The $450-million renovation of the Superdome will see the removal of the long ramps used to get guests from the entry gates to the seats.
But before the first ramp is removed, the Superdome Commission is locked in a legal battle against two federal lawsuits over accommodations for people with disabilities.
The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate reports most lawsuits over American’s with Disability Act (ADA) are settled out of court.
But the Superdome Commission’s choice to fight the case is an unusual one.
The Superdome Commission is promising the massive renovations to the more than 40-year-old stadium will vastly improve access for wheelchair bound and other disabled patrons.
Replacing the ramps will add over 88,000 square feet to the dome’s available space.
In their place will be escalators, elevators and spacious atriums and concession areas for fans, including those who are disabled.
Meanwhile, a surge of ADA lawsuits over the past decade have seen a 400% rise in suits.
And this surge has also sparked a backlash against those filing suits against small businesses and towns over ADA compliance.