As a disabled boxing fan one of my biggest concerns is will the arena be accessible, and suitable for my needs. I know a lot of boxing fans with access requirements who have the same concerns. So as someone who goes to boxing events regularly. I thought it might be a good idea to make a list of some of the arenas around the country that are suitable for fans with access needs. All the arenas on this list I have personally been to so I am speaking from experience.
This arena has good access through out, they have NCP parking with designated disabled parking which can be booked in advance or it is done on a first come first serve basis. There is a lift that will take you from the car park to the entrance to the arena. The box office along with all the food and merchandise stands have lowered counters. There are disabled toilets through out the arena in all the toilet blocks, there are also unisex disabled toilets that use radar keys. I have found that the toilets are a bit on the small side especially if you need assistants from a carer. There are designated seating areas in the arena for a wheelchair user and their carer. These provide a really good view of all the action, and you don’t have to worry about your view been restricted when people stand as the viewing area is raised. You may even meet a celebrity or two as the disabled seating is next to the VIP boxes. The one thing I do have to say about this area is it can often be cold so take a coat.
Like most arenas The Manchester Arena dose offer a free carer ticket if required, however you will need to register to their access scheme to do this you will need to download the form from the link below you will also need to provide proof of your disability. Disabled tickets can only be booked over the phone or in person.
If you need anymore information contact them directly and I know they will be happy to help. It can take sometime for them to answer the phone so you may have to be patient.
The O2 Arena
This Arena in my opinion is one of the best in the country both for watching boxing and for its access. It has a big car park with wide spaces, however this should be booked in advance one to guarantee you a space and two because it is cheaper if you book it in advance then paying on the night. When booking parking you will need your cars registration number and your Blue Badge number. The car park is a short walk away from the arena itself but all the ground is level and I have never had a problem myself. Once inside you may have to queue up to get in which can be a bit of a pain. Once inside there are disabled toilets throughout the arena, but they do not use radar keys. The toilets themselves are a really good size you can easily get a wheelchair and a carer in and still have room to move.
One really good thing about The O2 is that they have more than one place for wheelchair users to sit, my favourite place is on the floor on a raised platform sitting here you are really close to the action you can even hear the punches land, and the boxers have to walk past you on their ring walks. Another good thing about sitting here is you get waitress service at your seat so you don’t have to struggle getting food or drinks plus you won’t miss any of the action. If you can’t sit there the rest of the disabled seats are at the back of the arena you still get a really good view.
The O2 dose offer a free carer ticket if required you will need to provide proof of your disability when booking. If you need any more information click on the link below and I’m sure they will be able to help
The Echo Arena
The car park is a short walk from the arena itself but all the ground is flat. Once inside there are plenty of disabled toilets but they do not use radar keys, they are a bit on the small side it can be tight with a wheelchair and a carer. The seating area although offering a good unobstructed view, can feel a little bit like your sitting on top of one another. One big plus for this arena is the fact that the staff couldn’t be more friendly or helpful if they tried
The Echo dose offer a free carer ticket, but you will have to register for their access scheme which is just a matter of sending an email to the link below, if you need any help contact the arena directly
The Sheffield Arena
The car park is right outside the doors to the arena and can be booked in advance. Once inside there is a lift to take you up to the concourse or a ramp outside depending on what entrance you use. There are disabled toilets throughout the arena all use radar keys, they are an ok size. The viewing area offer a good unobstructed view and they are well spaced out.
Unlike most arenas the Sheffield arena doesn’t always offer a free carer ticket, but it’s always worth asking. To discuss your access needs contact the arena directly
The Barclaycard Arena
There are a number of disabled car Parking spaces. There are a number of disabled toilets around the arena both with and without radar key locks. The toilets themselves are a little small, if you need a carers help. The seating areas offer a good unobstructed view, just remember to ask a steward to lower the safety rail. If you need more information use the link below to contact the arena who will be happy to help.
I hope you have found this guide helpful. Here’s my top tip Google the arena you want to go to and put the word accessible after it. If you do need more help finding an accessible arena feel free to use the Contact Us form or comment below and I will do my best to help.
A very interesting topic and I’m sure disabled people will find very useful great work and helpful well done.
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