Newcastle united

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NEWCASTLE UNITED

Disability Access

Statement

Last updated - 17/07/2017

V2.0

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Introduction

St. James’ Park is the home stadium of Newcastle United Football Club

and is located in the heart of Newcastle less than a mile away from the

city centre and its extensive amenities.

The stadium itself

is the sixth largest football stadium in the United

Kingdom and its white cantilever roof, the largest in Europe, is visible

across the city.

Besides Premier League and Football League football, St. James' Park has

previously been used for international football matches, as a football

venue for the 2012 Olympics and as a rugby venue for both the 2015

Rugby World Cup and the 2015 & 2016 Rugby League Magic Weekends.

In addition, the stadium has also hosted charity football events, rock

concerts and has been used as a set for film and reality television

We look forward to welcoming you to St. James’ Park and hope this

document will help appease any questions or concerns you may have

about attending. If it does not, we urge you to contact the club

employees listed below who will be more than willing to help in order

to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Stadium Information for Disabled Fans

The current capacity of St. James’ Park is 52,354 of which 160 seats are

allocated as wheelchair spaces. A large proportion of these seats are

used by season ticket holders, however, a number of wheelchair

spaces are available on a game by game, first come first served basis.

Wheelchair users

Newcastle United has accessible viewing area for wheelchair users in all

4 of stands and offers viewing positions in both elevated and pitch side

locations. Supporters who have a fear of heights may feel unnerved by

the view of the stadium from Level 7(see figure 1 below) and should

contact the Match day Disabled Liaison Officer prior to attending.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 1. View from Level 7 Viewing Platform (home and away supporters)

Those wheelchair users at pitch level need to be aware of the

possibility of being struck by the match ball in the event of the ball going

into the crowd. It should also be noted that whilst the entire stadium is

under cover, supporters at pitch side and level 1 areas of the stadium

are still liable to get wet dependant on the wind direction and are

advised to wear clothing appropriate to the weather forecasted.

Examples of the different views experienced by wheelchair users located

in the different stands of the ground as shown in figures 2 and 3 below.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 2. South stand viewing area (home supporters)

Figure 3. North stand viewing accessible area (home supporters)

NUFC Disability Access Statement

The club employs a specific Safeguarding and Welfare steward on match

days whose specific responsibility is to assist supporters with mobility

issues on match days in order to enhance their match day experience.

Assistance from such steward can be arranged by contacting the Disabled

Liaison Officer (see contact info below).

There are 12 wheelchair positions available for visiting supporters

situated in the ‘Away End’ of the ground which is located in Upper

Level 7 of the North Stand (Leazes stand). All 12 of these wheelchair

spaces have unrestricted views from accessible viewing platforms (as

shown in figure 1 previously).

Further Adjustments

In addition to the provision for wheelchairs described, the club also

offers other adjustments within the stands to meet the needs of

supporters with other disabilities or impairments. These include

offering match commentary for sight impaired supporters and

accommodating assistance dogs as and when required.

The club currently offers audio commentary and headsets for up to 24

sight impaired supporters via a commentary system tuned in to a local

radio station. These seats are located in the North East corner of the

stadium, as shown in figure 4 below, and tickets for such seats must be

purchased specifically through the Box Office Disabled Liaison Officer

(contact info below). Supporters can bring their own headsets if they so

wish and jack-plug adaptors are available on request from nearby

stewards.

As seats in this area are limited in number, in the event a supporter is

unable to access such a seat, supporters may also bring their own radios or

portable internet devices to listen to match commentary on. For some

supporters this may be a preferable option if the North East corner

location within the ground is not somewhere they wish to sit or they wish

to use a specific radio or internet streaming device.

Nearby safety stewards will be happy to assist in the tuning of radios and

internet streaming devices.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 4. Sight impaired audio commentary seating area.

The Club also have a 10 DAB radios and headsets available for

supporters with sight impairment which are issued on a first come first

served basis. Five of these radios are reserved for use by away

supporters with a sight impairment but may be made available to home

supporters in the event they are not used. To book the use of a DAB

radio, please contact the Club’s Disabled Liaison Officer (details

below).

Assistance dogs are welcomed within the stadium and water bowls can

be provided if required. However, visitors wishing to bring an

assistance dog to a game must contact the Disabled Access Officer in

advance of the purchasing their ticket(s) to ensure the seats they wish

to purchase are suitable for accommodating assistance dogs.

Disabled supporters who have difficulties accessing food and drink

kiosks can have order requests delivered to their seat. Kiosk

members of staff actively patrol seating areas during the first half of

all games and fans are encouraged to contact such staff members to

place their orders. In the event this opportunity is missed or not

possible, fans should contact their nearest steward.

