Check back for updates before starting your journey to Bonnaroo.
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY, even if you have read it in previous years. We have made changes throughout. If you continue to have questions after reading this guide, write to Laura Grunfeld, Bonnaroo’s Access Consultant at access@bonnaroo.com
DEADLINES (see details in Access Guide below)
It helps us immensely if you make your request as soon as possible or no later than the dates listed here. We may not be able to accommodate requests coming in after these dates. Make your request to
access@bonnaroo.com, unless otherwise noted.
- Sign language interpreter: TODAY is best, May 20 is OK, May 27 at the latest
- Braille copy of programming information - May 24
- Assistive Listening Device - May 27
- Service animal camping - May 27
- Guided tour for patrons who are blind - May 27
- Any other special accommodations not listed - May 27
- Shuttle service from the airport - May 27
(
sam@thetargetcompanies.com)
- Motorized wheelchair & scooter reservations - May 29
(
mjluttrell@charter.net – with “Bonnaroo” in the subject line)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Access Information
Section 2: Services for Patrons with Mobility Disabilities
Section 3: Services for Patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Section 4: Services for Patrons who are Blind or have Low Vision
Section 5: Service Animals
Section 6: Medical Considerations
Section 7: Other Access Program Tips
SECTION 1: ACCESS INFORMATION
Pre-festival Questions
Email Bonnaroo’s Access Consultant, Laura Grunfeld, at
access@bonnaroo.com.
Questions During the Festival – The Access Center
The staff and volunteers at The Access Center are available to answer questions and assist in other ways as needed. The Access Center is located near the main entrance to Centeroo, across Fifth Avenue from the Fire Tower and adjacent to the Accessible Camping Area. The Access Center provides information regarding Bonnaroo’s services for people with disabilities as well as offering a place to relax in the shade and chill out for a while. There is a bulletin board where patrons with disabilities may leave messages and reach out to create gatherings. Please stop by to say hello and fill out a survey.
Hours of Operation: 10 AM to 10 PM.
Compliments or Complaints?
When you get to the event, fill out one of our surveys. Or, send an email at any time to
access@bonnaroo.com. We need and appreciate your feedback.
SECTION 2: SERVICES FOR PATRONS WITH MOBILITY DISABILITIES
Getting to the Event
Accessible Airport Shuttle
Roundtrip shuttle service is available from the Nashville Airport to Bonnaroo on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12 and retuning Monday, June 15 beginning at 6:00 am at a cost of $60 if purchased in advance, $70 if purchased at the airport. (Please see full schedule on Bonnaroo Website). People with mobility disabilities, who need lift-equipped transportation, may arrange for this shuttle no later than 14 days in advance by emailing
sam@thetargetcompanies.com. Anyone who has a mobility disability, even if a lift is not required, should contact
access@bonnaroo.com at the same time so that we can give you a ride from the shuttle drop-off point to the Accessible Camping area. Please include your cell phone number in your email.
Shuttle service for VIPs is available from the Howard Johnson's hotel in Murfreesboro, about 30 miles from Bonnaroo. VIPs with mobility disabilities should contact The Target Companies to arrange for accessible transportation. The Target Companies is also able to provide transportation to people with mobility disabilities who are staying at the Howard Johnson's but are not VIPs. Contact The Target Companies, no later than 14 days in advance, at
sam@thetargetcompanies.com.
If You Are Driving
Patrons who plan to camp in the Accessible Camping Area should enter Bonnaroo from I-24.
• IMPORTANT: Use either Exit 111 or 112.
• Watch for signs with the WHEELCHAIR SYMBOL to lead you in the right direction.
• Have your state-issued accessible parking license plate, hang-tag, or placard easily visible well before your exit so that the police will direct you to the best entrance.
• Those who are traveling WESTBOUND on I-24, from Chattanooga, should use Exit 112, or if that exit is closed, use Exit 111.
• Those who are traveling EASTBOUND on I-24, from Nashville, may use Exit 111, or if that is closed, continue on to Exit 127, do a U-Turn, and come back to Exit 112.
