ADA INFORMATION
The following information highlights some of the features available at the Sames Auto Arena for guests with disabilities.
PARKING AND ROUTING
The Sames Auto Arena sits on the north side of the City and is right off of Bob Bullock Loop (20). It is easily accessible to I-35, Routes 59 and 359.
El Metro: El Metro is committed to providing the citizens in its service areas the best service possible. You may call El Metro’s Customer Service Center for more information regarding El Metro’s Paratransit/El Lift services, scheduling and call backs. El Lift is a special transportation service offered by the City of Laredo providing, curb-to-curb on demand transportation. El Lift uses special vans equipped with hydraulic lifts and wheelchair tie-downs. The vans are operated by drivers trained in defensive driving, sensitivity and the operation of these special vehicles. Call Center hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 7:30am – 7:00pm and Sunday’s 8:00am – 5:00pm. The Call Center is located at 1301 Farragut, 2nd Floor West, and can be reached by calling 956-795-2290.
Parking: Parking accommodations for guests with disabilities are available in Lot B. Accessible parking will also be provided in the VIP Parking Area, but these spaces will be reserved for guests with special parking permits. Gates A, B, and the Main Entrance are easily accessible from these parking areas.
Guest Parking: Parking at the Sames Auto Arena is included with the purchase of an admission ticket through the facility access fee. Doors usually open one hour before each event so please come early to secure a good parking spot. Our VIP Parking is for patrons who purchased a VIP Membership and receive a parking ticket with the purchase of that event ticket.
Escorts: The Sames Auto Arena can provide escorts to parking areas for guests with special needs. This service is free and can be requested through Guest Services. To minimize your wait, we suggest that you make arrangements for this service before the end of the event you are attending.
GUEST DROP-OFF/PICK-UP
There is one drop-off and pick-up area for patrons on the east side of the Sames Auto Arena on Arena Blvd. Limousines and busses will be allowed to drop off and pick up guests in this area but no vehicles will be allowed to park here.
GETTING AROUND
Entrances and Exits: The Sames Auto Arena has five main entrances and exits.
Elevators: There are two passenger elevators available to transport guests of the Sames Auto Arena. These elevators are located on the Main Concourse across from Section 109 and adjacent to Gate B.
Stairways: There are three stairwells located throughout the facility. Two of those stairwells, located on the northwest and southwest side of the building, are for emergency exit use only and lead directly to the outside of the facility. The one stairwell located adjacent to the Administrative Offices and Gate C and across from Section 113 is for patron transport from the Club/Suite Level to the Main Concourse and vice versa.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS
Guests with disabilities will find accessible water fountains located throughout the building.
SEATING
The Sames Auto Arena offers accessible seating in an integrated setting on all levels of the building. Accessible seating on the floor is subject to change depending on seating configurations for various events. Please contact your Sames Auto Arena Box Office representative with any concerns or questions.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
There are 8 concessions stands in the facility designed with our guests in mind. Accessible countertops and bar counters are at a height that is comfortable for everyone.
RESTROOMS
There are accessible restrooms on every level of the Sames Auto Arena. Men’s, Women’s and Unisex Family restrooms are located in the corners of the Main Concourse.
AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES
Automated Teller Machines are located on the Main Concourse adjacent to Gates B and C and another is located outside the Main Entrance adjacent to the Box Office.
PUBLIC TELEPHONES
The Sames Auto Arena provides public telephones free of charge to our patrons. Phones are located at the Guest Services table and are accessible to our guests in wheelchairs.
GUEST SERVICES
Our Guest Services representatives are trained to provide assistance with a clear understanding of how to accommodate the needs of all guests. Guest Services is located at the Main Entrance of the Sames Auto Arena. Guest Services is the hub for many helpful programs, including the Designated Driver Program, the Auto Assistance Program, wheelchair assistance and lost and found.
SIGN INTERPRETERS
The Sames Auto Arena can provide sign language interpretation for guests with hearing disabilities. Requests for this service must be received 30 days prior to the event and be approved by the performer.
FIRST AID
First Aid is located across from Section 109, adjacent to Gate B. Certified medical professionals are available at this location to assist guests with medical needs. Guests in need of emergency first aid should contact the nearest Sames Auto Arena employee for medical assistance.
LISTENING DEVICES
The Sames Auto Arena Assistive Listening Devices must be requested by patron at least 5 business days prior to event. Device will be provided free of charge with a form of valid identification. Guests who are interested in this service should contact a Guest Services Representative at 956.791.9192.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Service Animals are welcome inside the Sames Auto Arena and must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. If you intend to bring a service animal to the building, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so that an aisle seat may be reserved for you. Also, please contact a Guest Services Representative at 956.791.9192 so that we may expedite and ensure all your needs. An animal relief area is provided in Lots A and B.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Sames Auto Arena personnel have been trained to assist in emergency situations. Areas of Rescue Assistance are available and visual and audible alarms are located throughout the facility for use in the event of an emergency. Should special assistance be required in case of an evacuation, patrons should inform a nearby usher prior to the show’s commencement.
