Accessibility Experiences at the Euros: A Report from Scotland Supporter Sanjeev Mann
Scotland supporter and wheelchair user Sanjeev Mann was lucky enough to get tickets to all four Euros fixtures at Hampden Park. We talked to him about his personal experience of visiting football stadia in the UK and abroad.
Which team have you been supporting in the Euros?
Scotland! I live in Ayr, South Ayrshire and I’ve supported the Scotland National team since I was born. I try to get to as many games as possible, so it’s amazing to finally see us at a tournament after 23 years. Even
better that some of the games were at Hampden.
What do you love most about watching football live?
I love the atmosphere when at games, it’s something that you can’t really get anywhere else or from any other sport. I just think football has that extra passion and there is nothing better than celebrating your team scoring a goal, never mind winning trophies.
Sanjeev with Jurgen Klopp
How was the experience from an accessibility point of view?
Mostly good. I applied for tickets online a while ago and everything went smoothly when I requested a wheelchair and carer ticket – I just had to prove my disability which is fairly normal anyway these days when purchasing tickets and applying for a free companion ticket.
I was even able to apply for free disabled parking online too which was a great help. This made it so much easier travelling to and from the Stadium. I live about an hour away and drove up in my wheelchair accessible car and parked quite close to the stadium, although we couldn’t find the parking at first because it wasn’t well signposted so missed the beginning of the game which was annoying. Also, a lot of the volunteers and stewards had no idea where the parking was or where to go which was extremely frustrating.
Access to the stadium could have been better. We arrived at a gate and were told to go to the other side (to the road entrance) because the only other way to get to my allotted gate was to use my wheelchair on a bumpy grassy path which is not ideal or comfortable for me. Eventually, stewards guided us towards the entrance of the stadium via a ramp that was narrow and had drains running across every two metres but the (non-accessible) ramp beside it was smooth, which was a bit strange.
The seating was great and I had the perfect view of the pitch with no obstructions, but I think this was because I sat at the top of the North Stand, rather than pitch side which can be awkward sometimes with the
advertising boards.
General access within the stadium was good and the stewards opened gates with no issues. The toilets could have been signposted better and could have been bigger to allow for larger wheelchairs and companion/carer, but were conveniently placed and easy to get in to once I found them.
Signage at Hampden Park
Tell us about your experience with the Changing Places toilet at Hampden Park
I only use an accessible toilet and didn’t know that there was a Changing Places toilet as it wasn’t highlighted at all.
Have you been to other stadiums in Europe? How did they compare accessibility-wise?
Yes, I have been to quite a few stadiums in Europe and I think Hampden is definitely in the upper half of good accessible stadiums. The best I’ve been to has to be Anfield because everything is clearly signposted and the stewards are brilliant – you can even order food and drink at half time then get it delivered to your seat. They also often give people free cups of tea when it’s cold! Another accessible stadium is the Nou Camp, which has really big accessible toilets although the view isn’t the best. Celtic Park and Ibrox are both quite accessible (although parking is an issue at both).
Would the lack of accessibility of a stadium stop you from going to a game?
I don’t think so, although it does mean a lot more planning is involved, and time to look for parking, find toilets, etc. I can understand why it would stop some people from going to a stadium because it can be frustrating. For me the main issue is usually parking close to the stadium because most don’t have official disabled parking.
What would you ask Football Clubs to do to make games more accessible to disabled fans?
As I have mentioned before, having official accessible parking close to the stadium would be a great help, especially because many disabled people like myself travel to the games in their cars, as often public transport isn’t accessible, especially in the UK. Also, I think they need better signposting for things like accessible gates, toilets and kiosks. Also, making sure seating isn’t just pitch-side or obstructed by advertising boards, as well as having a choice of where to sit much like gigs. In addition, it would be great for clubs (and national stadiums) to make sure ramps and paths around the stadium are flat.
What do you think England’s chances are of winning the Euros?
I think England have okay chances but I wouldn’t say they are the favourites (not saying this just because I’m Scottish!). I think if they beat Germany in the next round then they will get to the final – since they managed to be on the good side of the draw, avoiding Portugal, Italy and France – the three best teams for me.
ABOUT SANJEEV MANN
Sanjeev is a writer, radio journalist and BBC Social content creator with a love for all things music, memes, gaming, film and Liverpool FC. He has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle weakening condition that progresses over time.
ABOUT AVESO
Aveso have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013 as sponsors, and we are passionate about growing awareness of Changing Places toilets, and increasing the number of installations. Aveso provide free, expert advice on all aspects of Changing Places requirements, and also offer free CPD sessions covering legislation, requirements and specifications, planning and design. Please contact us for support on a Changing Places Project.
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman, based in the UK, are the only manufacturer of the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including wall mounted and mobile changing tables, ceiling hoists and height adjustable washbasins. As product designers, they are innovative and forward thinking, continually seeking to improve and develop new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets. Astor Bannerman offer a full project management service to assist all aspects of a Changing Places project from design through to installation and launch. Please contact Astor Bannerman for design, specification and project management support.
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