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

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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

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