Overview

Our first visit here recently was to see Weezer. Upon arrival we were greeted by a member of staff who explained the procedure for entry and collecting our tickets from the box office. After a cursory search by security we collected our tickets and were escorted to the disabled area, with is to left side of the auditorium and at a height that afforded a clear view of the stage. The disabled area measured about 25ft x 10ft and is at a right angle to the stage, with no fixed seating. We were first in so had the pick of where to pitch ourselves; we took up a position about forty to fifty feet from the stage. Throughout the concert we had an excellent and uninterrupted view of the stage. There were two members of staff in the disabled area looking after us and preventing interlopers from gaining access. There were two bars in the auditorium, one quite close to us that a wheelchair user could probably get to, perhaps with assistance from a member of staff. I didn't notice a lowered counter at the bar though, nor was a 'drinks to your seat' service offered. At the end of the concert it was perhaps a good ten minutes before the auditorium cleared and we were able to make our way to the exit. The staff were ready with the ramp; just make sure you go down backwards, unless you are not bothered about your footrests and feet.

Transport & Parking

Disabled on street parking nearby. We stayed in a hotel nearby.

Access

There were a good few steps at the front and I had read that the incline of the portable ramp made it tricky for some wheelchair users to get up it. Not so for my wife, her powerchair made quite easy work of it, although it is a bit of a beast.

Toilets

The disabled toilet is a good size and you need a Radar key for it, which prevents it from being abused and helps to keep it in a good state of cleanliness. That though is the only good thing I can say about it. It's location is not convenient for a wheelchair user, being that it is right at the back of the auditorium about eighty feet or so from the disabled area. Not so bad if you have a catheter but if you don't and you need to go, you are going to have to fight your way through eighty feet of wall to wall bodies. And you know what it's like, most able bodied folk can't see below chest height and are oblivious to wheelchairs......ooh, all those ankles and feet for the taking!

Staff

Excellent accessibility aware staff

Anything else you wish to tell us?

All in all: excellent accessibility aware staff and a spacious disabled area offering an excellent view. With no A/C, the venue did have a sweaty club vibe to it though, you should have seen the state of the floor at the end. A big thumbs down for the location of the accessible toilet.

Photos