Accessibility at the National Fried Chicken Festival

The National Fried Chicken Festival, presented by Raising Cane’s, is committed to being an accessible and inclusive experience for all. We are continually working to improve access to all event amenities so that every guest can enjoy the festival fully.

This guide outlines the accessibility services available this year. We kindly ask that you review it thoroughly before reaching out with additional questions.

If you still have accessibility-related inquiries or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here. We value feedback from our guests with disabilities and will do our best to support your needs.

Mobility & Terrain Information

The festival venue is accessible for guests with mobility disabilities. Please note that the terrain includes a mix of concrete sidewalks, asphalt, grass, and temporary flooring, with limited shade in some areas. Parking areas are primarily grass surfaces with the exception of the accessible parking at the East Entrance along Lakeshore Drive

While we strive to make the experience as smooth as possible, personal care services, golf cart rides, and wheelchair push assistance are not provided. We kindly recommend bringing a personal attendant if needed.

Please also come prepared, as we are unable to offer mobility device charging or repair services on site.

Accessibility Wristbands & Services

To access certain accessibility services at the National Fried Chicken Festival, guests will need to wear a complimentary Accessibility Wristband. These wristbands can be picked up from an Accessibility Team Member at either:

  • The Accessibility Services Hub (located inside the festival grounds)
  • Any of the Accessible Viewing Platforms

Alternatively, if you notify staff at either front entrance, a member of the Accessibility Team will meet you to assist with wristband pickup.

Please note: Wristbands are not required for accessible parking or entry lanes.

What the Accessibility Wristband Provides:

  • Access to designated ADA viewing areas
  • Use of other accessibility services offered at the event
  • One companion is permitted in ADA areas with each guest wearing a wristband

Accessibility Services Hub

Located inside the festival, the Accessibility Hub is your go-to spot for:

  • Requesting accommodations
  • Getting questions answered
  • Picking up your Accessibility Wristband

Wristband Guidelines

  • Wristbands are valid for the entire festival weekend
  • Do not remove your wristband once received
  • One (1) companion per ADA guest is allowed in all designated ADA areas

Accessible Parking & Drop-Off Information

A limited number of accessible parking spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the East Entrance parking lots on Lakeshore Drive. We strongly encourage guests with mobility challenges to enter through the East Entrance to avoid the levee hill near other access points.

Accessible parking is also available at the North and South UNO lots, but please be aware that entering via West Franklin Ave requires traveling over a levee hill, which may be difficult for some guests.

  • No parking pass is required to use accessible lots.
  • A valid, state-issued handicap placard, permit, or license plate is required.
  • The individual to whom the credential is issued must be present in the vehicle as a driver or passenger.

Guests with disabilities can also be dropped off at the Accessible Rideshare & Drop-Off Area located on Lakeshore Drive, near the East Entrance, which serves as the designated accessible entry point.

Accessible Entry Lanes

Accessible entry lanes will be available at each festival entrance to ensure a smooth arrival for guests with disabilities. We recommend using the East Entrance on Lakeshore Drive for the most direct and accessible route into the venue.

Guests with disabilities may use these lanes along with one companion.

After entering, please visit the Accessibility Services Hub to request any accommodations or services you may need during the festival.

Accessible Viewing Areas

We offer two designated accessible viewing areas for patrons with disabilities. To learn how to gain access, please visit the Accessibility Services Hub.

Policies for Accessible Viewing Areas:

  • Patrons with disabilities must wear a wristband to enter the accessible viewing areas.
  • Each patron with a disability may bring one companion to accompany them during the performance.
  • If the accessible viewing area reaches capacity, companions may be asked to stand behind or just outside the designated area to prioritize access for guests with disabilities. Companions without their corresponding patron with a disability are not permitted inside the accessible viewing area.
  • Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Guests are not allowed to save seats for others.
  • Please do not block the view of guests seated behind you.
  • Standing is only permitted in the back row of the accessible viewing area.
  • Smoking is prohibited within these designated areas for both patrons and companions.

Service Animal Policy

Service animals that have been individually trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome at the event. However, emotional support animals, therapy animals, companion animals, and pets are not permitted. Animals providing protection, emotional support, comfort, or companionship without specific task training are not considered service animals and will not be allowed on the premises.

Guidelines for Service Animals:

  • All service animals must be verified by the Accessibility Coordinator or Manager at the gate prior to entering the event venue.
  • Once verified, handlers are required to complete a Service Animal Agreement. Verified service animals will receive a wristband or tag to indicate approval.
  • Service animals must remain by their handler’s side at all times and be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the handler’s disability prevents their use. In such cases, the handler must maintain control through voice, signal, or other effective means.
  • Service animals must be housebroken and should use the designated service animal relief area.
  • Handlers are responsible and liable for any damage or injury caused by their service animals.
  • Service animals should have all legally required vaccinations. The Accessibility Coordinator or Manager may request proof during verification.
  • For the safety of the animal, please do not leave service animals unattended in vehicles, especially when air conditioning is not active, as temperatures can become unsafe.

Effective Communication Requests

We are happy to provide the following services upon request:

  • ASL Interpretation
  • Other forms of effective communication assistance

To ensure adequate preparation, please submit all requests at least 30 days before the event. For this event, the deadline to request services is September 15, 2025.

To submit a request, please contact us via our contact form.

Additional Services

  • First Aid: Multiple First Aid stations staffed by professional medical personnel are available throughout the venue to assist with any medical needs. Please check back here for an updated venue map showing their locations.
  • Special Dietary Needs: A variety of food options—including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free—will be available at our food and beverage areas. If you have dietary requirements beyond these options, please contact us here for further assistance.
  • Prescription Medications: All prescription medications must be in their original manufacturer containers, labeled with your name matching your government-issued photo ID. Please bring only the amount necessary for the duration of the event. Medications must be cleared by the Accessibility Team upon entry.
  • Other Services: If you need assistance related to pregnancy, nursing, or breast milk pumping, please reach out to us [here].

Comments, Questions & Suggestions

The National Fried Chicken Festival welcomes requests from patrons with disabilities for reasonable modifications to event policies, practices, or procedures, as well as for auxiliary aids and services that ensure equal access and enjoyment of our event. We encourage you to submit requests as early as possible to help us effectively evaluate and accommodate your needs.

As part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility, please feel free to contact us [here] with any accessibility-related questions, concerns, or suggestions. If you have questions about our ADA policies or services, we are happy to assist.

We hope this guide is helpful, and we look forward to welcoming you to The National Fried Chicken Festival 2025!