Rolling Towards Inclusivity: The USGA and Mobility at the U.S. Open

Geoff Cook

Rolling Towards Inclusivity: The USGA and Mobility at the U.S. Open

It's fantastic to see organizations making strides towards greater inclusivity, and the USGA is doing just that at the U.S. Open Championship. We recently came across an inspiring article from TribLIVE detailing how the USGA is providing mobility scooters for spectators with disabilities.

This initiative is a game-changer for many golf fans who might otherwise struggle to navigate the expansive courses and fully enjoy the experience of such a prestigious event. By offering these "free rides," the USGA is removing a significant barrier and ensuring that more people have the opportunity to witness world-class golf firsthand.

It's a thoughtful and practical approach to accessibility that genuinely enhances the fan experience. You can read more about this great initiative in the original article here: https://triblive.com/sports/a-free-ride-usga-provides-mobility-scooters-for-spectators-with-disabilities-at-u-s-open-championship/

What other types of accessibility initiatives would you like to see implemented at major sporting events to make them more inclusive for everyone? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sarah Tuberty

Great news!!

Sarah Tuberty

I recently went to see Metallica at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia- this is a huge venue and drew a huge crowd. I happened to see a section of accessible seating, people were able to use their own chairs or use the ones in the area- but the section was roped off. I think guests could bring 1 person with them into the roped off area- I just couldn't help but think this felt more isolating? I wonder what everyone's experience is within this roped off section, does that provide more security? or does that feel a little isolating? what would be a better pathway for access at mega shows like this?

Geoff Cook

When I was younger, and we would go to Mets games, my parents would leave my custom manual at the top of the section with the usher after slipping them a couple of dollars, and then they would carry me to my seat. In the years since my experience, I have been sitting in accessible areas with my device, which is excellent, but it can be very isolating. There's something to be said for being amongst the masses.

Sarah Tuberty

Yes!! Hahah, there is the very real experience of being with the masses! I was recently saw A Day To Remember - a like emo metal band from Florida play at the O2 Academy in Brixton on 6/24. It was fun in that I worked a trip to London with a friend, and our mutual friend worked the late trip to London, she had tickets to the show so we went with her!

The venue was HOT, the day was HOT, and I wore jeans (why, it was so hot!!). Everyone was drenched with sweaty smelly bodies before the show even started- and everyone was nice enough to give everyone a little bit of space- but still it was a rock concert and there was lots of frantic body movement and head banging- which is a fun part of the experience- and possibly even wanting to crowd surf or be in the pits- all of which are just not accessible for a lot of our disability community— I wonder what access could look like in these spaces- everyone crowd surfing looks like they are enjoying themselves- how do we make these - kinda profound parts of the concert experience more accessible???

Geoff Cook

That experience is so real. I enjoy music, but I would classify myself as a musical lagger, not exactly on the cutting edge of what is new. I don't like going to concerts because the older I get, the less I want to look at the backs of people and deal with crowds.