While I don't typically update my reviews in a year, this latest visit to Ruoff Music Center…read more(originally known as Deer Creek, then Verizon Wireless, then Klipsch, and now Ruoff), my latest visit to a sold out Pearl Jam show really brought to mind some of the strengths of the music center and also some of its weaknesses.
Located on 228 acres in Noblesville, Ruoff has long been recognized as one of the top amphitheater stages in the country. Ruoff is a Fort Wayne-based mortgage company that signed a sponsor agreement in 2017. The facility has 6,147 seats under the pavilion and around 18,000 general admission lawn seats. The facility is an open-air music venue.
In terms of accessibility, Ruoff is decent but has some significant issues. I will note it has improved dramatically over the years. Service animals are permitted under ADA guidelines. ADA tickets can be purchased at LiveNation.com. Every price range offered has accessible ticket options (of course, they can sell out).
Accessible parking is available in the east and west lots.
I have a mixed relationship with placard-free accessible parking. They DO ask if you have an identifiable tag. However, they don't require it. This can be great for those with temporary concerns. It also allows for the fact that many with disabilities will catch a ride to a concert and not always have a placard (I drive a car with a handicap plate - I do not have a window placard. Thus, if a friend drives me - as they did last night - I need accessible parking, however, my only actual proof is the wheelchair).
My big concerns are:
1) Accessible parking is either in the grass or in gravel. Both can be challenging for wheelchairs. On the west side, as well, you actually cannot access the path to the venue without what they call a "shuttle," essentially a golf cart that is NOT accessible. While some with wheelchairs would be able to handle the path, it's steep and bumpy and generally ill-advised. You are allowed to park at a width that suits your needs (so they didn't question our obvious need for wheelchair width), however, having a shuttle that requires a wheelchair user to actually leave their wheelchair is, quite honestly, stupid.
For the record, Yelp currently indicates the entry to be accessible (it's not) and that parking is accessible (it's not). While I love Yelp's new accessibility questions, I often find they are left to people who don't know accessibility and this is a great example. There's simply no way this venue can be called accessible. YES, they do make attempts to accommodate. However, real accessibility means someone with a disability can have the same experience as everyone else and do so independently. The parking and shuttle issues are easily and affordably addressed - Ruoff simply chooses to not do so.
Because the venue was sold out last night, I found these deficits much more challenging. They also made for a MUCH longer night as we had to first wait for a shuttle and then wait for the one of two shuttles that was more accessible (which meant I could climb out of my wheelchair and into it - the other shuttle, again a golf cart, I couldn't even do it).
And yes, if you pay for VIP parking (I was in the free areas) the options do improve. And again, I must say, despite my concerns that Ruoff has improved and the staff were wonderful in terms of doing what they could. My concerns are leadership-level.
Moving on, you can request an interpreter with a two-week notice (there is no charge for this beyond the ticket). Accessible seating permits for the guest with the accessible need and one companion. Assisted listening devices are available with a two-day notice.
All venue bathrooms, concession stands, and merchandise stands are mostly accessible. The bathrooms are relatively easy to get into (the entry is a bit narrow and they are so crowded that you may have to wait for an accessible option). The grounds tend to have some inclines/declines.
You can also check the website for all other regulations about what you can take in (I am a little concerned about the need for clear bags/backpacks - I get it completely and respect the need for safety, but for those with disabilities who have more personal supplies this can be challenging).
Last night really brought home my pavilion seating preference, though lawn seats are much less expensive. As is true of all music facilities, advance planning for disability makes for a better experience all around. We actually got moved to amazing seats (this was a re-scheduled show) and the employees were all helpful and friendly. While I was very close, standing often impeded my review -the big screens helped and after a while it seemed like the crowd caught on about my vision (as a wheelchair user) and made sure it happened. It's amazing how friendly people get once they're intoxicated and have a contact high.
Fantastic concert. Mid-range venue with serious accessibility issues. Definitely plan ahead.