MATCHDAY DISABILITY INFORMATION
Rochdale AFC Limited fully supports the principle of equal opportunities and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability.
The matchday experience is important to everyone. We appreciate that disabilities are wide-ranging and that not all are visible.
It is our aim to ensure inclusivity and understanding for all.
Ticketing
The club offers a concessionary price in designated areas of the ground specifically reserved for wheelchair-using supporters. They are charged at the appropriate rate for their age with their carers being free of charge (Tickets must be obtained from the ticket office).
Ambulant Disabled are also charged the appropriate rate for their age for their ticket however, should they need a full time carer to accompany them, the carer is admitted free of charge (Tickets must be obtained from the ticket office).
Click HERE for ticket information.
The club has 33 positions for wheelchair supporters with adjoining seats for their Personal Assistants (carers), if required. These are situated in Willbutts Lane Stand (16) for away supporters. Main Stand (8) and Smith Metals Family Stand (Pearl Street Stand) (9) for home supporters.
Carers
Carers are free of charge if one is required. Please be aware that the carer cannot attend matches without caring for a person with a disability. A carer is issued a complimentary Season Card, their primary role is to care for the disabled person, not to watch the match. Spot checks will be carried out regularly throughout the season. Carers will have to pay for any games they wish to attend alone. The complimentary Season Card book shall remain in the possession of the paying disabled supporter.
Visually Impaired Supporters (Home & Visiting)
The club has two positions for visually impaired supporters and if required, their personal assistant. These are situated in the Main Stand.
Visually impaired supporters using this area will be charged the concessionary appropriate age band prices for their tickets. Should a personal assistant be required, they will not be charged for a match ticket.
Match commentary is provided by the Rochdale AFC Club Website and the headset are available from the Ticket Office by prior arrangement.
The club strongly recommends that each visually impaired person attending a match should be accompanied by a person who is fully able to support their needs in the event of an emergency.
Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs are allowed into the Stadium but we would recommend that supporters with Guide Dogs contact our Head of Safeguarding Nicola Toolan before the match via mobile on 07734961927 or by emailing Nicola.Toolan@rochdaleafc.co.uk. This is so that we can discuss with them access to the ground, facilities inside the ground and the welfare of the Guide Dog before, during and after the match.
Car Parking Facilities
Rochdale AFC has ten disabled parking bays for home supporters which are allocated to disabled people with the most severe mobility difficulties. These are sold on a seasonal basis. Applications can be made to Jan Marsh and each request will subject to availability.
Rochdale AFC have two disabled parking bays reserved for away supporters, who can book the spaces by contacting Jan Marsh at least 24 hours prior to the game via mobile on 07544853988 or by emailing Jan@rochdaleafc.co.uk. Cost of £5 to be pre-paid in advance of the match.
RAFC would ask that people recognise that there is a limited number of places available and it will not be possible to accommodate everyone who has a Blue Badge.
Local street parking is available.
Catering Facilities
Matchday catering for supporters with a disability is provided in the concourses. Where there is no lowered serving area for supporters who require a wheelchair, we would ask your personal assistant or the clubs stewards to assist in getting refreshments.
Other facilities which come under the general heading of catering such as Executive Lounges, are accessible to supporters with a disability.
Accessible Toilets
There is one accessible toilet in each stand with a choice of “sided” transfers.
If you experience any problems with use of the disabled toilets (or they are being abused), please contact the nearest steward on the day, or the Disability Liason Officer, Nicola Toolan, after the match. Nicola can be contacted by emailing Nicola.Toolan@rochdaleafc.co.uk or by calling 07734961927.
Access to Other Facilities
The club has many facilities available on match days and non-match days which aren’t directly linked with actually watching the match. Such facilities include the Club Shop, Executive Boxes, Education Suite, Ratcliffe Bars, and Carlsberg Lounge.
RAFC openly welcomes comments on this Information and would encourage any person to contact the club with their comments or queries.
The club is proud to be a Full Member of the Level Playing Field (formerly known as NADS – National Association of Disabled Supporters)
Reviewed June 2023