Group Stage: Manchester Tips & FAQ Sep 2025* · AO Arena

Toilets

There are 5 unisex accessible toilets with Radar Locks as well as further accessible toilets inside each block of male and female toilets. They are conveniently located near to the accessible bays. Stewards on the tops of the aisles can direct you to the nearest ones. 

If you do not have your own Radar key, the steward nearest to the toilet has one that you can use. Alternatively, you can borrow a key from the Tickets and Info (Customer Services) desk on the concourse near to the Hunts Bank entrance.

The Arena has a Changing Places fully accessible toilet by Block 106 on Level 0 (Arena Floor). Please contact your nearest steward for access or visit the Customer Services desk on the concourse near the Hunts Bank entrance. This toilet is larger than a standard wheelchair accessible toilet and includes a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist and room for up to two PAs. 

Please note:

• This facility has level entry
• The floor surface is smooth and anti-slip
• All areas are even and well lit
• Extra wide outward opening door with mid rail
• The lock can be opened from outside in an emergency
• There is a left and right hand transfer to the WC
• Horizontal and Vertical rails are fitted beside the WC
• Hot water temperature is controlled before the point of delivery
• Emergency pull cords with internal and external reset
• Rise and Fall Changing Bed
• Please bring your own sling. The hoist is compatible with loop fastening slings only, to be used with the 2 point spreader bar

Customers with Medical and Dietary Requirements

Medication for medical conditions, or food or drink to manage a medical condition can be brought into the venue. It is suggested you contact the Arena in advance of your visit for advice, prior written acknowledgement from the venue of your requirement, or should you have any concerns or questions. Having an email from the venue is the quickest way through the process and a list of "exceptions" is issued to staff on each entrance when advance warning has been given. This should reduce any questioning you may be subject to on entrance.

Please be aware that food and drink should be limited to you and should be for your medical condition. You can also bring any supporting documents to the venue with you should you wish, for example letters from your doctor or prescriptions in your name. In general, if it is possible, we request that you bring medication inside its original container (blister packs, boxes or bottles). Please do not be offended if a member of the medical team is asked to verify the medication that you are bringing in. This should happen in a quiet and considerate way, away from the passing public.

Trained first aiders, EMTs, and Paramedics are available for all events and can be summoned by our stewards. There is also a First Aid Room at all events which can be used as a quiet space.

Access to Performance

The Arena is committed to offering additional services which you may need for the event to be accessible to you. This includes a range of interpreters, from British Sign Language to text captioning and audio description.

They will endeavour to make any reasonable adjustments to your booking even if you mention later that you need additional provision but they do need enough notice to make sure they provide the right service to the highest standard they can. Please make sure you request such provision a minimum of 6 weeks before the event date. There is no charge to you for the provision of interpreters.

An induction loop is available for all performances. Located in the main auditorium which covers seating areas 107, 108, 109, 110 Rows J—V, and Accessible seating areas on Camera Platforms 107, 110, and Accessible Platforms 108, 109.

There are also induction loops available in the Box Office and our Customer Services desk by block 101. Hearing aids need to be switched to the T position in order to receive the signal.

Quiet Spaces

If you need support or you are feeling uncomfortable and would like to be shown to a quiet space, then please ask a member of stewarding staff or the customer services team by block 101 who will be happy to assist you during a show. Spaces can also be found for prayer or breastfeeding. 

Assistance Dogs

ADUK Registered assistance dogs are welcome at the AO Arena.

Please contact the venue at least 2 working days before the event you are attending so that arrangements can be made for your comfort and safety during your visit.

The dog can either accompany you into the auditorium or venue staff will willingly look after your dog whilst you enjoy the event. A water bowl and blanket can be provided for your dog if required.

It is possible that the venue may need to find an alternative seat for you if your seat is not appropriate for your dog to sit with you. In any event, they will discuss the best options for you and your dog.

Crutches

People using crutches and/or walking aids are not allowed onto a standing floor. If you have booked a standing ticket the venue will always endeavour to find you an accessible position within the Arena so that you can still come to the event.

Seating

• Floor Seating: All floor seats can be accessed using one of the arena lifts
• Lower Tier (Block 101 and above): The 1st raised tier of seating in the lower tier does not have a handrail after Row X (10 steps down). All accessible bays for wheelchair users are located within the lower tier
• Upper Tier (Block 201 and above): The 2nd raised tier of seating requires the negotiation of steep steps and so may not be suitable for customers with vertigo or those with mobility problems. There is a central handrail located within this tier. Seating at the front of the upper tier is 35ft (10m) from the ground, rising to 70ft (20m) at the rear