Settlement Calls for Palace of Auburn Hills to Improve Access for People With Disabilities

The Palace of Auburn Hills will make significant improvements and accommodations for people with disabilities, according to a settlement agreement announced Wednesday. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan stated it reached the settlement with Palace Sports and Entertainment LLC, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The venue is home to the Detroit Pistons and popular concerts with big-name acts.  

"The settlement agreement resolves an investigation following complaints filed by two separate patrons with disabilities who were unable to attend events at The Palace, as well as a complaint from the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America," the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. 

“We applaud the new owners of the Palace of Auburn Hills for agreeing to make meaningful changes that will ensure full and equal access to its facilities for people with disabilities," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said in a prepared statement.

“Providing an accessible environment for our patrons is the core of our business.  We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for working closely with us to elevate the level of service and accessibility at the Palace of Auburn Hills,” said Palace Sports & Entertainment’s Richard Haddad in a statement. 

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, among the conditions of the settlement, the Palace Sports is to: 

• Provide at least 99 wheelchair-accessible seats with the same amount of companion seats that will be spread out vertically and horizontally throughout the venue. 
• Provide people in wheelchairs with lines of sight over standing spectators that are comparable to those offered to individuals without disabilities.  
• Make tickets for accessible and companion seats available to buy in the same way as general seating, such as on Ticketmaster, starting Oct. 1, 2013.
• Improve accessibility throughout the venue for people with disabilities, including in restrooms and parking lots.
• Annually train employees on the ADA. 

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