Overview

I attended ABBA voyage at the purpose built ABBA arena. It was an amazing experience. The staff and access hosts are amazing and I had such an enjoyable experience. It felt like access had been really thought through when designing the venue that was finished being built in May 2022. A real example of inclusive designs. I had such a great time that I want to go back again and again.

Transport & Parking

There are 10 blue badge bays that need to be pre booked to use them by contacting the venue. This was a really easy process and done via email. We were met at the gate to the car park and checked name then let in. The staff were helpful in the car park and checked if we needed help. It is also next to Pudding Mill Lane station which has step free access.

Access

We were taken up the ramp from the car park, through security to the waiting area. Told where we could access toilets etc. We then went around the gift shop, there was a zig zag to look at the larger merchandise area. This wax passable in a wheelchair. We had pre ordered drinks and could collect them from an easy access counter. There could have been a few more easy access counters, but they do give companion tickets so you can take someone to help access these. When the doors opened we were ushered to the front of the queue and taken in first. We were helped to identify where to sit. The arena/Ticketmaster send out a questionnaire in advance to see if you want a seat or a space which I was impressed with. Unfortunately there was an error and I arrived to a seat where we booked a wheelchair space. The staff corrected this swiftly. The staff were just amazing throughout. The access host explained where they would be if I needed anything whilst the show happened. The space was really wide and if people stood up in front of me they didn’t block my view which was well thought out. We were advised to wait until most people had left at the end to exit which was a good plan and worked well.

Toilets

They had large accessible loos easily available. They had sturdy grab rails, lowered hooks and a large mirror. Plenty of turning space. Whilst the venue did not have a changing places toilet I believe there is one close by in the Olympic park.

Staff

The staff were just fantastic. So enthusiastic and keen for the show. Juan (I think that’s the right spelling) was probably the most genuinely enthusiastic staff member I’ve ever met. He was just lovely and so friendly as well. It was clear a lot of the staff were really enjoying their work. The access hosts we met were David who met us in the car park and William who spoke to us in the arena. Just amazing and so helpful. The staff really are a huge asset to this show/venue.

Photos