The Pilgrimage Ministry and the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church are committed to producing an event that enables all attendees, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.
Paragraph 1621 of the Book of Discipline establishes the Church’s recognition and affirmation of the full humanity and personhood of all individuals with mental, physical, developmental, neurological and psychological conditions or disabilities as full members of the family of God. The NC Conference Committee on Ministries with Differently Abled Persons, led by the Social Principles, “calls the Church and society to be sensitive to, and advocate for, programs of rehabilitation, services, employment, education, appropriate housing and transportation.” They further “call on the Church and society to protect the civil rights of persons with all types and kinds of disabilities.”
Overview of the Pilgrimage Event:
The annual Pilgrimage event takes place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC. The event is made up of four (4) concert-style sessions in which speakers, musicians and performers execute performance acts from a large stage. Eye magnification feeds (that are fed to three large screens) are provided to allow for assisted viewing of the events on the stage. Any performance that requests audience engagement (singing along to songs performed, read-and-answer activities, etc) utilizes the need for reading text present on one of the three large screens previously referenced. The event uses audio amplification to project audio sources (voices, music, audio in videos, etc) throughout the coliseum space. Audio and visual effects that include, but are not limited to, fast and sporadic light flashes; loud music with high ranges of treble and bass frequencies; fast camera movements on the eye magnification feeds; and others are utilized at the event. More than 4,000 attendees attend the event and participate in each session. During each session, house lights are dimmed to create focus for the events performed on the stage. During mass movements (gathering, dismissal, etc), house lights are turned on to assist in the smooth flow of attendee traffic. In times of mass movements, concourse and travel areas (stairways in sections, etc) can become congested. Gathering times (entry and exit) and events during the session can be stimulating and active due to excitement and energy from attendees. Seating is general and non-reserved. Accessible seating is available upon request. Parking is general and non-reserved. Accessible parking is available and provided upon request in the North VIP parking lot at the Crown Coliseum. A drop-off lane is provided for buses/vans that must park in general parking.
Inclusive language (i.e. “please stand if able” rather than “please stand”) is requested of all presenters and performers.
Event coordinators can be found at the Event Management Desk in the North Lobby near the registration desks.
Venue Information:
The Crown Complex strives to provide a safe and enjoyable experience to all visitors. Read the full Crown Complex Accessibility Notice. The coliseum space houses an ice floor that is covered for the Pilgrimage event. Thus, the coliseum space is kept at a cool temperature. Some attendees may find the temperature to be cooler than preferred. Medical, safety and security services are provided. Service animals — as established by local, state and fenderal law — are allowed and welcomed in the venue.
Accessibility Requests:
The Pilgrimage Ministry accepts accessibility requests in advance of the event to ensure that all attendees can experience the Pilgrimage event fully. Please submit any accessible parking and seating requests using this form.