BLACKBURN ROVERS WELCOMES EVERYONE TO EWOOD PARK.
On this page you will find information for supporters who have additional needs as a result of disability.
The Club has a strong commitment to all its supporters recognising that disabled fans are fans, part of the crowd, who enjoy football the same as everyone else: the same excitement, the same disappointment, the same highs and the same lows.
We have an excellent reputation for ensuring all customers enjoy their visits to Ewood Park. Your match day experience is important to the Club. Our aim is access and inclusion for all. Disabilities are wide-ranging and some not always visible. The emphasis on removing barriers to ensure accessibility to services and facilities has changed the focus to enable you, where possible to come to a match independently without a carer. All social, retail and hospitality facilities at Ewood Park are accessible and forms and leaflets are available in accessible formats.
Stewards provide assistance helping you in and out of the stadium, purchasing refreshments, safe evacuation and escorting to and from the toilets/kiosks/Multi-faith room. Some people need a little more help and so an Assistant ticket can be provided on submission of appropriate evidence.
Football plays an important part in peoples' lives and sometimes going to a football match can be the first stage on a journey to recovery or well-being. It might be that you have not been to a football match for a long time or even at all! If you would like to come to a football match at Blackburn Rovers but are not sure how you would feel just tell us. We can arrange for you to visit the ground on a non-match day to help familiarise yourself before coming to a match.
Blackburn Rovers is a member of the National Association of Disabled Supporters and supports Level Playing Field Campaigns through our continuous improvement policy in conjunction with Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters.
CHRISTINE PEACOCK MBE
Accessibility and Safeguarding Adults Officer
BLACKBURN ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB was established in 1875 becoming a founder member of the Football League and the Premier League. In 1890 Rovers moved to its permanent home at Ewood Park. Surrounded by terraced streets and cobbles reminding us of our industrial past and heritage is a modern stadium with bars and restaurants, retail outlet and conference facilities.
The Club plays an important role in the life of the business community with its Enterprise Centre and in the wider community the Community Trust Programme offers access to health and awareness projects and maintains strong links with schools in the area providing educational experiences for children of all ages.
BUYING TICKETS
Ticket prices are the same as standard prices for all supporters. Concessions apply for junior and seniors but not specifically for disability.
It is helpful if you or your representative tell us any needs you have at the time of purchasing a ticket for home and away matches. This is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible and located appropriately.
A booking fee of £1 per ticket to a maximum of £2 per transaction applies to all tickets purchased over the phone when using a credit card.
For your comfort, tickets can be collected on match day inside the store rather than the outside collection windows.
A mini-com and a loop system are situated in the Ticket Office. The loop system is also available in Blackburn End Reception.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE IN THE ROVERSTORE AT EWOOD AND IN THE ONEROVERSTORE, CHURCH STREET IN BLACKBURN TOWN CENTRE.
"DISABLED FANS ARE JUST PART OF THE CROWD"
TICKETS CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED:
Using the Ticket Office Hotline number 0871 222 1444
By fax - 01254 262744 (include ticket requirements, payment details and a contact telephone number);
Online at www.onerovers.co.uk
By post (include payment and a stamped addressed envelope).
Assistant Tickets are available if you need more help than is given by our stewards. Please apply in advance of a game by contacting the Ticket Office for an application form and ask your Doctor to answer the questions on the form.
Please note that those who act as Assistants must purchase a ticket when attending a match alone as the Assistant Ticket will not be valid.
Assistants under the age of 16 should notify the stewards at the point of entry, of their location in the ground, in case help is required e.g. during an emergency.
If you have an Assistant Ticket and the circumstances relating to the level of help you need in the ground change at any time you or someone on your behalf should notify Blackburn Rovers as soon as is reasonably possible.
GETTING TO THE GROUND
BY ROAD
Brown and white tourism signs to Ewood Park with a football logo are located on the M65. Ewood Park is approximately 1 mile from junction 4/M65.
FROM THE NORTH
Leave the M6 at Junction 30 and join the M61. At the first exit join the M65 and head east to Blackburn. Leave at Junction 4 and join the A666 towards Blackburn.
