Summary of the Houston Astros ADA Lawsuit:
- Who: The Houston Astros franchise of Major League Baseball has received two separate complaints alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act at its home ground, Minute Maid Park.
- Why: Plaintiffs allege that the Astros failed to respond adequately during a Lady Gaga concert and an Astros game held at Minute Maid Park.
- where: A class action lawsuit was filed in Texas federal court.
Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros received two complaints within a week over separate allegations that the franchise had violated its rules. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during an event held at Minute Maid Park, the team’s home venue.
Plaintiff Joshua Skria sold tickets to Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Ball concert at Minute Maid Park in September, claiming they were far from the stage and poorly constructed on the floor. claims to have been purchased in the sole ADA section of
Scuria, who uses a wheelchair, claims that the accessible seating area was not separated by ropes or barriers, was not raised, and was located “right behind the traditional seating area.”
Additionally, Scurria claims he was continuously blocked from watching concerts by healthy concertgoers standing in chairs, and that his complaints to event attendees did not fully resolve the issue.
“Mr. Scurria complained to the attendants about people going through the ADA section, but they didn’t know what to do or how to respond to his complaint.” , the Houston Astros’ ADA lawsuit states.
Scurria claims that they “couldn’t fully enjoy” the Lady Gaga concert because the audience was “constantly interrupted” by standing on chairs and going through the ADA seating section.
Plaintiffs seek a jury trial and seek declaratory relief along with compensatory and nominal damages.
Astros game left pair of Houston residents ‘distraught’, ‘upset’
In another complaint, two Houston residents claim they had to pay a $16 fee at Minute Maid Park to have their Astros game tickets transferred to accessible seats.
Plaintiff Rebeka Stowell and former wheelchair user Carrie Stowell were forced to park off-site because, in addition to having to pay unexpected fees, they could not find designated accessible parking. I claim that I didn’t.
Rebekah and Carrie Stowell further allege that they were “embarrassed and humiliated” after being “continuously monitored” by stadium security to “track” Rebekah’s service dog.
“Plaintiffs felt like they were being punished and treated like they did something wrong just because Rebekah had a trained service animal,” the Astros ADA lawsuit states.
Rebeka and Carrie Stowell also noted that the wheelchair seat did not have a divider, causing other patrons to “frequently” bump into the back of Rebeka’s chair, and that the toilet’s accessible stall was too small and the door to the family restroom was closed. They claim it’s too small. too heavy.
“Plaintiff was unable to enjoy a Houston Astros baseball game and decided to leave the game early in the fourth inning,” the Astros ADA lawsuit states.
Rebecca and Carrie Stowell claim they were “disturbed and shaken” by the incident, demanding a jury trial and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, along with awards of compensatory and nominal damages.
A similar complaint was filed earlier this year against MLB’s Chicago Cubs, alleging that the baseball team’s stadium, Wrigley Field, violated the ADA. Not enough wheelchair seats.
Having trouble attending the event in the accessible seating area? Let us know in the comments!
of Houston Astros ADA Lawsuit that is Scouria et al. v. Houston Astros LLC et al.case number 4:22-cv-04385, and Stowell et al. v. Houston Astros LLC et al.United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Case No. 4:22-cv-04340.
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