was so loud you could not understand the words of the announcer or lyrics of the music. Audio was played so loud that it often removed any fan spontaneity; the once-famous Hog call was limited to four times the whole game. Cheers attempted by cheerleaders and fans were drowned out by the over-zealous music maestro.

This game was a distressing experience. The University of Arkansas must do better.

JUDY KERR

Little Rock