Blackburn Rovers

i attended the Oxford game as a neutral with some mates from Abingdon and I have to say that the viewing positions for wheelchair users are possibly the worst I have come across. We were allocated places on the front row tucked into a corner but it was obvious that our view was going to be restricted because of the stewards gathered in front of us monitoring the crowd behind the goal. We decided to move further along the front as there were several empty seats that we could park our chairs in front of! which naturally are not as wide as our chairs. But sadly this did not help much as not only did we have an advertising hoarding in front (which runs the length of the pitch) but the pitch is raised also. In fact one of our number who was vertically challenged couldn’t see anything at all!

We we had a long chat with one of the officials who asked if we were OK. Having told her our predicament we were informed that although the ground was redeveloped in 1993 for some reason the disabled supporters did not want any raised viewing platforms which I found hard to believe. So all the wheelchair spaces were pitchside. Since the first three rows were covered in netting it wouldn’t be that difficult to construct some raised areas instead of the seats which would solve the problem.

I must say say I couldn’t fault the stewards who were trying to help us but they were very limited in what they could do And the parking arrangements were perfect but this is pointless if you can’t watch the game the same as any other supporter.

I feel sorry for the home supporters who have to endure this experience and I certainly won’t be returning anytime soon.

We only had ambulant disabled supporters in our party for this match. Pricing was full price for disabled fans and a free ticket for their helpers. We were concerned as once again our tickets were near the back of the stand and the view for those who had limited mobility and were unable to stand for would be obscured by fans in front standing. However, when we arrived we were taken in through the disabled entrance and were given seats at the front of the stand without even having to ask! The facilities were good and the disability stewards were very attentive and helpful.

Well done Blackburn you are a shining example of how to meet the needs of disabled supporters!

The “Visiting Disabled Supporters Information Sheet” supplied with the tickets was a useful document to receive. Facilities and services are fully described.

However, only 2 parking spaces are available for visiting supporters next to the ground, which is essential for larger wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Disabled help stewards were situated at the entrance to the stadium, but there was no assistance to our seat/position (as stated on information sheet). Very confusing for away fans as wheelchair bays are not marked out. Wheelchairs have to be positioned in front of the first row, and as they are wider than the standard seat width, the helper has to stand-there is no room for them to sit alongside.

Matchday steward on pitch remained standing after the game had started, catering staff appeared not to have received disability awareness training and were very unhelpful, and there were no disabled help stewards located in the concourse to provide assistance with purchasing programmes/visiting toilet.

Disappointing overall.

view from away wheelchair section

Away wheelchair positions