Navigating Large Crowds In A WheelChair: My First Concert Experience

I have anxiety about being surrounded by large groups or crowds of people. But when Taylor Swift announced her 1989 World Tour was coming to Maryland a few years ago, I knew I was going to have to conquer that fear real quick if I wanted to “Shake It Off,” in DC with her.

Easy to be overlooked in a wheelchair

Being in a wheelchair means you sit lower to the ground; you’re shorter, and you are easily looked over. So being in a large crowd and stadium and parking lot posed a lot of risk for me in my mind. It was also a stadium about five hours from my home as well. So, not only was I worried about the crowds, but I was also concerned with making the trip and having it all go smoothly with my body and wheelchair.

Obtaining handicapped parking ahead of time

After securing tickets for the show, I made sure I had purchased handicapped parking near the stadium. I didn’t want to be downtown at night, walking miles to my wheelchair-accessible van. Luckily, I snagged a spot right outside the stadium and only had to cross one street to get to and from my vehicle. I’d studied the stadium maps online and knew where I needed to go to have the accessible entry areas months in advance of my tour stop.

My parents ended up attending the event with me and it worked out well. My dad was able to drive the entire way allowing me to rest in the back. We stopped when I needed breaks and made it there well within time for the show to start. We made sure to leave our house early for this exact purpose. We wanted to have time just in case anything did go wrong or we did need to pivot in any way.

Navigating the crowds with help

Having my parents with me navigating the crowds and hordes of people really eased my anxiety. It was easy to see my mom and dad when walking so people would see them before seeing me down lower and allow us room to pass through and get where we needed to get to at the times we needed to be there. We were allowed entry into the stadium at the front gate, as well we were allowed inside due to my wheelchair, before a lot of other ticket holders.

All in all I was worried and anxious for nothing because it all worked out perfectly that night. The crowds were huge and it was congested getting in and out of the show but having my parents be the anchor in those moments made it easier.

I felt like every other Swiftie in the stadium

Once the show started I felt like every other person in the crowd: mind blown. The show was amazing and still to this day was one of the best days/nights of my life. I’ve since become an avid concert goer and have attended many other shows and plan on going to more.

My tips for attending a concert in a wheelchair

If you’re nervous about being in a large crowd my advice is this: it’s okay to be scared, but you're going to be just fine.

1. Make sure you plan ahead and know where you’re going and what you’ll need day of (bags, tickets, etc).
2. Give yourself enough time just in case so you’re not in a rush.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask security and stadium staff for help or assistance if you need it or have questions. They’re usually very helpful and so kind.
4. Navigating through a crowded concert venue may take longer than usual, so be patient with yourself and others.
5. Take your time and enjoy the experience at your own pace.