FROM THE SOUTH
Leave the M6 at Junction 29 and join the M65 and head east to Blackburn. Leave at Junction 4 and join The A666 towards Blackburn.
FROM THE WEST
From the M6/M62 or M60 join the M61. Leave the M61 at Junction 9 and join the M65 and head east to Blackburn. Leave at Junction4 and join the A666 towards Blackburn.
FROM THE EAST
Travelling from the east either on the B6234, the A56 Haslingden by-pass or the Skipton Road, join the M65 and head west. Leave at Junction 4 and join the A666 towards Blackburn.
BY TRAIN
Blackburn Railway Station is accessible to all and is approximately a mile and a half from Ewood Park. There are direct trains from Manchester Victoria, Salford Crescent and Preston. Taxis and buses are located outside the station. See the www.nationalrail.com website for train times.
BY BUS
Bus numbers 1 and 225 serve Ewood Park from Blackburn Boulevard opposite the Railway station. For further information use the website www.traveline.org.uk or telephone 0871 200 22 33
USING OTHER TRANSPORT PROVIDERS
Some companies provide transport specifically to bring disabled and elderly people to Ewood Park on match days. Details of any transport providers offering this service will be posted on the website.
CAR PARKING AT AND AROUND THE GROUND
A parking permit is required to access the car parking facilities at the ground. Car parking on match day needs to be pre-booked. If you have pre-booked a car parking space please look for car park signs near the ground.
There are limited spaces available for home and visiting supporters. Car parking around the ground is limited due to the nature of the built up area around Ewood Park. For further details, prices and bookings please call: 01254 296283.
DROP-OFF / PICK-UP POINTS
If you are given a lift to the ground by car, taxi or minibus you can use one of the two drop-off points at the ground - either end of the Jack Walker Stand. Both are within 50 yards of access into the stadium and on the level.
They also serve as pick-up points after the match. Passes are required and should be requested in advance of a game by phoning 01254 296283.
ACCESS INTO THE GROUND
There are additional access points for disabled supporters located at the four corners of the ground. If you need help getting to and from your seat/position in the ground please tell the steward at the point of entry.
HAVE A NICE DAY ….YOUR MATCH DAY EXPERIENCE
Disabled help stewards are there to assist you. They are located at the four entrances and can be identified by blue bibs which are noted on the back. Tell the steward what help you need and your location in the ground as you enter the stadium.
If you are a wheelchair/scooter user and you are able to transfer to a stand seat or if you are an ambulant supporter (including people with learning disabilities, mental health impairments, visual and hearing impairments) you can choose to sit anywhere in the stadium, subject to safety. Some areas will be more suitable than others. It would be helpful if you tell us your requirements at the time of buying tickets to ensure appropriate seating.
If you are a wheelchair/scooter user and you are not able to transfer to a stand seat you will be accommodated at a pitch-level position in the home area stands. The areas are exposed to the elements. Plastic rainwear is available from the stewards.
Braille readers who would like a match-day programme (abridged) can order in advance by contacting the Accessibility Officer. Guide and Assistance Dogs are welcome at Ewood Park and it would be helpful if you would contact the Safety Department in advance of the game to enable arrangements to be made.
RADIO ROVERS
The Club has its own Radio station - Radio Rovers. To listen to commentary please bring a small portable radio and headset and tune into 1404 kHz AM (medium wave). The broadcasts begin four hours prior to kick-off and end an hour and a half afterwards so if you are travelling to the ground you can tune in for up-to -date information. For both home and away games Radio Rovers is also available on the internet through Rovers Player, the subscription channel of the Rovers' website. For further details click the Rovers Player page.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
• Up to 262 wheelchair spaces at pitch side for home supporters;
• Car parking areas - limited availability;
• 14 accessible toilets in the main lower concourses all equipped with emergency alarms;
• Match commentary by Radio Rovers;
• 14 non-dedicated catering outlets in all stands serving lower concourses with steward's assistance available on request;
• Accessible formats of documentation available on request;
• Braille version of the match day programme available (abridged) on request;
• Minibus for home supporters away travel;
• Stewards who provide assistance with:
> Entry into the ground and your seat/position and exiting the ground;
> Safe evacuation should it be necessary;
> Assistance with the purchase of refreshments and programmes;
> An escort to / from toilets/kiosks/Multi-faith room;
• Assistant tickets; and
• A dedicated Accessibility Officer working to meet the needs of the Club and supporters.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Safety is of paramount importance. An Assistant should always be able to support the needs of a disabled supporter in an emergency. If you consider you would still require the help of a steward in an emergency situation or your Assistant is under the age of 16 please notify a steward as you enter the stadium. Stewards are there to help whether you have an Assistant or otherwise.