Visitors with wider access are encouraged to contact the club prior to

the day of a game so that we can have a better understanding of their

NUFC Disability Access Statement

needs and make suitable arrangements. We will endeavour to meet

any individuals needs as far as is possible, as notified.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are located near the seating areas disabled fans and

all accessible toilets are RADAR key operated.

They are also

alternatively sited with left and right hand transfer spaces respectively

and have an alarm fitted to floor level.

An example of an accessible toilet located in the stadium is shown below

in figure 5

Figure 5. Accessible toilets

NUFC Disability Access Statement

A breakdown of accessible toilets, their locations and distance from seating

areas is as follows:

East stand:

4 Toilets located in the concourse as follows:



2 x at Access 7 & 8 – 20 metres from seating deck



2 x at Access 9 & 10 – 20 metres from seating deck

North stand:

2 Toilets located in the concourse



Access 3 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 9 – 20 metres from seating deck

South stand:

4 Toilets located in the concourse



Access 3 – 30 metres from seating deck



Access 5 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 11 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 12 – 20 metres from seating deck

West stand:

8 Toilets located in the corporate areas (not RADAR key

operated)

Level 7 (West and North Stands)

7 Toilets located en route between the seating deck and the

concourse



Access 18 – 20 metres from seating deck

NUFC Disability Access Statement



Access 19 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 20 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 21 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 6 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 7 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 8 – 20 metres from seating deck

Away supporters (Level 7 North Stand)

- 2 Toilets located in the concourse as follows:



Access 19 – 20 metres from seating deck



Access 20 – 20 metres from seating deck

Accessing the Stadium: Pre Arrival

The ground can be accessed by a number of different methods and from

a number of directions depending on the method of transport and

direction of travel. As a result the forward planning of a journey to the

stadium is always advised. It should be noted that due to the topography

of the city centre some approaches are more accessible than others.

Stadium map and Geographical Orientation

A reference map of the stadium is shown below in figure 6.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 6. Stadium Map

Visitors are urged to note the orientation of and access points around the

stadium when planning any visit.

Approaches to the Stadium from Newcastle City Centre

Many disabled fans familiar with the city will often pick their route and

mode of transport to the Stadium based on the restrictions imposed by

their own disability, their knowledge of the local area and whether they

wish to travel with fellow fans and stop off for refreshment on route etc.

The route taken to the stadium may also be influenced by the location of a

visitor’s ticket and the relevant ramps and access points the stadium has.

Access to the stadium for wheelchair users or supporters with mobility

issues is via designated gates and lifts situated in each of the 4 stands;

North stand via exit gate N16 (near turnstile 17)

South stand via exit gate S43 (near turnstile 60)

NUFC Disability Access Statement

South stand lift between Nine Bar and the Club shop on Strawberry

Place.

East stand via exit gate E24 (near turnstile 39)

North stand level 7 via the lift adjacent to turnstiles 89-90

Milburn stand Level 7 via 2 lifts

Away supporters via exit gate 63 affording access to the lift near

turnstiles 93/94

Such access points are also marked on figure 6 above and are attended by

safety stewards on match days.

In addition to these access points, there are other key features of the

stadium that visitors should note. The area shown in red on figure 7 below

is commonly referred to as the “crowd corridor”.

Figure 7. Stadium map showing crowd corridor (marked in red)

NUFC Disability Access Statement

A covered walkway runs under the length of the West and North.

Visitors are urged to be mindful that while the walk way is Accessible it

can become congested, particularly immediately before kick-off and

immediately after full time.

The corridor itself is wide and gently sloped for most of its length but is

very steep at the lower end near the junction with Strawberry Place (south

end of the ground) and as a result this often acts as a barrier to access for

many disabled fans.

Disabled fans with a ticket that requires them to navigate the corridor are

advised to consider the potential difficulties associated with navigating the

lower (steeper) part of the corridor. To avoid this area, an alternative

route can be accessed by travelling along the South Stand walkway, which

in turn, can be reached by both access ramps described below or by taking

the lift located on street level of the south stand.

Lift locations are also described below.

There are two access ramps located around the stadium, one in the South

East corner of the stadium and one in the ‘crowd corridor’ outlined above.

Both ramps provide access to the South Stand walkway from street level.

Figures 8 & 9 below show the location of these ramps.

