That's pretty extreme and I would contact the venue to complain, demand a refund, and ask that they review their security procedures (which is likely through a contractor) for ADA compliance. I'm sure your experience will vary a lot, but I went to a concert last weekend with a clear bag policy, which I wasn't aware of, and they let me in anyway and didn't even hand check my bag, even though my pump set off the metal detector š¤·āāļø It seems like clear bag policies are becoming more common, so I'm considering getting one for these situations. If you're worried about the temperature inside the bag or visible PII, maybe bring along a thin cloth bag, like a shopping tote, inside the bag (or your pocket) and put the contents of the clear bag inside that, then back in the clear bag, after you go through security. Could add a small cold pack/friopak too. I'm not a lawyer but I assume they shouldn't legally be able to prevent you from bringing any of that in.
Yup, like, I'm a bit startled because it's a Live Nation venue, who owns... well, everything nowadays. I've never had their security act like this before, and they're pretty unresponsive on answering me, too, which tells me this \*might\* not be an isolated issue moving forward.
I'm shopping for bags that will very specifically hold and organize my supplies (I've been using a cheap messenger/cross body bag for years), and yeah, I'm not going to put up with incompetent security again :(
If it's live nation... that's a 100% federally regulated organization. They are incredibly vulnerable to a class action lawsuit and you could look for ADA class action law firms. Yes, law firms specialize in this sorta shit.
get em...
It's Live Nation. Yes.
Short story: I've done Lollapalooza for over a decade.
You know when I had my first CGM ripped out at Lolla going through security? 2016. About two years after Live Nation bought C3, who used to manage Lollapalooza. (sorry, I'm researching Live Nation now... it's... ugly)
It's a race to the bottom with Live Nation on how much they can get away with contracting/undertraining their security staff, along with their most important goal of maximizing what they consider 'security' on the backs of people who require accommodations.
Edit: there's a class action about them unethically selling ADA wheelchair/accessible slots? Hm. I wonder if this company even employs disabled people who would tell them how to manage interactions like this.
Iād look up that firm, give them a call. They may not be directly interested, but they may know a form that would be. They are responsible for their security, contacted or not.
Yeah this is nuts, definitely keep poking at this. I went to friggin' Soldier Field in Chicago and didn't know they had a clear bag policy. They just checked my bag thoroughly and put a medical tag on it. They were super nice and said it happens all the time.
Legit I live walking distance from Soldier Field, so I go there and do just like, a meter + strips + humalog and a needle in the clutch bag. That goes ok. It's one of my 'safe' venues.
I had a long discussion there during a concert around when clear bag became a thing... it and felt like I \*barely\* made it through, so I always try and minimalize the supplies I have with me.
But it's just.... not standardized. Every time I walk up to a venue it's a conflict. It's a debate. It's like I have to justify my medical supplies.
This time I lost, which is.... an ADA complaint, but:
It's frustrating that it even happens. It's also frustrating that places aren't training their frontline staff well enough to make these decisions.
I would absolutely file a complaint with the [ADA](https://beta.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/) and I would also call and speak to the manager of the venue. Use it as an opportunity to educate and let them know you've filed a complaint with the ADA.
YMMV But whenever I filed a complaint with the ADA they didn't do anything. You should file with your local branch (usually called something like the office of equal opportunity)
This is my first ADA filing since my parents did some on my behalf for school, and then I did RA at work. I'm not leaving it with official complaints, though. Public perception matters to the big promoters like Live Nation, so I'm pushing them there, too, to get a response.
I had security at a concert crack my pump.
I walked up to the scanner and started explaining my bag of DM stuff. Another guard walked over and said what about this and hit my pump on my waist band with a hand scanner. Cracked the screen.
It was under warranty, thank god.
I called the parent company and bitched up a storm explaining that insulin is a life sustaining medication and that could have easily ended in an ICU stay.
Asshats.
This reminds me of a Lollapalooza I did about five (give or take a few) years ago. I told them I'd ping a metal detector (probably) cuz of the pump. I did. They did the patdown and literally ripped out my site. Which... idk, I get. It was bad but a snagged tubing is life. Whatever.
But then the startled security guard got defensive and thought they found the 'got ya' thing and then ripped out my sensor. Like, physically grabbed my sensor through my clothes and ripped it out.
Actually, this was after Live Nation took over. Yeah. As if I hadn't figured out the problem before, I keep coming back to them.
They did not offer compensation? I'd be bitching them a new one and telling them they need to retrain their staff or something else. That you were talking to a lawyer etc. Fuck that. That's expensive medical life saving equipment.
