The Lenovo Center in Raleigh hosts hockey games, NC State basketball, concerts and other events. A night there can mean a lot of walking. You go from the parking lot to the doors, along the concourse and then to your seat.
This guide pulls together what the arena's own website says about accessible seating, parking, drop-off, wheelchair help, elevators and service animals. It adds what ADA.gov says about buying accessible tickets. Then it covers how to plan the night if walking is hard, and when a rental scooter or wheelchair can help.
A note first. We rent mobility equipment. We do not run the arena, and arena policies can change. Check the arena's ADA Guide before your event. This guide is not medical advice.
Accessible seating at the Lenovo Center
The arena's ADA Guide says accessible seating is available for all events and on all levels. You can buy it online at Ticketmaster.com. Use the "Filters" button on the event page. You can also buy at the Ticket Office.
The arena recommends buying accessible seats in advance. Its ADA Guide says wheelchair, low vision and hard of hearing seats that are not sold during an advance period may be released to the general public.
The Ticket Office page adds that seats for guests with visual impairments and limited mobility are offered in all price ranges. Locations vary by event.
Companion seats. The arena's two pages describe this a little differently. The ADA Guide says only one seat must be right next to the wheelchair space, and other companion seats go in the closest available spot. The Ticket Office page says one companion seat may be bought with each accessible seat, and more companion seats may be available in the rows in front of that section. If your group needs to sit together, ask when you buy.
What ADA.gov says about accessible tickets
The U.S. Department of Justice explains the rules on its Ticket Sales page. In short:
- Accessible seats must be sold during the same hours, through the same methods and during the same stages of sales as other seats.
- Venues cannot charge more for accessible seats than for other seats in the same section.
- A buyer may purchase up to three more seats for companions in the same row.
- Accessible tickets may be sold to people who need accessible seating, or to someone buying for them.
- Venues cannot require proof of disability to buy accessible seats.
These are the federal rules. If something at the box office does not match, ask Guest Services.
Parking and drop-off
Accessible parking. The arena says accessible spaces are in the East and West lots on Lenovo Center property. Vehicles with disabled license plates or window cards may park there.
The arena's Parking FAQ says you still need a mobile parking pass. There is no separate ADA pass to buy. Enter with your hangtag or placard displayed so attendants can direct you.
Drop-off and rideshare. The arena's Transportation page says drop-offs enter through Gate C on Trinity Road. Drivers should not turn into any other gate or lot. Tell parking staff right away so they can send you to the Gate C drop-off. Pickup is in the same spot.
One detail matters if stairs are hard. The Parking FAQ says guests at the rideshare spot take the stairs down to the sidewalk and up to the arena. If you cannot do stairs, ask parking staff or Guest Services about a step-free way in before the night.
Wheelchair help, elevators and service animals
Wheelchair help. The ADA Guide says the arena offers in-house, complimentary wheelchair assistance to and from your seat. When you get to the doors, ask a staff member. The page does not mention loaner wheelchairs to keep for the event.
Elevators. The ADA Guide says public elevators are to the left of the box office, next to Section 128 in the VIP Entrance area, and next to Section 111 on the outside wall of the arena. During events, they are for preferred use by guests with disabilities.
Service animals. The arena welcomes service animals assisting guests with disabilities. It asks guests to contact the arena as early as possible in case seating needs to move.
Guest Services. During events, Guest Services is on the Main Concourse across from Section 123. Before an event, the ADA Guide says you can email Guest Services at lenovocenterguestservices@lenovocenter.com. The Ticket Office line on the arena's site is (919) 861-2323.
Bringing your own scooter or wheelchair
ADA.gov's page on wheelchairs and other mobility devices says covered businesses must allow people who use manual or power wheelchairs or scooters into all areas where the public may go.
The arena's ADA Guide talks about wheelchairs and wheelchair spaces. It does not mention scooters. If you plan to ride a scooter, contact Guest Services before the event. Ask where you can park it once you are at your seat. Ask what works best for your seat location.
Not sure which one fits the rider? Our guide on choosing a scooter or a wheelchair walks through the questions.
Plan the night with limited mobility
A little planning makes the night easier.
- Buy the right seat early. Use the Ticketmaster filter, or call the Ticket Office.
- Pick your way in. Decide between accessible parking in the East or West lot, or drop-off at Gate C. Remember the stairs note at the rideshare spot.
- Arrive early. The arena's Parking FAQ recommends arriving one hour before start time to avoid traffic delays. Extra minutes also help on the concourse and at the elevators.
- Know where help is. Guest Services is across from Section 123. Staff at the doors can arrange wheelchair help.
- Plan the exit. If crowds are hard for you, think about how you will leave before the event ends.
- Keep it simple. Bring only what you need.
For other venues around Raleigh, Durham and Cary, see our guide to accessible events in the Triangle.
Renting a scooter or wheelchair for the visit
The arena's wheelchair help gets you to and from your seat. If walking is hard all day, not just at the arena, a rental can help. Maybe family is in town for a game, or the concert is one stop on a longer trip.
We rent mobility scooters and push wheelchairs for personal dates in Raleigh and nearby Triangle towns. Here is how it works:
- Quotes are personal. Prices depend on your dates, the equipment and pickup or delivery. We do not post a price list.
- A person calls you back. We get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the dates, the equipment and pickup or delivery.
- Delivery is confirmed per request. Put your ZIP code in the form and we tell you what we can do.
- One rider. Only the person named on the rental may ride, one person at a time. Booking for a parent? Put their name on the rental.
- We show you the controls. Our staff show you how it works before you go.
Our scooters have a maximum passenger weight of 400 lbs. Our staff cannot lift or transfer guests. Bring someone who can help if you need it.
If you have never rented before, read before you rent a mobility scooter first.
Next step
Got tickets to a game or a show at the Lenovo Center? Tell us your dates and who is riding. Ask for a quote or call (919) 533-8846, and a person calls you back within 24 hours.