Figure 8. Access ramp located in South East corner

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 9. Access ramp located in ‘crowd corridor’

There are also several designated disabled access lifts located around the

stadium which provide access to all levels of the stadium. Figure 10 below

shows the location of these lifts around the stadium.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 10. Location of Disabled Access Lifts

Approach to the Stadium from the Stadium car park

A very popular mode of transport to the stadium for disabled visitors is

by car or taxi and so to accommodate this, the stadium has ensured it

has an accessible stadium car park.

This car park is situated directly behind the north stand and is accessed via

the entrance from Barrack Rd as shown in figure 11 below.

All areas of the stadium are accessible from the Stadiums’

accessible parking spaces and any problems encountered by the

gradient of approach are negated by the use of a vehicle.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 11. Access to the stadium car parks via Barrack Road

The stadium currently has 30 free of charge accessible spaces available

for disabled supporters although a large proportion of which are

often allocated to season ticket holders.

Additional car parking is available on a first come first served basis

and should be booked via Stephanie Dodds, who can be contacted on

01912018666 or via email at

stephanie.dodds@nufc.co.uk

Visitors using Satellite Navigation (Sat Nav) to travel to the stadium

should use the postcode NE1 4ST.

For visitors travelling by Taxi or a lift, an ideal drop off point for

wheelchair users or people with mobility difficulties is on Leazes

Terrace, directly outside the East stand. This location affords access to

the South stand access ramp with dropped kerbs and avoids the steep

climb from Strawberry Place.

The location of Leazes terrace is shown in figure 12 below.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 12. Leazes terrace adjacent to the East Stand

How to get here by bus

Newcastle has two major bus stations, Haymarket (for services from

Northumberland and the North) and Eldon Square (for services from

County Durham and the south). These are located adjacent to each

other on Percy Street, next to Haymarket Metro station.

To access the stadium from both bus stations, visitors should cross over

to the far side of the road, turn left and then right when they arrive at

Morden Street (next to the Goose public house). At the top of Morden

Street, they should turn left and continue along this road until the

stadium becomes visibly apparent. Access to the stadium in this way will

be from the South East corner of the ground.

If visitors are season ticket holders and are travelling within Tyne and

Wear, it is worth noting that a discounted travel ticket can be

NUFC Disability Access Statement

obtained for as little as £10 for a whole season. Such tickets can be

arranged by contacting the public transport provider Nexus and

quoting the ‘Magpie Mover’.

The Magpie Mover is valid on all buses for three hours before and

after

each match. Where visitors are not season ticket holder or are not local

to the area, even without this discount, a range of bus tickets are

available to meet their needs from each of the bus operators.

In addition to the local bus routes that operate out of Haymarket and

Eldon square bus stations, the city is also serviced by a national bus

service which is operated by Stagecoach. Unfortunately the Stagecoach

buses which operate within Newcastle and Gateshead city boundaries

do not stop at either of the bus stations listed above and instead stop

in the centre of town. However, the ground is sign-posted and is also

easily accessed from this bus stop.

How to get here by Metro

The Metro, also operated by Nexus, is a very quick and direct mode of

transport that links the city with wider local authority areas such as

North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead and Wearside.

The nearest Metro station to the stadium is St. James’ although it

should be noted that not all lines run directly through this stations.

The most direct line to the stadium is the yellow line that travels from

the Coast via Wallsend. All stations along the metro line are well

signposted and changes between trains are easily navigated.

Like the bus services that operate around the city, the Magpie Mover is

also valid on all metro services for three hours before and after the

match.

Approach from St. James’ Metro Station

Fans arriving at the metro station can use the lifts to gain access to

ground level. From there they have an option to approach the stadium

via a flight of steps or via the public footpath which although not

NUFC Disability Access Statement

stepped at any point, is very steep and has significant cross falls. Both

deliver to Strawberry Place.

The footpath route can be navigated by people in powered chairs or in

chairs pushed by a friend or personal assistant but may cause problems

for disabled people on their own in manual chairs or for people with

walking difficulties. The slope of the route, shown in figure 10 below,

varies in gradient but is as steep as 1:6, with a cross fall of 1:14 in places.

Figure 13. Steep route (with cross fall) from St. James’ Metro up to Stadium

A longer route (but with an easier gradient) is available from

Haymarket Metro & Bus station if visitors deem the route from St.

James’ too difficult to navigate.

This route, shown in red in figure 14 below, delivers to the foot of the

access ramp located by the South East corner of the ground. From here

access to any point of the ground (usefully avoiding the steep part of

the crowd corridor) is possible.

An alternative ‘mid-point’ route is also shown in blue. Depending on their

disability, a person may find this longer, shallower route easier to navigate

than the shorter, steeper one up from St. James’ Metro station.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 14. Alternative Route to stadium from Haymarket Metro & Bus stations

How to get here by train

Newcastle Central station is served by trains from across the North-

East and beyond, with frequent services both before and after the

game to get you here easily.