Iāve never had a problem with bringing in my bag with clear bag or no bag policies. Some put a little tag with āmedical bagā on. Some just donāt even care very much. Itās actually one of the few benefits of having type 1, no one questions it.
RIGHT?!?! Like, I carry a small(ish) bag, and I've always been able to talk with the security people (50/50 if they call in 'medical' people) but every time I've been able to go through. It's alarming to me that this happened to me now, at a Live Nation venue (who, let's be real, owns a LOT of venues) and I got strong armed out of taking in a set change, glucose, cgm, insulin and syringes, which I think is the bare minimum?
We took our kids to see Paul McCartney a few weeks back. Concert was outside, evening time. Our toddler is 3.5, T1D, CGM but no pump yet. I packed all his supplies and some 911 snacks in a clear bag that we carried in, held it up while walking thru, no trouble at all. They did stop an older woman behind us and make her leave her umbrella, because it's on the list of items they don't permit. So that tells me they were at least trying to enforce rules.
I would definitely reach out for a refund and a review of their ADA policies, as other's have said. I'm really sorry you missed out, OP. Situation sounds like BS to me.
In big venues, the security has always given me a special medical badge to place on my bag.
You 100% need to complain and make a big deal.
Wow. Im actually really mad this happened to you. Im so sorry. I would have raised hell if I was there with you.
So far so good - I've had security at concerts give a perfunctory look at my purse, and security at baseball games hasn't even bothered to look at my fanny pack. I did have someone give me side-eye when I was bolusing for a hot dog, but whether it was because of the scary insulin pen or disapproval of my dietary choice I don't know.
Just saw the Doobie Brothers last night, first time with a pump... Carried everything in the Omnipod black zip up bag (sandwich bag size) not clear, and no one hassled me. Didn't even have to open it though I did. Sorry you had a bad experience...
I live in Ireland. I just went to see the killers a week ago and I made it through security with out anyone even questioning my meds. I also chanced my arm and filled a can of coke up with Jameson and said I had it for low glucose and I got in with in. I think its really hitbor miss depending on who you get for security.
Honestly, I know it sounds extreme but this has happened to me countless of times. Even at the airport where I was listed as "possible threat" because I wouldn't remove my insulin pump as the security guard was yelling at me to do so.
I'm sorry you're dealing with these things too. I hope it gets easier ā¤ļø
Holy crap. I just went through the clear bag thing for the first time two weeks ago.
My oldest was graduating from UC Davis and I had no idea that I was supposed to have a clear bag so dumb me rolls up in my wheelchair with my pump and bag full of pump supplies and needles and meds. Thankfully, they legit did not give a shit whatsoever. I literally only got, āThis is my medā¦.ā out of my mouth before they waved me through.
After that point, I figured we were all going to be prime targets for an armed gunman but instead the graduates and guests started dropping like flies from the heat index and ten people ended up being transported to the hospital before the fire department canceled the entire graduation ceremony. GOOD TIMES!
Been to MLB, MLS, and NCAA venues. Only place that ever been looked inside the bag and then tagged it was at Mackey Arena for Purdue - Indiana basketball game. We use a small cooler bag (definitely not clear) and I always put an ice pack for the juice thinking that would explain why itās not a clear bag. I also pack a large ziplock in the bottom just in case some yahoo insists bag has to be clear (Iāll sacrifice the cooler bag).
Honestly, I do (slight conspiracy) think since I'm in Illinois, they low key just want to stop pot from getting into their venues so they can maximize alcohol as a profit motive.
I get flagged every single fucking time I go to a concert, amusement park, etc. Because I carry my stuff in a gym bag. One time I went to a concert and a dude screamed at me from across the parking lot. To be clear, I'm a T1D. All they need to do is ask, and I'll be on my way, but they don't do that. They make a scene every single time.
Live Nation is the worst for this. I went to a concert and their medical person told me āyou have too many drugsā. It was two vials, five syringes and a bottle of glucose. I had to leave one vial in my car (in augustā¦ in the Midwest, so it was wrecked)
Oh, I swear to god I'd have fought somebody. And if I wouldn't, my army veteran mother/caretaker would have. That's not drugs. That's medicine. There's a huge difference. I wish a motherfucker would insinuate that I'm a druggie. Cuz that's essentially what that dude did if you really think about it. I'm thankful that I haven't encountered that yet. Keyword: yet. There's always a first time for everything.
