For fans with mobility issues and physical disabilities wanting to attend sporting events in person, it can be difficult to enjoy the experience fully unless the venue is properly equipped to be accessible and inclusive. The Evacuation Company is striving to increase stadium accessibility for all at sporting venues through the provision of the innovative Stair Climber. The machine allows those in wheelchairs to be comfortably transported up and down stairs, without the need for any mechanical or electrical installation.
The device is a battery-powered, fully mobile piece of equipment that climbs up or down stairs. It comes with a seat or as a wheelchair carrier and is easily portable, making it ideal for use across venues to assist guests with mobility issues of various kinds.
Current clients include Twickenham Stadium, the home of England rugby and the second largest stadium in the UK with a seating capacity of 82,500. It now has nine branded Stair Climbers available for use, an addition that has been warmly welcomed by wheelchair visitors as well as the RFU Injured Players Foundation.
Stair Climbers first caught the eye of representatives from the Rugby Football Union at a trade show at the NEC. After a full access audit and report of recommendations, The Evacuation Company supplied the initial machines and delivered training in their use.
England Rugby’s HSE Manager, Richard Battley, says that the machines have “certainly been a worthwhile investment” for the organisation, offering greater accessibility and improving the overall customer experience as well as enhancing safety procedures around emergency evacuations.
“Whilst the design of the stadium brings its challenges, in particular the Level 2 bars which had limited access via external stairs, we believe the recent procurement of the Stair Climber has provided sufficient and reasonable adjustments enabling wheelchair users quick and safe access.” Richard Battley, HSE Manager, England Rugby
Arena Group, who are responsible for events including The Open and British Masters as well as venues such as Cheltenham Racecourse and Coventry Building Society Arena, the Stair Climber enabled them to offer an alternative to the installation of a lift which was “very well received” by clients.
The Stair Climber was “very well received” by clients.
“Most sporting venues rely on tiered seating to give spectators the best view of the action, so of course there are going to be stairs to navigate. Within legacy buildings, and temporary stands, it isn’t always feasible to install a lift, so that’s where our Stair Climber comes into its own, improving accessibility for all.” Emma Persey, Marketing Director, The Evacuation Company
The Evacuation Company also provide Stair Climbers to care homes, hotels, hospitals, visitor attractions, and individual homes, offering machines for hire as well as purchase, ideal for time-limited events and temporary venues. As well as being less intrusive and disruptive than the installation of a lift, it is also significantly more cost-effective.
If you require further information on how to improve your stadium accessibility, please contact our team of evacuation specialists to book your access audit.