If you are located in one of the upper tiers you or your Assistant should identify yourself to the Stewards' Team Leader as you enter the area in which you are located.
EWOOD PARK EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
In the event of any emergency there will be an Police message over the Public Address system preceded by a loud "chime" sound. For supporters with a hearing impairment this message will appear on the big screen. If you are located in the LOWER TIER, remain where you are and listen too or look carefully at the Police message. Comply immediately if it affects your location. Stewards, Police Officers and Officials will direct you to safe areas which may be through exit doors / gates to the street or onto the playing areas. If you are in the UPPER TIER make your way to the Safe Holding Area, which is clearly signed in the concourse. SEE BELOW:
SAFETY NOTICE
This Area is designated a safe area for persons with mobility difficulties During Emergency evacuation remain at this point until stewards advise you to descend the stairs.
HOSPITALITY CHOICES
If you are thinking of using Hospitality facilities, they are available for match day and non-match day events. There are four function suites - Executive Box, Premier Suite, Legends and Jack's Kitchen which are all accessible. A loop system is available.
For match day hospitality bookings please contact 01254 690909 and inform our Hospitality Sales Executives of your requirements at the time of booking.
GROUND TOURS
Want to know more about the Club? Then visit the Rovers Experience - the exclusive stadium tour which celebrates the history of the Club and what goes on behind the scenes at Ewood Park.
Check the website for further details.
EATING, DRINKING & SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Match tickets and merchandise are now on sale under one roof both in the Roverstore at Ewood and in the Oneroverstore on Church Street in Blackburn Town Centre. Both stores are accessible and have low level counters.
EATING & DRINKING
Blues is open for season ticket holders before and after games and is open on most non-match days. Please check the website for opening times, menus and special events held throughout the year.
The Brew Room in the Oneroverstore in the town centre is accessible to all including the outdoor area. Please check the website for opening times.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING SUPPORTERS
Blackburn Rovers welcomes all visiting supporters to Ewood Park. Up to 30 tickets for visiting supporters (wheelchair and ambulant) are available in the WEC Group Darwen End plus Assistant tickets if they are required. Tickets should be purchased from your own Club and specific requirements stated at the time of booking.
The entry point is at the WEC Group Darwen End Stand. Refreshment kiosks and accessible toilets are located in the stand. Visiting supporters are welcomed in our Hospitality Lounges and special arrangements are available.
Currently for some fixtures visiting supporters who are wheelchair users will be located at the front of the lower tier and may be in front of home fans.
AWAY TRAVEL AND ANNUAL EVENTS FOR BLACKBURN ROVERS FANS
Blackburn Rovers uses an adapted minibus to travel to away fixtures. For further information see our Disabled Supporters section on the website.
SOCIAL GROUP ACTIVITIES
The Disabled Supporters' Christmas Party and Player of the Year Evening are regular highlights in the social calendar. For further information or to join the Disabled Supporters' Club please see our Disabled Supporters section on the website.
If you wish to become a member of 16 - 21 please contact the Ticket Office or find out further information here.
CONTACTING THE CLUB
Box Office:
0871 222 1444
Ground tours:
01254 296110Car parking:
01254 296283Hospitality:
01254 690909Safety Department:
01254 296226Blues:
01254 296166Accessibility and Safeguarding Adults Officer:
07717 724646 Email: disability@rovers.co.ukRovers website: www.rovers.co.uk/page/Disabilitymatters
If you require a large print version or any other accessible format of this brochure please contact the Accessibility and Safeguarding Adults Officer. This page is available to download in both Adobe Acrobat PDF and Microsoft Word formats.
We welcome your views on this brochure or any of our facilities and services. Please send them to disability@rovers.co.uk
