An open letter to ADA staff at TD Garden

To Whom It May Concern:

On Friday, November 17, 2017 I attended the performance of Dead & Company at Boston’s TD Garden with friends. As an avid music and sports fan, this is a place where people come to see entertainers and athletes amaze and astound us.

It is here and now that I must let readers know that I was not amazed or astounded by the staff in the ADA ticket office. When a popular act comes to town. I realize that it might not be possible to relocate a disabled patron’s seat to a premium location. However, I do expect a degree of professionalism and some common sense to be used.

My friends and I originally bought seats in a presale. The best we could manage were located the 307 Balcony section. Fans are so rabid to see this act, it is virtually impossible to get through on phones or the web. While I believe change needs to come about regarding ticket sale practices, my primary issue here is with the way in which I was treated regarding my request for relocation.

Upon entering the office for seat relocation, I made my request for better seating. I was immediately told that the event was “totally sold out” and that nothing could be done to accommodate myself or my friends. In fact, I was asked: “Is there any way possible that you can get out of your chair? Can your friends help you to your seat? I was unable to obtain this man’s name. However, I recommend he be placed in a sensitivity training class. I was insulted. This is unacceptable.

First off, if I am in a wheelchair, it’s for a reason. Secondly, our seats were in an area of the venue that would have been difficult for a mountain goat to traverse. There were no handrails for me to use.

I am a realist. It comes down to simple economics. Earlier that afternoon, there was a ticket re-release. The main concern was to pack more bodies into the seats to maximize profits.

At a loss for what to do next, we headed to the Customer Service outside the 307 area. It was here that we worked with Elizabeth. She reiterated that this performance was sold out. It would be difficult to keep the four of us together.

I just asked her to do her best. I ultimately ended up in a flat area behind the last row of seats before our balcony section. The view of the stage was good and I felt safe. Elizabeth even came in to check on me during various points during the show. She should be commended. Ironically enough, as I was separated from most of my original friends, I ended up finding more friends from home.

This evening was one filled with a number of musical memories. It just makes me angry that I had to begin it with a sour note.

If anyone from your offices wishes to contact me, I may be reached via email [address withheld]

Regards,

Dwayne Boyd