Manchester Arena

finnberrys

17 Jun 2023

Awesome night out and very impressed with access at the AO Arena!

4.5

4.5

Date of visit: June 2023

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.

Overall Rating

Excellent

We went to see Hans Zimmer in concert on a Friday evening. It was a very hot day and we were expecting some challenges arriving in a busy city venue in a heatwave on a weekend. It was actually much easier than we expected and we had a fantastic night out as a family.

Disabled Access In and Around

Excellent

Our experience of getting into and around the Arena was excellent! Obviously, when entering a building with 15,000 people, it gets extremelly busy. They take disabled people into a different security check area, bypassing the main queues. We then bypassed another queue for the lift. Once up to the main level, it was heaving with people queuing for food and drinks, but I did expect that. In spite of how busy it was, the accessible toilet (on RADAR lock) was always available without much of a wait. Inside the arena, we were able to sit together as a family (possibly the first time we have been able to have more than one person sitting with me) and there was easily enough space for us and my assistance dog. The ramp onto the wheelchair platform was pretty steep and I needed assistance to get up safely.

Parking & Transport

Good

We arrived by car and parked in the onsite car park (CitiPark). The whole negative is that you cannot pre-book accessible spaces, which adds to the stress, not knowing whether you'll get a space or not. However, we arrived just before 5pm and got parked very easily. As others have mentioned re train station, signage could be better. We took a while to find our way out of the car park.

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

I always dread accessible toilets in busy places being filthy and having long queues. The toilets here was spotlessly clean right through the evening and I didn't to wait once. This contributed to a stress-free concert.

Staff

Excellent

The staff were all very pleasant and helpful. In the wheelchair seating area, there were several dedicated stewards, clearly marked and they kept a close eye on everyone throughout the concert.

Additional Information

Word of warning to anyone with an assistance dog, considering attending a concert, it is loud and dark with light displays and likely to be a little scary for most dogs. Fortunately mine is okay with sudden loud noises, so she was fine.