Matchday Disability Information

Wheelchair/Ambulant Disabled are also charged the appropriate rate for their age for their ticket however, should they need a full time carer to accompany them, the carer is admitted free of charge (Tickets must be obtained from the ticket office).

The club has 33 positions for wheelchair supporters with adjoining seats for their Personal Assistants (carers), if required. These are situated in Willbutts Lane Stand (16) for away supporters. Main Stand (8) and Smith Metals Family Stand (Pearl Street Stand) (9) for home supporters.

Carers are free of charge if one is required. Please be aware that the carer cannot attend matches without caring for a person with a disability. A carer is issued a complimentary Season Ticket, their primary role is to care for the disabled person, not to watch the match. Spot checks will be carried out regularly throughout the season. Carers will have to pay for any games they wish to attend alone. The complimentary Season Ticket shall remain in the possession of the paying disabled supporter.

The club has one position for visually impaired supporters and if required, their personal assistant. These are situated in the Main Stand.

Visually impaired supporters using this area will be charged the concessionary appropriate age band prices for their tickets. Should a personal assistant be required, they will not be charged for a match ticket.

Match commentary is provided by the Rochdale AFC Club Website and the headset is available by prior arrangement by contacting disability.liaisonofficer@rochdaleafc.co.uk.

The club strongly recommends that each visually impaired person attending a match should be accompanied by a person who is fully able to support their needs in the event of an emergency.

Guide Dogs are allowed into the Stadium but we would recommend that supporters with Guide Dogs contact our Head of Safeguarding Nicola Toolan before the match via mobile on 07734961927 or by emailing disability.liaisonofficer@rochdaleafc.co.uk. This is so that we can discuss with them access to the ground, facilities inside the ground and the welfare of the Guide Dog before, during and after the match.

Rochdale AFC has ten disabled parking bays for home supporters which are allocated to disabled people with the most severe mobility difficulties. These are sold on a seasonal basis. Applications can be made to Nicola Toolan and each request will subject to availability. 

Rochdale AFC have two disabled parking bays reserved for away supporters, who can book the spaces by contacting Nicola Toolan at least 24 hours prior to the game on 01706644648 (option two) or by emailing disability.liaisonofficer@rochdaleafc.co.uk. Cost of £5 to be pre-paid in advance of the match.

RAFC would ask that people recognise that there is a limited number of places available and it will not be possible to accommodate everyone who has a Blue Badge.

Local street parking is available.

Matchday catering for supporters with a disability is provided in the concourses. Where there is no lowered serving area for supporters who require a wheelchair, we would ask your personal assistant or the clubs stewards to assist in getting refreshments. 

Other facilities which come under the general heading of catering such as Executive Lounges, are accessible to supporters with a disability.

There is one accessible toilet in each stand with a choice of “sided” transfers. 

We have also have a Changing Places Pod located on the club’s premises.

If you experience any problems with use of the disabled toilets (or they are being abused), please contact the nearest steward on the day, or the Disability Liason Officer, Nicola Toolan, after the match. Nicola can be contacted by emailing disability.liaisonofficer@rochdaleafc.co.uk or by calling 07734961927.

The club has many facilities available on match days and non-match days which aren’t directly linked with actually watching the match.  Such facilities include the Club Shop, Executive Boxes, Study Centre, Ratcliffe Bars, and Our Spot Community Hub. 

RAFC openly welcomes comments on this Information and would encourage any person to contact the club with their comments or queries.

The club is proud to be a Full Member of the Level Playing Field (formerly known as NADS – National Association of Disabled Supporters)