Ticketmaster’s new scheme makes events more accessible

Ticketmaster has recently collaborated with Attitude is Everything to make attending concerts easier for deaf and disabled music fans. According to Access All Areas, 83% of which find it difficult to attend live music events and 83% found the previous booking system inaccessible.

The booking system meant that deaf and disabled music fans, including ones who rely on stair lifts at home, often had to call helplines or provide evidence of their disabilities with each booking. Ticketmaster’s new scheme means people will only have to submit details of their disability once and then the information will be saved onto their profile for ease of future bookings. Ticketmaster also states that, for participating venues, accessible seats will be clearly labelled on the seating plans, including information on the range of hearing loops, the wheelchair-friendly zones, and the option of a free companion ticket.  

Ticketmaster’s MD, Andrew Parsons, tells the BBC: “It’s something we’ve been seeking to address for some time now. Fundamentally, all fans deserve equal access to live entertainment. The plus side of this system is that, in the future, the fans won't have to do anything. They will be able to buy their tickets like anyone else.

The scheme is set to be launched for arenas in Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle by the end of the year, with more venues to follow in 2020. The new booking system has already launched in Glasgow’s SEC and Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, Parsons continues to tell the BBC: “The feedback's been really, really positive. We're very keen to roll it out to a host of new venues now; and I'm challenging all of our teams on that."

Kristina Barrick from the disability equality charity Scope, also tells the BBC: “This is fantastic news for disabled music fans, and we hope other businesses will follow Ticketmaster’s lead. Buying tickets online is not just about convenience. For disabled people whose impairments mean they can’t use a phone, this will be game-changing.”

Disabled music fans make up 11% of live music audience and the new scheme means they will be able to book tickets to concerts quicker and easier, just like any other music fan. Other ticketing companies are a part of Attitude is Everything’s Ticketing Without Barriers Coalition and following the news that Ticketmaster has signed up and launched accessible initiatives, there may be many more companies to follow.

This news article is from Companion Stairlifts. Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only.