Amazing night at a live music event
5
5
Date of visit: December 2017
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Disabled access entry point is clearly sign posted, which takes you to the ground floor. There are lifts to every tier- complete level access! Plenty of staff around in yellow jackets to direct you to where you need to go/to ask any questions. All were friendly, and, knowledgeable about access and where to find things we wanted. Bar/food about 50-ish steps to the left or right of the lift, with toilets almost immediately after. In the main room itself, the disabled access seating goes all the way around the venue at the top of the lower tier. The view was incredible! (photo doesn't do it justice). Disabled toilets positioned both at men's and women's bathrooms with grab rails, pull cord not tied up. I wasn't aware of a changing place, but there may have been one available elsewhere. Merchandise was available on the ground floor. They are sliver rated for best practice by the charity Attitude is Everything, who work with venues to improve access to live music.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Signage was very clear and straightforward. Completely step free with disabled access all the way around the venue's lower tier- view was unparalleled!
Parking & Transport
Good
We walked to the venue as I live nearby, going through the Merrion Centre onto Arena way. The bus can drop you outside the Merrion centre to walk through, although it can be quite busy, and could be considered quite a distance for some. It's about 5 minutes from the Merrion centre to the entrance of the arena. (if people are staying over, there's a premier inn directly facing it)
Accessible Toilets
Good
Fine for me- grab rails, red cord, lighting not too bright after coming out of a dark arena space. Might struggle if you have a PA with you, as the toilets weren't huge. It would be doable, but a bit of a squeeze.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were amazing! super friendly and very knowledgeable about access needs. There were plenty of them dotted around if people needed assistance or had questions about locating things.
Additional Information
Me and my mum both said we would now consider booking a gig at the arena before other places, if available. Only thing that's a little annoying is getting the tickets via the disabled booking line- we ended up having to buy regular tickets on tickermaster, that the venue kindly upgraded so that it was step free for me!
