Garrett Coliseum — Attraction in Montgomery

This was my First and LAST time attending a function at this coliseum. The actual event/performance was Great but that was the only great part. I have never been to an event at this location before. I was VERY DISAPPOINTED with my experience. There are so many things that were not right. As stated this was my First time there so there are thing things that I was not aware of. Apparently they must have had some issues prior with people bringing in "weapons", so now they only allow you to bring " CLEAR Purses/BAGS/Zip Lock bags" inside, which I guess is understandable 🧐 However according to their website there are Some Exceptions, (medical necessities, etc....) as long as they can inspect/search the contents of your bag. Apparently their personnel needs to be informed or educated about it. I am a DIABETIC and I have ASTHMA as well as have to use a cane to get around. I have certain things that I have to have available at ALL times. I was willing to have my purse searched but that didn't happen. I had to take my medication out of my purse and carry it either in my "hand" (cane in the other one) or put it in my pocket along with my wallet (INSULIN pen,INHALER, etc...) plus navigate STEEP NARROW steps and CLOSE seating. There are NO ELEVATORS by the way. If I HAD an emergency I would have been SCREWED because I couldn't get to my medical supplies due to them being in my pocket and in such a TIGHT space. I keep what I need to have if my glucose drops and Insulin if it gets too high. Thank GOD it didn't drop because I had NOTHING 🤷🏾‍♀️. This place is not very ACCOMMODATING to people with special needs. It is DISCOURAGING to be subjected to this type of atmosphere, so I would NOT recommend this place to anyone who has not only mobility issues but major medical issues. It's NOT worth the trouble or effort to attend any event at this location. If there is another event like the WWE wrestling tour or whatever you are into, if you have any medical limitations then I FIRMLY urge you to wait for a better location to attend...

ANF is often confused with the other smaller fairs that you'll see set up in towns through out Al. However, ANF is the BIG 'national' fair ONLY found in Montgomery, AL. Happens same time every year/ late fall. At the same location since the 1st fair. This is a historical building Garrett Coliseum. It's the only fund raiser of the Mtg Kiwanis Club. It's professionally organized, safety being 1st concern, family fun next. Planned to run for 10 days, multiple kinds of special rates for each day. Variety of entertainment for all ages, free concerts with paid admission, rides, livestock shows/competition, games, food, local & fair vendors, cooking, art, 4H contest. Local MPD police & sheriff's Dept patrolling all areas from traffic, parking, indoors, midway, sky box, child lost & found (children may be given an ID bracelet upon entrance if the guardians choose to do so). You will see these patrol officers everywhere you look. Local ambulance & EMTs on midway & inside building for any medical needs that might need to be checked. ATM's on premises. No weapons, alcohol, drugs, allowed or sold. Paid parking lots or free parking outside of gates. Discount tickets & wristband sales prior to the opening dates of fair. ANF info, dates, schedules, concerts, prices/specials, & staff can be found online or in each years pamphlet. Also can call for any questions.

It's a real clean, safe, fun environment for the whole family to go & enjoy having...

Didn't like some of the recent changes that have been made and other things. During the AOHA State Championship Show, the timed event classes are held at Crawford Arena. Some things I strongly disliked or was disappointing: All bleachers opposite the announcers stand have been removed thus 1/2 the seating and limiting the spectator view. The camping area without electricity was not even mowed although there were numerous trailers/campers using that area. The "roads" throughout the barns were in terrible condition made even worse by rain. Patrons can no longer park around the barns which made unloading/repacking animals and gear very inconvenient. The ladies showers and bathroom in the arena area were filthy, had toilet paper with mold, not all sinks work, missing shower curtain from 1 of 3 showers, locks on stalls broken or barely working (not to mention the stalls are SO small one's knees rub the door!). Hated the main gate to arena area is open to foot or golf cart traffic only as well as entrance to no elec camping area. VERY inconvenient having to drive all the way around back of campgrounds and through barn area to get to arena, bathroom and food vendors. Many older visitors are not capable of walking that distance in 96° heat several times a day! Was much better in the past! On plus side, the vendor at Crawford Arena had very good selection of food available throughout the day, was fresh, hot and...