Following a successful trial period the first direct arena are pleased to announce that accessible tickets are now available to purchase online.
Venue personnel have been working with official ticketing partners Ticketmaster to provide a solution that will greatly improve the options available to Deaf and disabled customers.
The service has been made available for all future events such as Pussycat Dolls, Stormzy, Craig David, Deep Purple, Rick Astley, Jools Holland, Dua Lipa and The Black Crowes and Genesis.
Speaking about this develepment first direct arena General Manager, Jen Mitchell, said that “We have been working on this behind the scenes for some time as we know how important it is to give equal access to tickets to all of our customers. As proud members of the Attitude is Everything Charter of Best Practice we are committed to constantly review and improve our services and we see this as a big step forward in that regard”.
Andrew Parsons, Managing Director of Ticketmaster UK, commented: “It is with great pride that we launch our online accessible ticketing solution with our friends at the first direct arena. We are both deeply committed to providing equal access to live entertainment and enabling fans to purchase accessible ticket online is a big part of delivering that.”
The venue is currently closed due to the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation meaning that sales from the arena box office are currently suspended. The lockdown is also impacting upon the serivce of their dedicated 0800 number, which is free to call from mobile and landlines. These services will be reinstated when events are being hosted again.
Jacob Adams, Head of Research and Campaigns for Attitude is Everything added “We welcome this development at Leeds’ first direct arena bringing the convenience of online booking to Deaf and disabled fans wishing to book access along with their tickets for the first time at the venue. We know that this is what many customers want in order to have an equal set of booking options. At the same time, we applaud the retention of free telephone and in-person booking options alongside the new online method, ensuring that whatever the preferred method of booking, Deaf and disabled people can book their access requirements with confidence.”
