Fox & Robertson has challenged a number of sports and entertainment venues to be more accessible to Deaf patrons and patrons who use wheelchairs.
One of our earliest cases, filed in July 1998, challenged the lack of wheelchair accessible seating in Denver’s Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre. Since then, we have litigated or negotiated increased wheelchair access at a number of other Denver venues, including the Pepsi Center (now Ball Arena), Coors Field, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
We have also worked with Deaf patrons to secure captioning and sign language interpreters at a number of venues. We filed suit against Kroenke Sports & Entertainment on behalf of a Deaf sports fan, initially achieving class certification, then negotiating a settlement that provides for captioning on four LED boards around what is now called Ball Arena. Following that settlement, we worked with the owners and operators of both Empower Field at Mile High and the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, to provide similar captioning accommodations.
Finally, we have conducted individual advocacy on behalf of Deaf patrons seeking sign language interpreters at a number of individual performances in venues around Denver. It is common (though disappointing 35 years down the road) for venue owners and promoters to be unaware of both their obligations under the ADA and resources to fulfill them. When a venue rejects the request of a Deaf patron for an interpreter, we are generally able to secure an interpreter with a letter or phone call explaining the law and available resources.