Access Lane at the Tollbooth
As you approach the tollbooth entrance to Bonnaroo, look for the signs with the WHEELCHAIR SYMBOL. Anyone wanting to camp in the Accessible Camping Area should use the Access Lane at the tollbooths. As you enter from I-24 at either Exit 112 or 111, use the tollbooth on the FAR RIGHT.
Make sure that your state-issued accessible parking license plate, hang-tag, or placard is visible. Your companion vehicle must follow directly behind you.
In the Access Lane, we will distribute information about our Access Program, apply an Accessible Camping sticker to your vehicle (no sticker–no access), and direct you to the Accessible Camping area. If you are not able to get into that right-hand lane, inform the tollbooth operator that you wish to camp in the Accessible Camping Area. A representative from the Access Program will make his or her way to your vehicle or you will be directed to pull through the tollbooth, park on the side, and wait for assistance.
Accessible Parking Placard
Accessible parking license plates, placards, and hangtags are issued through each state’s department of motor vehicles. People with mobility disabilities should talk with their doctor to obtain the necessary documentation.
Temporary Accessible Parking Placard
If you have scheduled surgery or have another condition that will limit your mobility during Bonnaroo, talk with your doctor about getting a temporary accessible parking tag.
THE LAW and the PLACARD
We have had reports of some patrons borrowing or otherwise falsely using accessible parking placards or tags. This uses valuable space that we are reserving for patrons who actually have disabilities. It is against the law for anyone to use an accessible parking placard that was issued to another person. It is against the law to duplicate an accessible parking placard. It is against the law to park in an accessible parking space without a legitimate accessible parking placard. As vehicles pass through the Access Lane, we will check identification to confirm legitimate use of these placards.
Best Route to Accessible Day Parking
These instructions are only for Day Parkers who need accessible parking and have the state-issued accessible parking license plate, placard, or hangtag.
Take Exit #111 from the Interstate. Look for the WHEELCHAIR SYMBOL on the signs and use the Access Lane at the tollbooths. Follow signs for Accessible Day Parking. The Accessible Day Parking Area is close to the main entrance to Centeroo. Remember that Bonnaroo spreads over a large area so attending Bonnaroo requires the ability to travel some distances.
RVs with Accessible Parking Tag
RVs with the accessible parking tag may park in the Accessible Camping Area. All RVs must purchase an RV pass. Use the Access Lane at the Exit 111 or 112 tollbooth. For questions regarding RVs, trailers, and the like, see Bonnaroo’s 411 – “
Know before you go” and “
RV FAQs” for additional information about RVs.
Accessible Camping & Day Parking Areas
The Accessible Camping and Day Parking areas are reserved for patrons with mobility disabilities. A state-issued accessible parking license plate, placard, or hangtag is required to use these areas. No reservations are needed.
Companion Policy
In the Accessible Camping area, one companion vehicle is allowed to enter along with the vehicle displaying the accessible parking tag. To make sure that there is enough space for all that truly need it, no more than one companion vehicle is allowed. The companion vehicle and the vehicle with the accessible parking tag must enter together and park next to each other. Others may camp elsewhere and visit their friends in the Accessible Camping area whenever they wish.
Accessible Day Parking
Accessible Day Parking is located about a tenth of a mile from the main entrance to Centeroo.
Companion vehicles are
not allowed in the Accessible Day Parking area.
Shade canopies are allowed in the Accessible Day Parking area.
Description of the Site
Rugged Terrain
We want you to know that it is a challenge to get around this site. Bonnaroo is an outdoor music festival held on a 700 acre farm. Although there are no big hills, this is rough and rugged terrain that is both grassy and bumpy.
Accessible Pathways
There are some gravel roadways, and some accessible pathways but much of the travel is over grass. When it rains, the ground can become muddy. Bonnaroo makes improvements to its accessible pathways each year. However, due to the size of the venue, Bonnaroo is not able to provide accessible pathways to every activity.
Quite a Lot of Distance
Even though we have brought the Accessible Camping area as close as possible to the main Centeroo entrance, there is still quite a lot of distance between the campground and the various stages. For instance, from the back end of the Accessible Camping area to the Main Stage accessible viewing platform is about 3/5 of a mile. The other performances and activities are closer to the Accessible Camping Area. Within a given day, you might travel back and forth, covering some miles of distance.
