MS balance issues make me terrified of falling at large venues
Recent outings at stadiums and arenas have proven challenging
In recent months, I’ve attended a couple events in large stadiums. Last December, I went to the Music City Bowl college football game in Nashville, Tennessee, where Mizzou (the University of Missouri) beat the Iowa Hawkeyes. I also saw a Justin Timberlake concert at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Both events were great experiences for my family — except for my fear of falling.
This fear has worsened over the past few years, particularly when I find myself in large, multitiered facilities with steep seating areas. I’m not afraid of heights; I just feel vulnerable to falls in these situations.
The design of modern stadiums aims to maximize capacity and visibility, so seating areas typically have a steep incline. While I appreciate the unobstructed views, getting to my seat makes me feel unsafe, unsteady, and vulnerable because of my balance issues associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
I feel less stable and more anxious when climbing the stairs to my seat. It’s disorienting. Our original seats at the bowl game were in the upper deck, but there were empty seats in the lower deck, so we moved down after the first quarter. Descending the stairs wasn’t nearly as difficult for me and didn’t elicit the same fear response as climbing the stairs did. It’d be nice to always sit in the lower sections, but that can be pretty expensive.
Managing my fear of falling
Obviously, using handrails is helpful, and I always have a death grip on them, but surprisingly, some of the older stadiums don’t have them. One example is Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, where Mizzou plays football. The handrail ends about halfway up the upper deck, so I have to climb about 20 steps without it to get to our seats. That can be terrifying, especially when the steps are covered in snow or ice. My plan for this year is to try to move down five or six rows to have access to the handrail, even if it’s more expensive. To me, the cost is worth it.
Navigating the narrow rows of seating can also be troublesome. It requires slower and more precise movement, which is when my balance issues especially come into play.
Typically, people will stand up and allow you to pass to get to seats in the middle of the row. You have to alter your gait to do it and have about an 18-inch space to walk. This trek is a nightmare for me. I feel extremely unsteady because I typically shuffle sideways, which is abnormal. My balance worsens, and I feel like I’m at a high risk of falling. There’s nothing to hold on to except strangers.
My biggest concern isn’t falling into someone in the same row, but rather falling forward, where there’s nothing to break my fall.
I try to get seats at the end of the row to avoid this issue, but that’s not always possible. Sometimes I tell people, “I’m sorry, my balance is bad,” and then grab them as I’m passing by. No one has ever declined to help me or appeared angry that I reached out.
Also, we often tailgate before games, so I have to limit my alcohol consumption before arriving at the stadium, as alcohol exacerbates my balance and stability issues. Sometimes after just a couple of drinks my gait will make it seem like I’m intoxicated. I try to quit drinking about an hour before arriving at the stadium. That also limits the number of times I have to leave my seat to go to the bathroom.
Large crowd movements also make me feel unstable, something I felt at the recent concert. Lots of people were standing and dancing around me as expected, but the combination of being in the upper deck, the darkness of the venue, and the movement of the crowd affected my balance. Every time I stood up, I felt dizzy and worried about falling. I enjoyed the concert, but I had to remain seated.
I’m not at the point of avoiding fun activities in stadiums yet, but I definitely don’t enjoy the events to their fullest.
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About the Author
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Andrew Wilby
I have every sympathy! I am the same in crowds and in steeply tiered stadia, however I am much happier going up than down, like you I apologise and grab!
doug millen
Thank you! This is my exact situation as well. But for being a Chiefs fan of course :-). I went from falling each time I tailgated before a Michigan game, to using a cane, to now using a rollator which, with a seat and a drinkholder, is kind of like a party bus for tailgating. The only really comfortable place for me to see a Michigan game now is in the stadium Club. Problem is that those tickets cannot be resold so they are impossible for me to obtain.
I get stressed out before attending any event. I scout out the seat and stair situation as best I can ahead of time. Recently, I went to a Brewers game and splurged for a front row ticket. They had no railings going down 30 rows and even though not steep it was really difficult. And not just for a disabled person, I saw plenty of older people looking pretty nervous on them as well.
