Leicester Tigers welcomed fans with accessibility requirements to attend a dedicated forum to look at some of the challenges that may face supporters at Welford Road.
In a club-wide initiative which has seen Tigers revise just how accessible Welford Road is for fans with physical and hidden disabilities, staff involved were able to hear first-hand accounts as well as share details on work that has been going on behind the scenes.
More than 20 supporters were invited to the club’s Final Whistle Bar to speak with representatives from the stewarding, events staffing, community and communications departments at Welford Road.
The group heard details about the club’s ‘Celebrate Inclusion Day’ taking place on Saturday, February 29 when Tigers welcome Worcester Warriors in the home Gallagher Premiership fixture.
This includes:
- The launch of its Sunflower Lanyard Scheme
- Promoting awareness of physical and hidden disabilities in stadiums on matchdays
- Helping identify the club’s fully-trained Inclusive and Accessibility Stewards and staff
The group then had the opportunity to share their views, with getting to and from Welford Road a top priority for many. Discussion around receiving information before the matchday, pedestrian ‘pinch points’ as well as the general awareness of other supporters and stewarding support, were all raised.
The club’s links with close-by car parks, such as the King Power Stadium and Leicester College, alongside visual aids around the stadium via big screens, televisions, announcements and matchday content helping to raise awareness around the stadium.
The club will also be working with a number of organisations to ensure they can meet the individual needs of a variety of physical and hidden disabilities. Tigers player Harry Wells, who is also an ambassador for the National Austism Society, recently shared his experiences following the diagnosis of his three-year old twin son Oscar.
If supporters would like to find out more information, or would like to highlight any specific requirements or questions, please email [email protected] or call the Leicester Tigers ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2).