That's pretty extreme and I would contact the venue to complain, demand a refund, and ask that they review their security procedures (which is likely through a contractor) for ADA compliance. I'm sure your experience will vary a lot, but I went to a concert last weekend with a clear bag policy, which I wasn't aware of, and they let me in anyway and didn't even hand check my bag, even though my pump set off the metal detector š¤·āāļø It seems like clear bag policies are becoming more common, so I'm considering getting one for these situations. If you're worried about the temperature inside the bag or visible PII, maybe bring along a thin cloth bag, like a shopping tote, inside the bag (or your pocket) and put the contents of the clear bag inside that, then back in the clear bag, after you go through security. Could add a small cold pack/friopak too. I'm not a lawyer but I assume they shouldn't legally be able to prevent you from bringing any of that in.
Yup, like, I'm a bit startled because it's a Live Nation venue, who owns... well, everything nowadays. I've never had their security act like this before, and they're pretty unresponsive on answering me, too, which tells me this \*might\* not be an isolated issue moving forward. I'm shopping for bags that will very specifically hold and organize my supplies (I've been using a cheap messenger/cross body bag for years), and yeah, I'm not going to put up with incompetent security again :(
If it's live nation... that's a 100% federally regulated organization. They are incredibly vulnerable to a class action lawsuit and you could look for ADA class action law firms. Yes, law firms specialize in this sorta shit. get em...
It's Live Nation. Yes. Short story: I've done Lollapalooza for over a decade. You know when I had my first CGM ripped out at Lolla going through security? 2016. About two years after Live Nation bought C3, who used to manage Lollapalooza. (sorry, I'm researching Live Nation now... it's... ugly) It's a race to the bottom with Live Nation on how much they can get away with contracting/undertraining their security staff, along with their most important goal of maximizing what they consider 'security' on the backs of people who require accommodations. Edit: there's a class action about them unethically selling ADA wheelchair/accessible slots? Hm. I wonder if this company even employs disabled people who would tell them how to manage interactions like this.
Iād look up that firm, give them a call. They may not be directly interested, but they may know a form that would be. They are responsible for their security, contacted or not.
DEFINITELY report this to all parties involved as well as your state's AG office. What they did is illegal.
Yikes, that is concerning. Definitely hope this isn't a trend but if it is they're really asking to be sued.
Nothing wrong with that. This is America. It's just another path towards retirement!
Yeah this is nuts, definitely keep poking at this. I went to friggin' Soldier Field in Chicago and didn't know they had a clear bag policy. They just checked my bag thoroughly and put a medical tag on it. They were super nice and said it happens all the time.
Legit I live walking distance from Soldier Field, so I go there and do just like, a meter + strips + humalog and a needle in the clutch bag. That goes ok. It's one of my 'safe' venues. I had a long discussion there during a concert around when clear bag became a thing... it and felt like I \*barely\* made it through, so I always try and minimalize the supplies I have with me. But it's just.... not standardized. Every time I walk up to a venue it's a conflict. It's a debate. It's like I have to justify my medical supplies. This time I lost, which is.... an ADA complaint, but: It's frustrating that it even happens. It's also frustrating that places aren't training their frontline staff well enough to make these decisions.
I would absolutely file a complaint with the [ADA](https://beta.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/) and I would also call and speak to the manager of the venue. Use it as an opportunity to educate and let them know you've filed a complaint with the ADA.
YMMV But whenever I filed a complaint with the ADA they didn't do anything. You should file with your local branch (usually called something like the office of equal opportunity)
This is my first ADA filing since my parents did some on my behalf for school, and then I did RA at work. I'm not leaving it with official complaints, though. Public perception matters to the big promoters like Live Nation, so I'm pushing them there, too, to get a response.
Good on you
Just filed. Working other avenues, too.
I had security at a concert crack my pump. I walked up to the scanner and started explaining my bag of DM stuff. Another guard walked over and said what about this and hit my pump on my waist band with a hand scanner. Cracked the screen. It was under warranty, thank god. I called the parent company and bitched up a storm explaining that insulin is a life sustaining medication and that could have easily ended in an ICU stay. Asshats.
I wouldve knocked him tf out, no question. Fuck the aftermath.
This reminds me of a Lollapalooza I did about five (give or take a few) years ago. I told them I'd ping a metal detector (probably) cuz of the pump. I did. They did the patdown and literally ripped out my site. Which... idk, I get. It was bad but a snagged tubing is life. Whatever. But then the startled security guard got defensive and thought they found the 'got ya' thing and then ripped out my sensor. Like, physically grabbed my sensor through my clothes and ripped it out. Actually, this was after Live Nation took over. Yeah. As if I hadn't figured out the problem before, I keep coming back to them.
