There’s nothing quite like experiencing the sights and sounds of game day. Best of all, you get to see your favourite players up close and cheer them on amongst fellow fans.
If you’re a live sports fan, this Can-do Guide is for you!
We caught up with Paralympians Kaia Scholl and Tim Ragg to get their insights and tips on how to get the most out of your game-day experience.
When asked about what she loves about live sport, Kaia shares, “I love the atmosphere of a crowd all sharing the joy and excitement of the same experience.”
She continues, “When your team scores and you can feel the energy of everyone around you, it’s such a special moment that you don’t really get outside of a live event.”
Tim plays for the Roosters Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) Team. He also represented New Zealand at the 2022 PDRL World Cup and is a former Paralympic discus thrower.
“Whenever I go to a Sydney Roosters game or any sporting event, it’s the feel of the crowd, the smell of the grass, and the impact of the tackles.”
It’s worth checking out the website of the stadium you’re attending, especially if it’s going to be your first time at the venue. You may even want to contact someone directly to determine what accommodations can be made. This might also include public transport and pre-booked parking options.
“Always do your research before booking,” says Kaia. “Check out the venue’s FAQs, have a look at maps for parking and drop-off areas, and try to allow extra time in case things don’t go to plan.”
The earlier you secure tickets, the more choice you’ll have over where you sit. This means you can familiarise yourself with your seats, the best entry point, the closest bathrooms, and so on. Even if you don’t want or need to sit in designated accessible zones, you might want to secure seating next to an aisle or in the front row of a section.
If possible, try to arrive early to avoid the last-minute rush and large crowds. While bigger stadiums usually have better lift access and clearer views, smaller suburban venues may have crowded entry points, fewer staff, and limited accessible seating.
“The hardest thing is accessibility and getting to the seats,” says Tim. “I wish that all venues could have more options, like lifts, to get to and from the seats as some people with physical disabilities find it hard to walk up stairs.”
“It can also be challenging when you’ve booked a seat that ends up being in the middle of a section,” says Kaia. “Sometimes it’s awkward to manoeuvre into your spot… If people choose to stand up in front of you and you can’t stand for long periods, it can greatly limit your view.”
Stadiums are becoming more aware of accessibility and are working to support fans’ different needs. Staff can help guide fans to their seats, store mobility aids, and provide access to enclosed areas or sensory rooms.
“The best venues I’ve been to are Allianz Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena, and The Halliwell Jones Stadium in England,” says Tim. “They have incredible staff that cater to every need. They always go above and beyond to ensure everyone’s comfortable, and the accessibility is world-class.”
Whether you attend games with family, friends, a partner, or a support worker, a helping hand goes a long way. Plan for assistance by letting them know what you’ll likely need in a stadium environment.
If you don’t already have enough support, you can easily find an independent support worker on Mable to help you.
“My partner normally comes with me to sporting events,” says Tim. “If you want the best experience at a sporting event, I recommend going to the front row.”
“There have been some venues that don’t have accessible parking or an accessible drop-off area,” says Kaia. “Managing increased walking can sometimes make an experience less enjoyable. So it’s handy to let the people you’re with know when you might need help or to rest – and it’s okay to need a rest!”
Ready to watch your team win? Find an independent support worker on Mable today.
Mable’s Can-Do Guides are created in collaboration with people with disabilities. Content in these guides is general in nature, based on the experience of those interviewed, and may not be applicable to all.
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