U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section P.O. Box 66738 Washington, DC 20035-6738 September 9, 1996 Mr. Mike Combs Assistant Director Tacoma Dome 2727 East D Street Tacoma, Washington 98421 Re: Complaint Number XX Dear Mr. Combs: This letter is in reference to the complaint received by this office alleging that the Tacoma Dome is inaccessible to people with mobility impairments in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). We have received information from you indicating that the following alterations were made to the Tacoma Dome in order to increase accessibility: new wheelchair seating platforms with unobstructed sightlines were constructed in sections 2B and 9A, and a new ramp was constructed leading to the existing wheelchair seating locations in sections 6A, 7A, and 8A so that the section is available for all events. You also informed me that the Tacoma Dome adheres to the following policy regarding floor seating for reserved events: 1) reserved events have accessible seating with unobstructed sightlines on a raised platform on the floor in section 9A; 2) additional wheelchair and companion seating locations are available on the floor level directly in front of section 9A and 1OA; 3) patrons who use wheelchairs may sit in any aisle seat on the floor level with the understanding that visibility could be hampered by patrons standing in front of them; and 4) front row seating is available to all patrons (including those using wheelchairs) on a first-come-first-served basis. In addition, you and Ticketmaster have a policy to use your best efforts to accommodate your patrons who use wheelchairs even when all manifest wheelchair locations have been sold. Finally, the Tacoma Dome has developed an accessibility guide describing services available for patrons with disabilities. Based on the foregoing information, we have concluded that the allegations raised in the complaint filed with us have been resolved. Please note that, if the complainant is dissatisfied with our determination, she may be entitled to file a private 01-00444 -2- suit in the United States District Court under Title II of the ADA. This letter does not address other potential claims of discrimination on the basis of disability that may arise from the activities of the Tacoma Dome. Rather, this letter is limited to the allegations presented in the complaint filed with us. Sincerely, Naomi Milton Attorney Disability Rights Section cc: XXX 01-00445