Premier League stadiums’ accessibility evaluated in new study

SeatPick can reveal that Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium is the most accessible Premier League stadium with an accessibility score of 6.55/10. After a £1 billion project in 2019, the newly constructed stadium was built to perfection, securing 32 accessible lifts and 66 accessible toilets (the most out of all Premier League stadiums). The stadium is also equipped with 244 wheelchair seats, which is 0.39% of its capacity (62,850). Tottenham Hotspur’s accessibility ticket prices are however quite expensive for disabled fans, starting from £25, compared to rival club Arsenal, whose accessibility tickets start at £19.75.

In second place is Newcastle United’s St James’ Park with an accessibility score of 5.87/10. St James’s Park’s most impressive feature is its cheap accessibility tickets, starting from just £7.50— marginally more expensive than Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage which has a starting ticket price of £5. St James’s Park is equipped with 27 accessible toilets and 234 wheelchair seats, which is 0.45% of the stadium’s capacity. The stadium is also assembled with units of audio descriptive commentary and sensory rooms to help improve the match day experience for fans with disabilities.

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium ranks third scoring 5.82/10. The Emirates Stadium has 37 accessible toilets, which is 10 more than St James’ Park with 27, and 9 accessible lifts and entrances. The stadium is also equipped with 258 wheelchair seats, which is 0.43% of its stadium capacity. Furthermore, Emirates’ accessibility ticket prices start from just £19.75, compared to Manchester City’s Etihad charging £35 (£15.25 more expensive), making the Emirates a very affordable option for disabled fans.

The least accessible stadiums in the Premier League

Newly promoted Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road ranks second to last, with an accessibility score of 3.56/10. Despite having a stadium capacity of 11,050, Kenilworth Road has just 28 wheelchair seats available, which is 0.25% of its capacity, compared to Burnley’s Turf Moor with 153 wheelchair seats available. Kenilworth Road also fails to offer a sensory room or any accessible lifts, however, the club is currently in the process of upgrading its home ground and its updated stadium is sure to improve many of its accessibility issues. Despite Kenilworth Road’s poor accessibility, they also charge quite high prices, starting at £21, compared to Liverpool’s Anfield in second place which charges just £7.

The least accessible stadium in the Premier League is Burnley’s Turf Moor, with an accessibility score of 3.34/10. Turf Moor has performed poorly in several factors such as failing to provide disabled fans with a sensory room, audio descriptive commentary or any assistive hearing system. Despite this, Turf Moor has 153 wheelchair seats available, which is 0.70% of its capacity. Although Turf Moor only has a stadium capacity of 21,944, the stadium has the highest number of accessible entrances of all Premier League stadiums (15) and charges just £10 for accessibility tickets.

The ticketing experts at SeatPick commented further on why accessibility is vital in all venues:

“Prioritising accessibility within Premier League stadiums is key to uphold the core values of inclusivity, safety, and an overall enriching fan experience.It is crucial for stadiums to go far beyond just legal compliance, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility and diversity, fostering not only increased attendance but also a positive public image for the football club.

Accessibility is not just about how many lifts and toilets are accessible, it extends to ensuring comfort and affordability for individuals with additional needs, including the implementation of reduced ticket prices.

Neglecting to ensure adequate accessibility in Premier League stadiums may lead to various consequences, such as legal ramifications, negative public perception and reduced attendance. Prioritising accessibility is therefore an essential requirement for safeguarding the club’s long-term success and ensuring all fans can participate in football.”

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