Levelling the playing field: Spectator accessibility in UK sports stadiums & venues
This article examines the legal requirements for accessibility across stadiums and venues in all sports, considers what measures could be implemented to improve accessibility, and shares success stories of stadiums who have surpassed the legal requirement and have successfully invested in creating a truly inclusive environment.
Article Highlights
- Requirement of accessibility under current legislation
- The state of play
- What changes can be made to a stadium to increase accessibility?
- Case Studies
- Measures during Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris
- Duty of stadium & venue owners and event organisers to ensure safety of spectators
- What does this mean for the future construction of stadium development?
- Key Considerations for clubs and other owners of venues and stadiums
Introduction
Inclusion and accessibility are fundamental values that should be embraced in the world of sport.
Sports venues play a pivotal role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. However, for individuals with disabilities, attending live events at stadiums can often present significant challenges due to accessibility issues.
Accessibility has been a legal requirement for decades, however many stadiums still struggle to achieve true accessibility given the cost implications and additional space required.
This article examines the legal requirements for accessibility across stadiums and venues in all sports, considers what measures could be implemented to improve accessibility, and shares success stories of stadiums who have surpassed the legal requirement and have successfully invested in creating a truly inclusive environment.
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- Tags: Accessibility | Construction | Cricket | Equality Act 2010 | Football | Governance | Motorsport | Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 | Regulation | Rugby | Spectator Safety | Stadium | United Kingdom (UK)
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Written by
Carly Thorpe
Carly is a specialist in construction and engineering law and helps sports clubs to navigate construction projects at and near to their grounds from minor refurbishments and upgrades, to pitch renewals and building new large stadiums. Carly also helps with ancillary developments such as hotels, restaurants, and retail centres.
Carly assists clients from "cradle to grave" on a project – drafting and negotiating construction documents, advising during construction, and helping clients to avoid and resolve disputes.
Carly is ranked as a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500.
Jonathan Coser
Associate
Jonny has experience in assisting sports clubs on drafting and negotiating various construction documents in relation to their desired construction projects. This includes professional team appointments, novation agreements and collateral warranties. He also has litigious experience, assisting clients in adjudications as well as providing advice on general disputes.
