Disabled B.C. Man Says Abuse of Accessible Seating Leaves Him Shut Out at Major Venues

A Langley, B.C., man who often relies on a wheelchair says he is regularly unable to attend games or concerts at Rogers Arena because accessible seating is frequently occupied by people who appear not to need it. Michael Coss, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a 2006 car crash and now depends on a walker or wheelchair, says outings are vital to his well-being and sense of normalcy, yet he is repeatedly shut out of seating designated for people with disabilities.

Accessible sections at major arenas are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices, offering extra legroom, unobstructed access and space for attendants or family members. But Go Public found that these spaces are often filled by people without visible disabilities. At a recent concert observed by the team, only two of the 30 people in the accessible section were in wheelchairs. Others walked freely in and out, though some may have had invisible disabilities such as neurological, mental or chronic conditions.

Coss and his father Bob say they have overheard people bragging about securing accessible seats despite having no disability, made possible by the honour system used by most venues and ticketing platforms. Buyers simply check a box stating they require accessible seating, and no proof is required. Advocates say this loophole leaves disabled fans at a disadvantage, placing responsibility on individuals rather than on venues or regulators.

Rogers Arena says it aims to protect “privacy and dignity,” arguing that requiring documentation could exclude those with temporary or invisible disabilities. A spokesperson said the spaces are intended not only for wheelchair users but also for people recovering from injuries, struggling with stairs, experiencing anxiety or living with mobility limitations. However, Go Public noted that signage at the sections explicitly designates them for those using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Disability rights advocate and lawyer David Lepofsky challenges the arena’s position, saying there is no legal barrier preventing venues from requesting limited proof of disability—so long as details remain private. He argues that failing to verify eligibility undermines venues’ duty to accommodate disabled patrons and allows abuse to continue unchecked.

The investigation also found that Ticketmaster uses the same honour-based approach across major Canadian venues, including those in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Halifax. The company initially claimed the law prevented it from requiring proof but later said only that such a system could raise concerns about privacy and dignity. In the U.K., however, Ticketmaster follows a stricter model: customers submit documentation to obtain a Nimbus Disability Access Card, which verifies eligibility for accessible tickets.

Advocates say Canada lacks any equivalent system, and the absence of regulation allows inconsistent practices across venues. Coss’s father proposes a solution similar to accessible parking permits—an access pass that fans could present discreetly at events. Supporters, including the B.C. Brain Injury Association, say this approach preserves dignity while ensuring seats reach those who truly need them.

Responsibility for regulating accessibility lies with provincial governments, but B.C. officials say the province does not currently oversee accessible seating in entertainment venues. Parliamentary secretary for accessibility Dana Lajeunesse said the government is working with the disability community to improve clarity and accountability, though no specific policy has been implemented. Lepofsky calls the situation a frustrating cycle of “finger pointing,” with venues, ticket sellers and governments deflecting responsibility.

Despite the challenges, Coss remains hopeful. A passionate hockey fan, he dreams of attending an NHL playoff game. He and his father say they are speaking out in hopes of improving accessibility for all Canadians living with disabilities, even if they doubt they will secure accessible seats themselves under the current system.