Stormont Vail Events Center — Attraction in Topeka

Cider Days is one of many family oriented events that we, as a community, look forward to each year. Last year was great. Sadly, this year was not so much. Had to park out by Topeka Blvd. in the grass. Others in that area decided to block ways in/out. The guys directing parking were not paying attention. I was turned away before I ever got to the entrance as my crossbody bag was not see through. Check the contents and let us move on. Once inside finally, there were many people with dark (non-see through bags). This includes fanny packs. A fanny pack is a purse of sorts. There was no consistency whatsoever. It would have been appropriate to announce the see-through bag requirement prior to this event. Women had bags that were bigger than my crossbody bag. I wonder if you realize how many people were turned away due to a purse issue? Not only were they turned away, but they left and did not return. No food trucks this year. Everyone noticed that and missed them. They are a big part of the event every year except this year. Also, had the arena been fully opened up to allow easier flow of traffic and navigation it would have been much easier for those in wheel chairs and walkers, strollers, etc. The isles were scrunched so tight that it made navigation very difficult. These issues may seem like nothing to management, but it cost you and the venders a lot of customers. We have this beautiful new event center and people were alienated....

I cant give it 5 stars because a big portion of this place was torn apart and there were construction signs and gates and fencing all over the place. I'm sure the building itself will end up nice, however, the events at this place are WAY overpriced. UPDATE late 2020: I sadly had to drop my rating from 3 stars to 2 stars. We recently went to the Events Center for an event, a door was broken, a bathroom had issues with a leak and the event was less than 1/2 of what it was last year but the price went UP. Lots of money was added to this place to shine it up and make it look top notch from Topeka Blvd...but sadly, the inside is as unimpressive as it was prior to the exterior remodel and the events are over priced and lackluster at best. UPDATE for 2023: I waited to see what new things wre in store for this place...still the same thing. Events are seriously high priced, the gun shows is $14 to walk in and see a building that is 1/3 of what it used to be. I really used to love coming here, but it has just gone down...down...down...and i no longer enjoy this...

Handicap issues so hard to get in when you have to park so far away went into one door turned away. No railings for seniors to hold on to where the stairs are so many folks nearly falling trying to get to seats. People hoarding chairs very common for the facility one man in the handicapped section saved about 5 chairs I asked for one he said no. Left in tears with pain trying to go back and forth on a walker one worker asked if I needed a medic which was thoughtful. Officer offered one lady a shorter walk going up the back stairs to get to an fro and when I said is there a way for me he said no, you have to go out and around get back in the elevator check in every time . So as seeing no handicapped places to park and no help getting from floor to floor without a strenuous walk . No seats for handicap in the highschool area and no admittance for handicap at but one door the furthest one away well I don't recommend this venue for seniors unless your in good...