A Comfortable and Accessible Evening at the Palladium

The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts located in Carmel, Indiana, has an incredible accessibility section on their website. I highly recommend checking that out ahead of time to ease your accessibility concerns. This covers a large amount of accessibility questions and concerns that many may have before venturing out to a concert at any of their three venues. They are committed to meeting all your accessibility needs. You can reach out ahead of time with questions or ask any staff upon your arrival at the venue.

If you have spent time along the Monon Trail in Carmel, IN you have most likely seen the beautiful Palladium along the trail. It is a stunning building that holds many special performances throughout the year.

I attended a performance at the Palladium (one of three venues that make up The Center for the Performing Arts) in December, and it was remarkably busy due to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt that is set up right next to the Allied Solutions Center. Due to the extra activities, parking at this time of year is more challenging. They suggest arriving early, as it can take a bit of time to find an open spot. There are maps on their website that clearly show where parking is, and where accessible spaces are available. There are a few different parking garages in the area, all a short walk to get to the venue. There is the Veterans Way, Civic Square and Center parking garages, all of which provide free parking. At the drop off area on the west side, there was a sign that indicated valet parking was available for a $15 fee. You can also reserve the valet parking in advance on the website. There are 3 accessible street parking spots found on City Center drive near the venue. Parallel parking is required for these spots!

I entered on the west side of the building, which is where the will call window is if you are picking up tickets. At this entrance, there is also a drop off area if you need to be dropped off before your party parks the car. There is an accessible button on the door which made entering a breeze. That is always so helpful and allows for more independence. There were signs outside of the venue clearly marking the accessible entrance.

My accessible seats were directly inside of the west side entrance. Getting to my seat could not have been easier. My seat was on the back row of a section inside the auditorium that had a few removable chairs. They removed a chair, and I pulled right in the spot in my wheelchair. My husband sat next to me in one of the removable chairs. I was able to easily get in and out to use the restroom, etc. I stayed in my wheelchair, but if you would rather transfer to a chair, they will take your wheelchair and tag it with your information and store it in the lobby right by the door to the auditorium. Each of the staff that I spoke with was very eager to help in any way that I needed.

If you need a little extra help getting to your seat and do not have a wheelchair, they provide courtesy wheelchairs upon request. Just find a staff member and ask them for assistance. They will get one to take you to your seat. You can also contact the box office ahead of time to arrange for a wheelchair upon arrival.

The Palladium has 28 designated accessible seat locations with stair-free access and another 136 seats throughout the concert hall at various price levels that are easily removed to accommodate patrons using wheelchairs. These 164 seats represent more than ten percent of total capacity. The orchestra level also has 33 seats with movable armrests for easier entry. Upon request, a complimentary companion ticket will be provided for any patron with disabilities who needs assistance from a friend or caregiver to attend.

Interpretive services are available upon request. A minimum of two-weeks notice is needed for these services. You can contact Accessibility@TheCenterPresents.org, or call 317-843-3800 to make your request.

Assisted listening devices are available free of charge on a first-come first-served basis. Speak to any staff member for help.

At the west entrance, you can find a coat check on the lower Salon level, near the accessible restrooms.

To get to the accessible restroom I took the elevator near the door at the west entrance to the level S (the salon level). Just off the elevator there are accessible restrooms. There is a men’s, women’s, and family restroom all in that area. On the men’s and women’s restrooms they have a wave to open button for the door which makes getting in and out a breeze. There are also other restrooms, all of which are accessible, located on the Box Tier and Gallery levels. All restrooms are accessible via elevator. Once you arrive you can ask one of the many helpful staff which restroom is closest to your seats. Note: Some areas of the venue have carpet, which for me made maneuvering my manual wheelchair a little more difficult.

There was a small bar area just outside of the auditorium where I was seated near the West entrance which had wine, beer, water, and soft drinks available for purchase. In the Southeast lobby bar, you will find a larger selection including sandwiches, candy, soft drinks, water, coffee, wine, and beer. There is plenty of room for a wheelchair to pull up to the counter and order for yourself.

Overall, I found the Center for the Performing Arts to be a wonderful experience. I saw Matteo Bocelli, which was a beautiful concert, full of fun! I was impressed at the ease of communication before I went. All of my questions were answered either by speaking with someone ahead of time, or by reading their wonderful accessibility page on their website. I can honestly say, they are top notch when helping someone with a disability to “know before you go.” That helps tremendously in being able to relax and enjoy the experience as we all should be able to to. I look forward to attending more events there in the the future.