The station itself is located less than 1 mile from St. James' Park, and is

well signposted making it a popular choice of transport for away fans

and fans based outside the region.

To travel to the stadium from the station, visitors should exit the station

via the main entrance/exit way and cross the road via the pedestrian

crossing. From here visitors should then travel up Pink Lane, passing the

Forth Hotel, turn right onto Clayton Street and then left onto Westgate

Road.

They should then continue along Westgate road as far as Tilley’s Bar, at

which point they should bear right onto Bath Lane, passing Fujiyama

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Restaurant. After 200 metres, another turn right and then left turn

onto Gallowgate will see the ground appear.

Alternatively, visitors can take the Metro from Central Station to

Haymarket and follow the directions listed from Haymarket listed above.

How to get here by air

Lots of major airlines fly into Newcastle International Airport (NCL)

which is located seven miles north east from the stadium. Newcastle

International is the North -East's largest airport, handling over four

million passengers a year. The airport receives flights from over 80

destinations worldwide, including a scheduled long-haul service

between Dubai and Newcastle.

Travelling from the airport to the stadium is easy with local Metro

services linking the airport and stadium via one change at Monument

Metro station. Visitors can also choose to travel on the metro to

Haymarket and commute from there using the directions previously

listed. Taxi and hotel shuttle services to the city centre are also readily

available from the airport.

How to get here by park and ride

There are two park and ride schemes currently in operation: the first

from Newcastle Great Park (just to the west of the A1) and the second

that operates from Metro Centre (known as the 'Soccerbus').

With tickets on sale on the buses for £2 return (or free with a Magpie

Mover), the park and ride systems offer a great way to avoid the hassle

of finding (and paying for) a parking spot in the city centre.

There is no need to book these services meaning visitors can just turn

up on the day. Both park and ride schemes are operational from around

3 hours before the game and for around 3 hours afterwards to make

your journey as flexible as possible.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Buying Tickets

Newcastle United is one of only a handful of football clubs who offer a

concessionary 50% discount on season and match day tickets for

supporters with disabilities as well as a ticket for a Personal

Assistant/Carer free of charge.

However, it should be noted that the club reserves the right not to issue

a concessionary disabled ticket or a personal assistant ticket to anyone

who is unable to meet the clubs entitlement criteria. All applicants are

reminded that all tickets are non-transferable without the express

permission of the club and that this process is subject to a regular

review.

Any of the following is regarded as acceptable proof of

entitlement:

Receipt of enhanced rate of the care element and mobility

component of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

Receipt of mid-rate care element or the high rate mobility

component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (please note –

this is now only accepted where PIP re-assessment has not yet been

undertaken)

War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement

Receipt of Attendance Allowance;

War Pensioners' Mobility Allowance or War or Service

Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability;

Blind or partially sighted registration certificate (BD8 or CVI

Certificate) or evidence from an eye specialist, for example an

optometrist, that the individual would qualify to be registered as

severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted).

Further advice can be found on the Royal National Institute of

Blind People (RNIB) website;

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Confirmation in writing from Social Services that the individual is

included on their Deaf Register, or a letter or report from an aural

specialist confirming that hearing loss has been recorded at 70 –

95 dBHL or worse.

Confirmation in writing from Social Services that the individual has a

learning difficulty or disability. This may include Proof of registration

with Social Services, or if not on the Local Authority Register, a

letter from a doctor or support worker confirming that the individual

has a difficulty in learning new skills, or may be unable to cope

independently. For children – a letter from the head teacher at a

special school confirming eligibility will be acceptable.

NB: This list is not exhaustive and individual consideration will also

be given to any other evidence that can be provided.

Ticket Offices and Collection Points

The club operates two ticket offices depending on whether tickets are

to be collect on the day of a match or during normal working hours.

To collect tickets in person on a match day visitors should attend the

‘match day box office’ situated in the West Stand, at the south end of

the previously described crowd corridor, near to the Sir Bobby Robson

statue. However, visitors should note that this location is also adjacent

to the previously described steep slope near the junction with

Strawberry Place. If visitors have identified this as a potential access

barrier then the alternative routes described previously should be used

in order to safely navigate to this ticket office.

On match days, the ‘match day box office’ is staffed by 2 stewards who

are there to assist if required. Unfortunately there is no induction loop

or lowered counters in this ticket office however disabled supporters

are encouraged to use ‘Collection Point A’ as this service desk has no

glass partition between staff and customers allowing staff to adjust their

service to meet visitors needs accordingly.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

The location and layout of the Match day box office is shown below in

figures 15 and 16.

