ADA Policies & Services
The staff of the O'Connell Center is committed to assisting persons with disabilities. Anyone needing assistance should contact the administrative office at 352-392-5500, or by TDD 1-800-955-8771.
Programs and Accessibility
Activities in the O'Connell Center include instruction, entertainment, recreation, intramurals, sporting events, trade shows and lectures. All of these programs are accessible to the disabled for either participation or viewing. The O'Connell Center has electronically controlled doors at all gates to assist disabled patrons and guests with entry and exit into the facility. Elevators are available at Gates 1 and 4 for access to Levels 1 and 3. During special events, the elevator may not be accessible due to security requirements of the event.
Seating
The general public, including patrons with wheelchairs, is not permitted on the arena floor for men's basketball, women's basketball volleyball, indoor track and gymnastics. Due to the complexity, size and physical setting of these events, there is no available space for disabled patron seating. Available seating for disabled patrons for each of these events is located on the level one disabled seating platforms at Gates 1, 2, & 3 (when arena configuration permits); in the four, second-level gate corners; between Gates 1 & 2 along the rail; and on the level three disabled seating locations at Gates 1, 2, & 3. One companion may sit with the person with disabilities in the disabled seating area. Show requirements may limit the number of accessible seats for persons with disabilities. Working personnel in wheelchairs are permitted on the floor with proper credentials.
Tickets are available for persons with disabilities, as well as companion tickets, for all events held in the O'Connell Center. Patrons should request these tickets from the University Box Office and/or TicketMaster outlets for special events, and the University Athletic Association for athletic events. Ushers in green vests are available to provide assistance to patrons upon request.
Patrons with wheelchairs are allowed unlimited access to the arena floor for trade shows, expos, classes recreational activities, and banquets.
Two lifts for disabled patrons are available for University events (e.g. commencements and speeches) to provide stage accessibility during the programs. A five-day advance notice should be given to have lift accessibility. Special arrangements for disabled graduates must be arranged in advance by contacting the O'Connell Center at 352-392-5500.
More than one percent of the O'Connell Center's fixed seating has moveable armrests as required by the ADA.
Services
Restrooms
The O'Connell Center has restroom access for disabled patrons at all Level 2 Gates, as well as the men's and women's locker rooms on Level 1. The Center also contains two family restrooms located on Level 2 between Gate 2 and the Dance Studio. All of the O'Connell Center accessible toilet stalls are equipped with safety bars. Toilet accessories and urinals are mounted at ADA regulation height. One lavatory in each restroom has a tilted mirror and an accessible faucet. For special events, two dressing rooms are made available on Level 1 for restroom facilities.
Concessions
Concession stands at all gates have been updated to include a counter section that meets ADA accessibility requirements. Concession employees will read menu boards to those who need assistance.
Parking
There are currently 28 handicapped parking spaces (26 in the main lot and 2 in the west lot) adjacent to the building. These spaces are designated with the official disabled persons sign and reserved for persons with the appropriate parking decal or permit. These spaces are available on a first come basis, including the two in the west lot when it is reserved and not available to the general public. There is a wheelchair ramp located near the parking spaces in the center of the west lot.
Assistance for the Hearing Impaired
Sign interpreters for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the O'Connell Center administrative office (a minimum of two weeks notice is required). Hearing assisted devices are routinely available for commencement ceremonies and speaking engagements, however due to show constraints and availability, we cannot guarantee this service for other shows.
Phone Access
Event advertisements and activity information includes the Florida Relay Service TDD number (1-800-955-8771) for the hearing impaired. The O'Connell Center requires all outside event promoters to include the following working in all printed advertisements: "For TDD assistance call 1-800-955-8771" If this number does not appear in the ad, the Center will take necessary action to notify the promoter. There is also a TDD phone located in the lobby of Gate 1.
Natatorium and Weight Rooms
Seating on the pool deck in the natatorium is currently not available for persons in wheelchairs. Seating for swimming events is located on the second level overlooking the pool deck. For daily recreational class use, the pool is accessible by way of the men's and women's locker rooms on Level 1, or by using the ramp at the Gate 3, Level 1 pool deck entrance. Elevators are located at Gates 1 & 4 for access to Level 1. The locker rooms are ADA compliant for restrooms, showers and emergency egress. Access to the pool by way of the elevators at Gates 1 & 4 may be restricted when there are paid or special events taking place in the main arena. A lift for disabled patrons is available to help them in and out of the pool; it is available and operated by the lifeguards or instructors for their respective programs. Disabled patrons should not attempt to use the lift without the assistance of a trained staff member.
In the Weight Room and Conditioning Room, attendants are on duty during recreational hours to provide assistance and instruction. These rooms are located on Level 1 and can be accessed via the elevators at Gates 1 & 4.