I always try for aisle seats and will pay extra. I have a very hard time sidling down rows and will step on feet and stumble, and yes I did fall forward once on top of the people in front of me. They assumed I was drunk and went off on me. These were Ohio State fans, so the lack of class was no surprise but stll a bad memory!
Patricia Painter
Thank you for sharing your storey! I can relate to you 100%, I even forwarded your article to my husband so he can read how I feel at events. We go to football games at the university of Oklahoma, so I sure understand fear of the stadium issues. We had a wedding over the weekend, where I used to love to dance, and now I sit like a big loner. I fell so hard on my face one time I left my lipstick imprint on the tile floor!! Now so I’m paranoid of falling again. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story .. I don’t feel so isolated.
J. McAllister
I have some of the same concerns in performance spaces. I don't need a wheelchair, and I am able to walk without a cane most of the time. When I need it, I take it. The cane alerts others around me that I have a balance issue. The greater issue for me is muscle fatigue and painful leg spasms from stair climbing in those venues. I am forced to buy seats that are accessible without stairs or with just a couple of stairs. Some historic music venues are not required to have a lift, which forces me to buy expensive orchestra seats, this severely restricts places I can attend and artists I want to see.
Sally
Girl, same! Going down is harder than up for me, but I feel completely disoriented making any kind of move. One thing that I've done to combat the sense that I'm going to fall (I am a diehard live music fan) is invest in the cutest, chicest sneakers I can find (I'm 40 - diagnosed when I was 25 - and just not ready to give up cute and chic for comfort)! The lack of any kind of heel, as well as knowing that my feet are all tied up help me to feel secure. I'm a grabber like commenter Andrew too, but I also prepare the people I'm with that I'm going to hold on to them somehow and follow them very closely. When I feel like sitting, I sit, but dancing and moving around is better in pairs anyway! It still always amazes me that other people can't feel the same complete lack of balance, but I'm also not afraid to use their help, which they are happy to give.
Darlene
Hi,
Regarding the fear of falling at large venues. I attend a lot of events & concerts. I get the accessible seating. Easier access & no stairs.
Thanks
Darlene
Lisa Kandel
I have balance issues myself. I tend to walk slower and take smaller steps just to be safe. I am currently in physical therapy for the balance. I'm not sure it's helping yet, but I'm hopeful. I don't drink, but I sometimes feel people think I've been drinking because I'm so unsteady on my feet. I am hopeful and praying a lot. Stay blessed!
Laurie Warner
Hi Leigh Anne!
Why not ask for handicap seating? I know MSers try to do as much as we can before moving to the next step. I think it maybe time for you to move to that next step and ask for handicap seating. I believe the pricing maybe better for you, too. Good luck and enjoy!
Lois
I have an incredible hearing doctor. Hearing aids helped my balance, my husband it noticed right away. The next time we saw her, I told her that the hearing aids helped my balance. She gave 10 pages of printed exercises. I have used these exercises twice to restore my balance on my own. The second time took me 8 weeks and 1 day doing these exercises once or twice a day.
They are from The American Institute of Balance. Some exercises have your head still and only moving only your eyes. Other have you turning your head. They are easy to understand and do.
The ones I have are:
Saccades
Visual Tracking exercise
Targets,
Horizontal Head movements
Head Circles
Focusing while turning Head
Ankle Sways
Circle sways
Ball Circles
Gate with Movements
If you can find a hearing doctor and aske them for these therapies, it may help.
Robert Zinn
I have the same issues, but going down stairs is much worse for me. Thanks for your posts.
Joyce Marr
I too have difficulty attending activities in large venues. Seats are too close together so navigating within a row is treacherous. Stairs without railings are horrifying. So I don't attend many times.
Sandy Garry
I read this and felt like it was me writing it. It’s so much to manage. Sounds like you’ve come up with a good plan! Keep going as long as you can. Continue enjoying life with the modifications that you’re comfortable with!
A Simon
I could feel my anxiety reading your article. I can’t believe they some stadiums don’t have handrails in parts of the stadium! I haven’t been in a stadium in years and probably will bypass. I did experience something similar at a movie theater in IMAX. Steep stairs (had handrails though) and then crossing in front of people in the dark getting to your seats wasn’t easy. I’m happy I’m still walking (with a bit of a limp) but it’s not easy. Oh well! One day at a time.