Figure 15. Location of Match day box office

Figure 16. Layout of Match Day Box office and Collection point “A”

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Ticket collections for pre-purchased tickets can also be made on match

days from the south concourse upper collection points which are open 3

hours prior to Kick Off. Access to this concourse can be gained via the

lift located on strawberry place or via the access ramp located in the

South East corner of the ground.

On non match days, a second ticket office is favoured known as

simply ‘the box office’. This is located on the first floor within the

Club shop on Strawberry Place and is accessible via a lift.

This ticket office is fitted with an induction loop with balanced

lighting throughout but no lowered counter area and disabled

supporters are again encouraged to ask staff if they need assistance.

Opening hours for this ticket office are:

Mon - Friday:

10am -5pm.

Saturday:

9am-4pm.

Sunday:

Closed

(Please note weekend opening hours are subject to change in the

close season.)

To purchase concessionary disabled ticket, please contact the Box Office

Disabled Liaison Officer via the contact information given below.

Other facilities

Club shop

The shop is located at street level in the South stand of the stadium

on Strawberry Place and is spread over 2 floors accessible via a lift or

escalators with level access with aisles wide enough to afford access

throughout. There are 2 entrances to the shop one of which has an

assisted access entry and a double door width of 1540mm.

The shop is fitted with an induction loop with balanced

lighting throughout but no lowered counter area

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Opening times are:

Monday – Friday:

9am-5.30pm

Saturday:

9am-6pm

Sunday:

11am-5pm

Midweek evening

9am -10.30pm (closed for 1 hour during

KO:

the game)

The shop is busy on match days. If you require a quieter period on a

match day we would suggest you attend at least 3 hours before Kick

Off and 30 minutes after the game. Non match days are considerably

quieter.

Licenced Bar Areas

The club has 2 licence bars at the stadium that are operational to the

public on both math days and non match days. ‘Nine Bar’ is situated

alongside the club shop on Strawberry Place and the ‘Terrace Bar’

which is located in the South West corner of the stadium. Both bars are

accessible to wheelchairs and visitors with mobility impairments as

shown in figures 17 and 18 below.

Figure 17. Ramp into “Nine Bar” with assisted entry doors

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Figure 18. Access into “Terrace Bar”

Miscellaneous Information

Visitors requiring any advice in respect of bringing medication or medical

equipment to the stadium can contact the Club’s Access Officer, Steve

Swinyard, via the contact details below.

Supporters sitting anywhere in Level 7 of the stadium should note that

they will be required to ascend/descend 14 landings and 140 stairs

to/from this seating level. There are 4 lifts available up to this level (see

previous information) and fans with mobility needs may wish to consider

utilising such lifts on match days. Use of these lifts on match days is

prioritised for fans with disabilities and accessibility needs by Safety

Stewards.

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Club Contact Information

The Club’s Disabled Access Officer is:

Steve Swinyard

Head of Safeguarding, Welfare and Equality

Tel:

0191 201 8702

Email:

steve.swinyard@nufc.co.uk

The Club’s Supporter Liaison Officers is:

Lee Marshall

Head of Marketing Communications

Tel:

0191 2018579

Email:

lee.marshall@nufc.co.uk

The Club’s Disabled Liaison Officers are:

Jan Brien

Box Officer Disabled Liaison Officer

Tel:

0191 201 8457

Email:

disabilitysupport@nufc.co.uk

Dave Balmer

Club Disabled Liaison Officer

Tel:

0191 2018457

Email:

dave.balmer@nufc.co.uk

FOR ACCESS SUPPORT

Please contact the Disabled Access Officer

FOR TICKET SALES

Please contact the Box Office Disabled Liaison Officer

FOR GENERAL & MATCHDAY SUPPORT

Please contact the Club Disabled Liaison

NUFC Disability Access Statement

Useful links and websites

Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA)

http://www.nudsa.org/

Level Playing Field

http://www.levelplayingfield.org.uk/

Altoonative travel (match day travel information)

http://www.altoonativetravel.com/

Disabled Go

http://www.disabledgo.com/

Accessibility in Newcastle

https://www.newcastlegateshead.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility

City Maps

https://www.newcastlegateshead.com/plan-your-visit/maps

Local Bus Accessibility Information

https://www.nexus.org.uk/bus/guide-buses/safety-and-accessibility

Local Metro Accessibility Information

https://www.nexus.org.uk/metro/guide-metro/accessibility-and-safety

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