AFC Bournemouth
Tuesday night’s game v Peterborough United will see the return of the DC Lounge as part of the pre match facilities for disabled supporters.
The DC lounge is open pre-match, from 90 minutes before kick-off, to both home and visiting disabled supporters, free of charge. The DC Lounge is based on the ground floor and first floor in the east stand for the use of disabled supporters and their PAs.
The lounge offers screens showing live televised matches, a refreshment service of complimentary hot drinks, team sheets and a matchday quiz to test your footballing knowledge. There are two accessible toilets, located on the first floor, and a lift service is available.
The club's EDI manager, Hannah Powis, told afcb.co.uk: “Over past seasons the DC Lounge has proved a popular place for disabled supporters to meet and socialise before a matchday.
"It is a hugely important part of the matchday experience for our disabled supporters and we are delighted to have it reopened and to welcome our disabled supporters back to the DC Lounge.”
In addition, the club has a number of facilities available to disabled supporters:
Dedicated Viewing Areas
The club provides several dedicated viewing areas for disabled supporters, situated in all four stands.
Supporters should contact Disability Access Officer, Hannah Powis through email to book a place on the elevated viewing platforms. Bookings should be submitted in advance of the match and places will be allocated and confirmed two days prior to the match to ensure use of the platform is fairly distributed across the season.
Accessible parking
The club offers 41 accessible parking spaces on site at Vitality Stadium in the main car park as well as the south car park.
If you are a wheelchair user and need one of the wider spaces, please advise the steward on entry to either car park.
If you are a Blue Badge holder but do not need a wider space, please head straight to the south car park where you will be directed by a steward.
There is no charge for Blue Badge holders – evidence will be required. The club’s policy is to reserve spaces for the use of disabled supporters for as long as possible, however, it is important to note that there is no guarantee of matchday parking on the basis of being a Blue Badge holder.
All supporters attending matches at Vitality Stadium and wishing to park in this car park are advised to arrive early as the car park usually reaches capacity around 75 minutes before kick-off.
Car parking is also available to visiting disabled supporters upon request. Visiting supporters will need to contact the Disability Access Officer in advance of the matchday should they wish to book a car parking space, by emailing [email protected].
Accessibility Card
The club provide accessibility cards to supporters that may have a disability, medical condition or an access requirement. The card enables supporters to easily identify themselves to staff should they require assistance or access to the stadium’s accessible facilities without further explanation.
These cards are optional, and staff will still be happy to assist supporters without one. To request a card, please contact the club’s Disability Access Officer, Hannah Powis, at [email protected].
Accessibility Team
Should you have any questions or require any additional help on matchday, our matchday accessibility liaison team are available around the ground. The team wear blue high visibility jackets on a matchday and will visit all areas of the stadium. If required, they will also be able to contact the disability access officer for you.
To see the clubs full access statement please click here.
