36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines - Preamble (Discussion of Comments and Changes)

Since ADAAG was first published, many questions have been received about its proper application to press boxes at various sports facilities, particularly high schools. Such structures, which can be prefabricated, are significantly elevated above ground. Some are located at the top of bleachers. As a result, their design and location have posed unique challenges to the provision of a connecting accessible route. In the final rule, the Board has addressed the concerns raised in many technical inquiries by providing an exception for press boxes at 206.2.7. Press boxes in assembly facilities are required to be on an accessible route except for certain bleacher-mounted and free-standing types. An accessible route is not required to press boxes with 500 square feet or less of aggregate space that are located on bleachers with entrances on only one level (Exception 1). Free-standing structures are exempt if they are elevated more than 12 feet and have an aggregate area that is 500 square feet or less (Exception 2).