Yvonne Ashman
So true! Add a touch of darkness, such as dusk or dimmed lighting, and the fear multiplies exponentially. Wide open spaces also cause sheer terror for me. Going up stairs is easier than going down, but I have a physical limitation due to injuries received in a motor vehicle accident sustained decades ago - so descending anything was problematic before MS. Not fun. Mix in a healthy dose of vertigo, and the entire world reels. I haven't taken any falls - yet - but I do ask for assistance when the fear overwhelms the self talk and self encouragement that I practice every day. It's finding that balance (no pun intended) between maintaining independence and lurking indoors for any perceived 'danger of falling', embarrassing situations and etc. It is a delicate thing...
Mary Gilland
I have the same problem going to the symphony or other theatre events. I too, try to get end seats, but not always possible. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to fall in someone's lap. I do bring my cane, but it is hard to manipulate while crawling over people. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who I hold on to a lot.
Stephanie Hopper
As I read your article I felt dizzy with you! It’s so miserable. I’m sorry you are experiencing that. I personally love concerts & stadium events but due to similar issues & falls I started to avoid something I love dearly live music. So I had to accept my limitations in order to thoroughly enjoy it again Here are my stadium rules. It works for me I hope it does you too! No alcohol before or during the event. Always have someone in front of you as you go up or down stairs. This helps with your depth perception. It’s hard to see where the step ends and begins but you can see your friend or family member’s shoulders. Put one hand on the handrail when available and one on them. Try to get handicap seats when possible. Not just for individuals in a wheelchair. If I can’t be in lower levels I just don’t go. Make note of any triggers you have and adjust it accordingly. I use to enjoy a drink or two but found any alcohol greatly impacted my vertigo. Wasn’t worth it. Had cocktails after. What works for me. Wish you well! Thanks for sharing your experience. You often feel like it’s just you in that stadium feeling like you’re gonna fall!
Tammie
I have the same fear. We went to a rodeo at the Albany Civic Center in Albany, GA and as long as I had the handrail to hold on to I’m was ok but before we got to our seats, the handrail was not available. I felt like I was going to fall forward so I grabbed onto my husband. Going up was not as bad because I had the handrails to hold onto.
Barb Albers
Just reading your post makes me feel unstable! I am like Andrew, going down is the worst. For other reasons we have quit going to our alma mater but I'm not sorry to never look down at the football field again from the heights. I used to be practically the last one out of the stadium so that I wouldn't be bumped, even with the trusted arm of my husband.
Tom A
Ms Marr describes her experiences with steep stairs at stadiums as "treacherous" and "horrifying". Way before MS, even as a kid, I thought the going down part of any stair climb was the more worrisome. Stadiums made me cringe and I always thought the whole idea had something amiss. Now, those two words would certainly describe any stadium stair experience I might regrettably choose. I used to walk around too, on my roof, after diagnosis, and it was the looking down part that convinced me to stop going up there. Sometimes proving to yourself that you can still do something may be a bad idea. Remaining intact has its advantages, MS or not. My opinion.
Ellen Lerner
I have taken a couple tumbles. One was outside but I think it was because i tripped over a cement small wall. I ended fallng in dirt garden. Another time waling out of the kitchen I fell forward and hit my head on edge of stairs. That caused a cut and a little bleeding ( surprised my blood thinner didn’t make it worse, but I don’t know.) It took a few weeks before my scalp healed. I also tripped coming down 6 stairs when I had two hands full or “stuff” and either lost my balance or tripped over my slippers ( which is often the case). I don’t have a warning when these falls have happened. I do find if I turn around too fast I get a moment of slight dizziness. So now I am trying to hold the rail and try to be cognizant of my walking up and down stairs, etc. especitally when I wear shoes or slippers. I have known MS since 1957 when I was diagnosed at age 57. I have not seen any active lesions on any MRIs. To me that means I had MS long before but had no clue that anything was wrong. I have been off ms meds for past 5 years after taking Copaxone for 12 years.