As you will probably know by now, we love a good old road trip to see our favourite bands. So it was good to head down to Sheffield to see The 1975 at Sheffield Arena. We knew we were in for a brilliant show as we had just seen The 1975 at The SSE Hydro Glasgow two weeks prior as well as a few years ago. Our first experience attending this arena was amazing so I’m excited to share my Sheffield Arena wheelchair access review.
Booking Accessible Tickets at Sheffield Arena
Having never been to the Sheffield Arena before, we were unsure about accessibility and the process of booking accessible tickets. Thankfully, we didn’t have to worry, and the whole process was fairly quick and easy.
The Sheffield arena website has an accessibility section with helpful information, including disabled parking, viewing platforms, accessible toilets, medical requirements, booking tickets, walking distances, and more.
As instructed, we called the accessible ticket line to book and were pleasantly surprised that we were able to get through relatively easily. The agent booking our tickets was very helpful and asked if we’d like to book disabled parking as well. We got the parking added to our booking, which cost £10.
In order to secure my free PA/companion ticket, I had to provide proof of disability. I submitted a copy of my disability via email, and once it was received, the Box Office approved it and posted my tickets. You can provide a copy of your DLA/PIP benefit award letter, Access Card etc.
Getting To The Arena
We were staying two nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sheffield Park. It was around a 15-minute drive to Sheffield city centre and a 20-minute drive from the hotel to the arena. Valley Centertainment Leisure Park was located across from the arena, with a range of restaurants as well as bowling, cinema, adventure golf, laser quest etc. We had dinner at Frankie and Benny’s before heading to the gig.
Disabled Parking at Sheffield Arena
As we approached the arena, we made our way towards the stewards standing at the car park entrance. We asked for disabled parking and explained we were booked into the red car park. The steward informed us there was no such things as colours and there was no red car park.
This concerned us, as we had definitely booked disabled parking, and our ticket said RED. As soon as we said it was disabled parking the steward said “Oh yeah, we have red disabled parking.”
I would have thought the parking stewards would be clear on this sort of thing, and had we not questioned her initial response, we probably would have turned the car around in search of somewhere else to park.
Disabled parking is right at the front, and there are a good number of parking bays. They weren’t all taken, either. It was a very short distance from the disabled parking to the arena entrance.
The door steward checked our tickets, searched my bag and let us in. We then headed for the lift to take us to the main arena.
Wheelchair Accessibility & Accessible Seating
Once we exited the lift and through a set of doors into the concourse, we approached a staff member to ask which direction section 103 was in. It was only a short distance from the lift and once inside the support act, Pale Waves were already on stage, so it was dark as the lights were off.
We couldn’t find our seats, so we asked the first steward we saw, who then advised us to speak to another steward further up, which we did. This steward looked at our tickets and told us to wait while she went away for a few minutes. When she returned, she asked if we wouldn’t mind going to a different section, which was actually at the back of the arena.
As we paid forSectionn 103, that’s where we wanted to sit, not further away at the back of the arena. The reason she asked us was because someone was sitting in our seats, and she didn’t want to ask them to move.
The supervisor appeared and agreed with us, pointed out the person who was not meant to be in our section, and instructed the steward to move them.
Initially, the woman refused to move out of the seat, but eventually, she did and we were able to get the seats we paid for.
The view of the stage from Section 103 was great and we were really impressed. The accessible seating bays were raised higher than the rows in front so even when the rows in front of us stood up we were still able to see without any problems.
I didn’t use the accessible toilet at Sheffield Arena, so I’m not able to comment on the accessibility from a wheelchair user’s perspective.
However, the arena’s website has an accessibility section with information on the number and location of the accessible toilets.
There is also a changing facility with a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench and a tracking hoist system located at Entry B, but it’s unclear if this is just a changing room or a changing places toilet (I’m still awaiting clarification).
The 1975
At the risk of sounding over the top, The 1975 at Sheffield was absolutely INCREDIBLE. The BEST show I have ever been to and that is saying a lot. I didn’t think they would be able to top their Glasgow show at The SSE Hydro two weeks before, but I was so wrong.
The 1975 were on another level in Sheffield. Maybe because it was the last show on their blockbuster UK tour or maybe the energy from the crowd was different. Whatever it was, it was amazing!
Frontman, Matt Healy was dressed in blue overalls while the rest of the band wore smart shirts. They opened the show with upbeat tracks “Give Yourself a Try”, “Love Me”, “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME” before going into mellower songs like “A Change of Heart”, “Loving Someone” and “Fallingforyou”. The last section of the show featured more big hits like “Love It If We Made It”, “Girls” and “Sex”.
Everything about the show was amazing. The best show we’ve been to in terms of the stage and lights show. There was even a travellator across the front of the stage which Matt walked and danced across. I can’t describe how much I enjoyed this show.
I’ve been on a high ever seen I saw them in Sheffield and I cannot wait to see them again in August at Glasgow Summer Sessions.
What Is It Like To Attend Sheffield Arena In A Wheelchair?
Here is my Sheffield vlog from our road trip and if you would like to see what it was like to attend the Sheffield Arena in my wheelchair, skip to 12:26 in the video. From disabled parking, entering the arena, and lift access to finding our accessible seating bay to the view from the accessible area. Bonus footage featuring the incredible The 1975.
Final Thoughts
Sheffield Arena is a fantastic venue for accessibility and I was very impressed with the level of access. I found the process of booking accessible tickets and disabled parking easy and stress-free. The disabled parking is only a very short distance from the entrance and once inside there is a lift to the concourse level.
The accessible seating bays provide a great view of the stage without any restrictions. The 1975 were the icing on the cake and if you ever get the chance to see them live…DO it! You will not be disappointed. We will definitely return to Sheffield Arena in the future.
Have you been to Sheffield Arena before? How did you find accessibility in and around the arena?
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sheffield Park
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The 1975 were Better than chocolate at The Hydro | Venue Access Review
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One Response
That’s great. It seems to be very wonderful place to visit.