We give you this information so that you can be properly informed and prepared. We work to make this event as accessible as we can and each year we make improvements to our infrastructure. We hope that you will attend. Please write
access@bonnaroo.com if you have questions.
Getting Around
Safety First
Please operate your mobility device in a safe and courteous manner. Please move no faster than the “walking speed” of the pedestrians around you. Operate your device according to manufacturer’s instructions. Thank you for this consideration.
Motorized Wheelchairs and Scooters
Melissa Lutrell and her team at "All Access Mobility" will provide the service of motorized wheelchair and scooter rental. Advance reservations and deposits are REQUIRED. Make requests no later than May 29, 2009. Email is Melissa’s preferred contact method. Reach her at
mjluttrell@charter.net with “Bonnaroo Rental” in the subject line, or call (931) 952-3024 and leave a message.
Manual Wheelchairs
Mike Jarrell and his team at "Respiratory at Home" will provide the service of manual wheelchair rental. Reservations are recommended. Contact Lisa Summers at Respiratory at Home via phone at 931-723-3780 extension 17, fax at 931-728-8843, or e-mail
lsummers@respiratoryathome.net.
Golf Cart Shuttle Service
Limited golf cart shuttle service is available for a fee. Shuttles are not allowed within Centeroo so these have just three shuttle stops – one at the Access Center, one near the What Stage, and one near the Which Stage. You will still need to come prepared to get yourself around within Centeroo and the camping area.
Power Wheelchairs and Scooters
What's Allowed and What's Not
Power wheelchairs and three or four-wheeled scooters are allowed for use by people with mobility disabilities. Two-wheeled scooters, golf carts, or other vehicles are not allowed.
Recharging Chairs and Scooters
Some limited recharging for power wheelchairs and scooters is provided at the Access Center. Because the power source is a generator that has the potential to fail, Bonnaroo does not guarantee availability of electricity, though it has not failed us yet. Power wheelchair users should bring their own means of recharging their mobility devices.
Generators up to 1.5 kW, are allowed. A simpler solution may be AC/DC power converters. They range in wattage from 150W up to 5000W. The ones under 400W may be plugged directly into a cigarette lighter socket and provide 1-2 conventional 115V outlets. They can be found in most camping equipment stores or through general catalogs such as Heartland America.
Power chair and scooter users should consult their owner's manual to determine charging times and any other unique requirements for their particular model. These are suggestions only and each individual should confirm that the recharging method selected works for their device. Each individual is responsible for recharging his or her own device.
IMPORTANT NOTE: GOLF CARTS ARE NOT ALLOWED!
Patrons may not use golf carts or other motorized vehicles larger than an electric wheelchair or three or four-wheeled scooter, either in the camping areas or in the venue. These motorized vehicles will be confiscated.
Accessible Portable Toilets and Showers
Accessible portable toilets are available in the Accessible Camping area and wherever other portable toilets are located. Showers are available for a fee. Accessible portable showers are located in the Accessible Camping Area and in the VIP area.
VIP Area
The VIP area is also located adjacent to the venue. Within its confines there is an Accessible Camping area situated close to the gate to the Main Stage. There are nicer accessible portable toilets and showers within VIP. Showers are locked and the code is available from the security guard when you first pass through the VIP checkpoint or from a nearby attendant.
Accessible Entrance to Centeroo
People with mobility disabilities may want to use the Access Entrance to Centeroo. It is located on the road rather than on the grass. It is just to the left of the main entrance to Centeroo, across from the Access Center.
Accessible ATMs
Check the Access Map for locations of accessible ATMs.
Folding Chairs
Low-backed, folding, concert chairs, that sit less than one foot off the ground are allowed in the venue. Patrons who are not able to sit so low to the ground may stop by the Access Center to request permission to bring in a chair with a higher seat.
Viewing Areas for Patrons with Mobility Disabilities
There’s nothing like being in the crowd, watching your favorite band. Everybody is shoulder to shoulder, swaying to the music, hands in air… Awesome, right? Right! …Unless you use a wheelchair.
