Update on accessibility changes at Vitality Stadium

AFC Bournemouth are taking a staged approach to the work with a view to be fully compliant with Premier League commitments by the 2020/21 season, when the club’s vision is to move into its new stadium.

The first step of the work has already begun, with new elevated positions being created for wheelchair users and their personal assistants.

There will be:

• A new position for four wheelchair users and four personal assistants in block 16 of the East Stand.
• A new position for 21 wheelchair users and 21 personal assistants in what is currently hospitality seating for the Top Floor Restaurant.
• A new position for four wheelchair users and four personal assistants in the away section of the stadium (block 24 of the East Stand).

Wheelchair positions on the current East Stand elevated platform will also increase from eight to ten, while platforms in the North Stand will remain but will have handrails installed and marked bays for wheelchairs.

Due to the improvements, 64 season ticket holders in the East Stand and Main Stand will be affected, along with 118 hospitality seats.
Hospitality guests will be relocated to upgraded seating in block two of the Main Stand. Ninety per cent of those seats are not currently occupied by season ticket holders.

Other improvements being made at Vitality Stadium this summer include:

• Accessible signage around the stadium will be enhanced and increased.
• Automatic doors have been installed at main reception and the Superstore.
• An undercover drop-off zone is being created.
• Relevant staff have undergone additional disability awareness training.
• More disability-focussed stewards will be allocated.

In addition, the club are currently investigating the feasibility of a Changing Places toilet at Vitality Stadium.

“We have taken these measures following consultation with our Disabled Focus Group, as well as the Safety Advisory Group,” explained AFC Bournemouth Disabled Access Officer, Alice Jeans.

“Meeting the disability access commitments in full will prove extremely challenging, given the structural and logistical nature of Vitality Stadium, which is not owned by the club.

“However, this work will increase elevated wheelchair positions by 31, to 41 positions, which meets more than 50 per cent of the current requirement under the Accessible Stadia Guide.

“And the club have assured the Premier League that all disability access requirements will be met in its proposed new stadium, which the club are due to move into in time for the 2020/21 season.

“We have done everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum and have contacted all season ticket holders and hospitality clients affected, to work with them and find the best possible alternative seating.

“Spaces on the platforms will be allocated on a match-by-match basis to ensure all disabled supporters get to use the elevated positions.

“The club will continue to meet its overall required number of wheelchair positions. However, where they are not taken up the relevant three seats per wheelchair user will be allocated on a match-by-match basis for general admission.”