Hawks and Wings

Hawks and Wings

For this assignment I pick my long time friend Nate to go with me to see the Atlanta Hawks play the Boston Celtics. We were both excited because it would be our first basketball game. Nate is classified as disable because at the age of 19 he had a motorcycle accident that left him with some mild sensory and motor skills damage. His mother was worried that he would not be able to handle the stimulation from the outing and made us promise to check in through the night.

Accessibility

Phillips Arena is very accessible for the millions that visit each year. There is ample parking for those who are physically handicap and for those who come to enjoy their first basketball game. I research their website and found out that the arena provides sign interpreters to guests with hearing disabilities upon request. They also offer patrons with special needs a great service. They have individuals call Guest Services Representative who will help guests to their seats, get refreshments for them or whatever else they may require. Everything is sign with big visible signs so that you can find your seats. Individuals were station at each entrance at the arena helping people find their way. I was glad for this service because I got so turn around when I went to the bathroom that I had to ask someone how to find my way back.

Activity

There were lots of activity going on within the game and restaurant. The arena had the most ongoing activity out of the two. In the arena there were pregame activities around the concession stands and the souvenirs booths. People were walking around selling food and auctioning raffle tickets. While the game was going on cheerleaders ran around the stands cheering people on. The big hawk ran around so much he made me tired just watching him.

Adaptability

At the restaurant the table and chairs could be moved to accommodate for large groups. We sat at the bar on stools that we moved closer together so we could talk. For the hour we were there for diner before the game the waiters did move around a lot of tables. The seating at the game was not so adaptable. We were assigned seating when we purchased our tickets. So the seats that we sat in were the only ones we could sit in without being physically removed.

Comfort

Each environment was overall comfortable which allowed us to enjoy our self during the date. The restaurant bar stools were hard for me to stay on because I am so short. I wish he had picked a booth so that I could have been more comfortable with the seating. The seating at the arena was not that better but it was low enough for me to be comfortable. The climate was great not to cold and not too hot, this allowed me to pay attention to each activity. 

Crowding

The arena was very crowded but that was expected so we made plans for that. We eat at Taco Mac and waited for the crowd to thin out before we left to fine our seats. When we entered the arena the noise and crowd was massive and high with energy. The wait to use the restroom was very long even though each entrance seemed to have its own bathroom. Leaving the arena was very difficult for us. The crowd in the hallway was very congested and some people were even pushing. This made it uncomfortable for my date and had to hold his hand to calm him.

Privacy

There was no privacy for us at the game. The seats were so close together that I felt like I was sitting on his lap. Our seats were on the end of the row which was good and bad. People kept moving around going to the bathroom and concession stands. So each time we had to get up and let them out it became annoying after awhile. The restaurant offered some privacy even though we sat at the bar. In the restaurant we could have a conversation and not feel like people were on top of us listening.

Sensory Stimulation

The game offered the most sensory stimulation with all the different colors and display signs. The building was colorful with moving flashing signs. Watching the players run up and down the court to watching the half time dancers kept you entertain. The arena tries to make everything interactive for its guest. At times I felt over stimulated with everything going on. My date enjoyed the game but toward the end he complained that he had a headache.

Sociality

The game was awesome! The seating was so close together that we had no other choice but to socialize. People cheered their team on while others booed. We laughed and gave high five to people who cheered the hawks. At times you forgot that you were sitting next to strangers and just enjoyed the events of the game.