West Brom improve The Hawthorns for disabled fans
Albion have added new disabled facilities to The Hawthorns including wheelchair bays, disabled toilets and a sensory area.
The work has been done as part of the club’s pledge to improve the match day experience for disabled supporters by August this year.
Having completed improvements in the Birmingham Road End as well as in the West Stand back in March, the club has now enhanced the stadium in the East Stand and Smethwick End.
Among the changes are an increase in wheelchair bays from 145 to 171, the recommended number for The Hawthorns’ capacity.
Concourses have also been made more accessible, a sensory area has been installed and changing areas and toilets have been improved.
All the work has been carried out in conjunction with Albion’s Disabled Supporters Club.
And the group’s chairman Kevin Candon believes the club deserves huge credit for the work its done.
“Looking at the finished product, it is absolutely superb,” he said.
“You couldn’t wish for anything more. Absolutely first class.
“This is the welcome you want when you come into your club.
“This club has gone beyond what they had to do for us. And that’s not just a home fan’s point of view.
“The away fans accessibility area has been increased. A lot of clubs don’t look after the away fans but we can really start now.
“The club kept us informed at every single stage. I don’t know a lot of clubs that would do that.
“This club deserves the credit that it’s due.”
All the improvements made have been in line with the Premier League’s pledge to improve disabled facilities in stadiums throughout the country.
Albion are one of the first clubs in the country to meet the standards set by Premier League chiefs.
And chief executive Martin Goodman is pleased to see the work complete.
“We’re proud to be one of the first clubs to meet the recommendations,” he said.
“It’s a huge step forward in creating facilities for all supporters and a great opportunity for providing accessible facilities for both present and future fans. We consider ourselves a welcoming, inclusive club and we look forward to supporters enjoying these facilities.”