That’s why Bonnaroo provides raised viewing platforms and other reserved areas for patrons with mobility disabilities. To find their locations look for the wheelchair symbols on event maps, signs with the wheelchair symbol, or ask at the Access Center.
Who May Use these Areas?
Patrons who use wheelchairs will be able to use the platforms and reserved areas without a pass. Patrons with mobility disabilities who don’t use a wheelchair but who have a disability that substantially limits their ability to stand, may stop by the Access Center to request a pass to use these reserved areas. Those who have slight injuries need not apply.
What’s Not Cool
Faking it. We must maintain these areas for patrons who genuinely have mobility disabilities. Crowding the Access areas defeats the purpose. Please do not abuse the system.
Folding Chairs
While there is usually enough space, there may be times when access is difficult, especially during very popular shows. Some chairs are provided but a seat is not guaranteed. You may bring your own folding concert chair.
Companion Policy
Each person with a disability may bring one companion into this area. Families, consisting of (no more than) two adults and any children less than 18 years of age, may stay together in the reserved areas.
What (Main) Stage
At the What Stage, there are two raised platforms reserved for patrons with mobility disabilities. One platform is directly in front of the guest bleachers, along the right side of the field as you face the stage. The other platform is in the middle of the field.
Which Stage
At the Which Stage, there is a raised platform, reserved for patrons with mobility disabilities. This platform is located in front of the VIP/Guest bleachers, next to Fifth Avenue.
There is also a reserved section for patrons with mobility disabilities directly in front of the Which Stage. To access this area, follow the plywood path from the Access Platform to the front of the stage.
Music Performance Tents
Inside the performance tents, by the sound-mixing platform, there is a raised platform reserved for patrons with mobility disabilities.
Comedy and Movie Tents
Inside the Comedy and Movie tents, scattered throughout the audience, spaces for wheelchair users and an adjacent companion seat are reserved.
Services That Are Not Provided
Wheelchair push service is not provided.
Personal care attendants are not provided.
SECTION 3: SERVICES FOR PATRONS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
American Sign Language – Reservations Needed
Bonnaroo has an American Sign Language team available. Because it takes quite a lot of time to prepare, please make your request for interpreting services as soon as possible.
Today is best. May 20 is OK. And, please, no later than May 27. The sooner you make your request, the better we can serve you.
If you know the schedule, be specific about the dates and times for performances that you would like interpreted. Otherwise, just knowing the artist will help tremendously. We can work out the schedule later. Make requests to
access@bonnaroo.com. Include your cell phone number in your request.
During the event, stop by the Access Center to see the entire interpreter schedule and to learn where to meet with your interpreters.
Assistive Listening Devices – Reservations Needed
Patrons who are hard of hearing may wish to check out an assistive listening device (ALD). An ALD is a small receiver with ear buds or headphones that picks up the sound from the sound system and allows the individual to adjust the volume to his or her liking. Bonnaroo uses FM assistive listening systems.
ALDs are available for check out at the Access Center. The Access Center is open from 10 AM to 10 PM. Make reservations by writing to
access@bonnaroo.com by May 27. Note whether or not you use a hearing aid with a telecoil.
There is no fee to use the ALD but a credit card number or other form of refundable deposit is required to ensure return of the device.
TTY – Text Telephone
A TTY is available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is located at the main info booth in Centeroo.
Open Captioning Available in the Cinema Tent
Many movies have open captioning capabilities. Please place your request with a Cinema Tent staff person at least 10 minutes before the start of the movie. Security personnel can help direct you to a staff person.
SECTION 4: SERVICES FOR PATRONS WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION
Large Print
Large print programming information is available at the Access Center and at the Info Booths.
Braille
Anyone wishing their own copy of a Braille translation of programming information should contact
access@bonnaroo.com by May 24. One copy will remain at the Access Center and is available to read at any time.
Guided Tour
To schedule a one-time guided tour of Centeroo, contact
access@bonnaroo.com no later than May 27.
Camp Closer
Patrons who are blind or have low vision may opt to camp in the Accessible Camping area. Your state-issued accessible parking tag will make it possible to camp in this area. Use the Access Lane at the tollbooths. See “Getting to the Event” in this Access Guide, for more details.
