Venue Description

The Hawthorns is the home of West Bromwich Albion Football Club. Our celebrated and famous stadium has undergone many changes in its 116 years but never has it been better equipped to meet the Club’s pledge to be welcoming and accessible. The summer of 2017 saw a significant upgrade in our accessibility facilities with an increase in wheelchair bays from 145 to 171, a new sensory area, Changing Places toilets and accessible access in the concourses. With a bustling and welcoming Fanzone, featuring live music, big screen football action, family fun and fully licensed refreshments and a special Carling Late Bar for after-match meet-up in the East Stand concourse, there is even more to enjoy. No wonder the stadium was recently voted No.1 for match day experience by the iconic football magazine "FourFourTwo."

Accessibility

We embrace anyone with any form of disability and employ designated Disability Liaison Stewards on a match day to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. All four stands have designated wheelchair spaces and accessible entrances. Disabled supporters have access to a number of identified areas for wheelchair users. These areas are accessed via dedicated Accessible Entrances located at the Birmingham Road & West Stand corner and The West Stand & Smethwick End corner. Both Accessible Entrances have ramp access and facilities and are exclusively for disabled fans. There are two dedicated concourse facilities for Disabled supporters that are available when entering the two Accessible entrances. These facilities incorporate dedicated refreshment ordering and collection points with low counters, TV viewing areas, assessable toilets and level access floor space for socialising. The concourse located at the West Stand & Smethwick End also has a Changing Place Toilet and a Sensory Area.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.wba.co.uk/siteassets/documents/pdf/wbafc-access-statement-oct-2017.pdf

Accessible Performances

We broadcast live in house match commentary for all first-team matches within the stadium for visually impaired supporters. Pick up a headset and listen to WBA Radio!

Toilets

The Hawthorns is fully equipped with accessible toilets complete with support rails and alarm cords. There are a total of 18 across all four stands of the stadium, including a Changing Places Toilet in the designated Accessible Concourse. If you need to be seated close to the Changing Places facility then please let the Ticket Office staff know so we can make your visit as comfortable as possible. All concourse toilet blocks in all stands have a dedicated Ambulant Supporters Toilet facility within. And the Gents facilities have additional handrails located at either ends of one urinal run per block. All accessible toilets are equipped and identified as ‘Stoma Friendly’ to support our policy of ‘not all disabilities are visible’. If you need us to store your wheelchair for you whilst you watch the match then please let us know!

Staff

We have six Disability Liaison Stewards working the East Stand, West Stand, the Smethwick End and the Birmingham Road Stand. They are readily identifiable by White High Visibility jackets with ‘Disability Liaison Stewards’ markings. Our stewards and Ticket Office staff have all been given accessibility training which is refreshed at the start of each season. Accessibility awareness is also covered during pre-match briefings.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Supporters with assistance dogs can use the grassy area in our East Stand Memorial Garden to exercise them. We'll also be happy to provide drinking bowls for dogs - just ask a steward!