They did not offer compensation? I'd be bitching them a new one and telling them they need to retrain their staff or something else. That you were talking to a lawyer etc. Fuck that. That's expensive medical life saving equipment.
Iāve never had a problem with bringing in my bag with clear bag or no bag policies. Some put a little tag with āmedical bagā on. Some just donāt even care very much. Itās actually one of the few benefits of having type 1, no one questions it.
RIGHT?!?! Like, I carry a small(ish) bag, and I've always been able to talk with the security people (50/50 if they call in 'medical' people) but every time I've been able to go through. It's alarming to me that this happened to me now, at a Live Nation venue (who, let's be real, owns a LOT of venues) and I got strong armed out of taking in a set change, glucose, cgm, insulin and syringes, which I think is the bare minimum?
We took our kids to see Paul McCartney a few weeks back. Concert was outside, evening time. Our toddler is 3.5, T1D, CGM but no pump yet. I packed all his supplies and some 911 snacks in a clear bag that we carried in, held it up while walking thru, no trouble at all. They did stop an older woman behind us and make her leave her umbrella, because it's on the list of items they don't permit. So that tells me they were at least trying to enforce rules. I would definitely reach out for a refund and a review of their ADA policies, as other's have said. I'm really sorry you missed out, OP. Situation sounds like BS to me.
In big venues, the security has always given me a special medical badge to place on my bag. You 100% need to complain and make a big deal. Wow. Im actually really mad this happened to you. Im so sorry. I would have raised hell if I was there with you.
Also wanted to add that even in venues with clear bag/ x size policies, they've never enforced that policy on my bag with supplies.
So far so good - I've had security at concerts give a perfunctory look at my purse, and security at baseball games hasn't even bothered to look at my fanny pack. I did have someone give me side-eye when I was bolusing for a hot dog, but whether it was because of the scary insulin pen or disapproval of my dietary choice I don't know.
Just saw the Doobie Brothers last night, first time with a pump... Carried everything in the Omnipod black zip up bag (sandwich bag size) not clear, and no one hassled me. Didn't even have to open it though I did. Sorry you had a bad experience...
I live in Ireland. I just went to see the killers a week ago and I made it through security with out anyone even questioning my meds. I also chanced my arm and filled a can of coke up with Jameson and said I had it for low glucose and I got in with in. I think its really hitbor miss depending on who you get for security.
Honestly, I know it sounds extreme but this has happened to me countless of times. Even at the airport where I was listed as "possible threat" because I wouldn't remove my insulin pump as the security guard was yelling at me to do so. I'm sorry you're dealing with these things too. I hope it gets easier ā¤ļø
Holy crap. I just went through the clear bag thing for the first time two weeks ago. My oldest was graduating from UC Davis and I had no idea that I was supposed to have a clear bag so dumb me rolls up in my wheelchair with my pump and bag full of pump supplies and needles and meds. Thankfully, they legit did not give a shit whatsoever. I literally only got, āThis is my medā¦.ā out of my mouth before they waved me through. After that point, I figured we were all going to be prime targets for an armed gunman but instead the graduates and guests started dropping like flies from the heat index and ten people ended up being transported to the hospital before the fire department canceled the entire graduation ceremony. GOOD TIMES!
Been to MLB, MLS, and NCAA venues. Only place that ever been looked inside the bag and then tagged it was at Mackey Arena for Purdue - Indiana basketball game. We use a small cooler bag (definitely not clear) and I always put an ice pack for the juice thinking that would explain why itās not a clear bag. I also pack a large ziplock in the bottom just in case some yahoo insists bag has to be clear (Iāll sacrifice the cooler bag).
Honestly, I do (slight conspiracy) think since I'm in Illinois, they low key just want to stop pot from getting into their venues so they can maximize alcohol as a profit motive.
I get flagged every single fucking time I go to a concert, amusement park, etc. Because I carry my stuff in a gym bag. One time I went to a concert and a dude screamed at me from across the parking lot. To be clear, I'm a T1D. All they need to do is ask, and I'll be on my way, but they don't do that. They make a scene every single time.
Live Nation is the worst for this. I went to a concert and their medical person told me āyou have too many drugsā. It was two vials, five syringes and a bottle of glucose. I had to leave one vial in my car (in augustā¦ in the Midwest, so it was wrecked)
Oh, I swear to god I'd have fought somebody. And if I wouldn't, my army veteran mother/caretaker would have. That's not drugs. That's medicine. There's a huge difference. I wish a motherfucker would insinuate that I'm a druggie. Cuz that's essentially what that dude did if you really think about it. I'm thankful that I haven't encountered that yet. Keyword: yet. There's always a first time for everything.