SECTION 5: SERVICE ANIMALS
Service Animals YES, Pets NO
Service animals that are trained to assist an individual with a disability are allowed at Bonnaroo. Pets are not allowed. Pets will be picked up and placed with the local humane society. Please use the local kennels if you are traveling with your pet. There is a list of kennels in Bonnaroo’s Info Guide.
Service animals must be under the control of their owners at all times. Within the venue, a service animal should be on-leash and along side of its owner. Disruptive or dangerous animals will need to leave the site.
Anyone who has questions or needs regarding their service animal may write to
access@bonnaroo.com, or stop by the Access Center during the festival.
Walking Areas
There is an area to walk service animals within the Accessible Camping area.
Camping Close
Because of heat and distance, and to keep an animal in top performance, it may be easier on service animals if they and their owners camp in the Accessible Camping area. Those with service animals that want to camp in the Accessible Camping area but do not have a state-issued accessible parking pass, should contact
access@bonnaroo.com by May 27.
SECTION 6: MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Syringes
A person bringing a syringe will need to show medication in prescription packaging with name on the label, and photo ID.
Medication
Medication may be stored in the refrigerator in the Medical Tent in Centeroo. The tent opens at about 11 AM on Thursday and closes in the wee hours of Monday morning. Be sure to pick up your medication before the tent closes. Ice is available for purchase for those who wish to keep their medication at their campsite in a cooler.
Medical Waste Disposal
Please dispose of your medical waste and sharps in the proper disposal at the Pod in Accessible Camping. Please do not dispose of these things in the trash barrels. We appreciate your consideration for our volunteers and staff who handle the trash bags.
Medical Stations
There are 12 medical stations located throughout the campground areas, several of which are open 24 hours per day. The medical station in Centeroo is open 24 hours per day. Their locations are indicated on the map. An emergency medical technician, equipped with a two-way radio, is stationed at each Pod. There is a Pod in the Accessible Camping area.
Ambulances are standing by and there is a medical center in Manchester. There are pharmacies in Manchester as well.
Recharging medical devices
At the Access Center, there are a limited number of outlets available to recharge batteries for medical devices. Because our electricity comes from a generator, we cannot guarantee power at all times – though it has not failed us yet. Patrons leave their batteries at their own risk. We recommend using your cigarette lighter and car battery to recharge your medical devices. For more information, see “Recharging Chairs and Scooters” in this guide.
Sleep Apnea
We do not have campsites with electrical outlets. Those who are using CPAP machines and other devices may recharge their batteries as indicated in the paragraph above. Alternatively, they may opt to sleep in the medical tent where electricity is provided. Write to
access@bonnaroo.com to arrange to sleep in the medical tent.
SECTION 7: OTHER ACCESS PROGRAM TIPS
Keeping Your Cool
Yes, it is HOT in Tennessee in June. To help cool down, pass through one of the 5 misting tents available in Centeroo and the Main Venue, or spend some time cooling your heals in the air-conditioned Comedy Tent, or Movie Tent. You are also welcome to rest in the shaded Access Center tent. Go to a Medical Tent if you need medical attention.
You are allowed to bring a small soft-sided cooler into the venue which you may want to keep stocked with ice and water.
Small umbrellas are permitted.
Ice
Ice is sold at the general stores and from ice trucks.
Vendors
If assistance is needed while conducting business with a vendor, either request the assistance from the vendor, a member of the Access Team, or any Bonnaroo staff person.
Special Dietary Needs
Those who have special dietary needs may bring small amounts of food, for personal use only, into the venue. Factory sealed, non-glass, water bottles, or empty containers to fill at the water stations, are also allowed.
Requests for Accommodations
If you need an accommodation that Bonnaroo’s Access Program does not already provide please make your request right away and
no later than May 27. For an event this size, last minute requests are very difficult to process. Contact
access@bonnaroo.com as soon as possible, please.
Some services may be available without advance notice. Please stop by the Access Center to let us know how we can be of assistance. We want your visit to Bonnaroo to go as smoothly as possible.
Thank you for attending Bonnaroo!