Accessibility
As an Attitude is Everything GOLD standard venue, the AO Arena Manchester offers a warm and friendly welcome to everyone with excellent levels of service.
All of our customer facing staff have undertaken Deaf and disability awareness training and will always do their best to ensure your visit is both enjoyable and safe.
You can find the arena within the Victoria Station complex with train and Metrolink tram services operating from Greater Manchester and beyond. As we are located in the heart of Manchester of city centre, we are conveniently serviced by all forms of public transport. If you're planning a trip to us, day or night, you'll find it’s the best way to travel to an event. For more information, please see how to find us.
We really want you to enjoy your time with us so if anything happens whilst you are at AO Arena, please speak to one of our staff who will help as best as they can.
Working alongside Attitude is Everything, and our ticketing partner AXS, we have developed an access scheme to improve the way that we allocate complimentary personal assistant tickets.
All our accessible tickets are available to be purchased online via AXS at AO Arena tickets and event calendar | Manchester, United Kingdom | AXS.com. When booking accessible tickets, please follow the below guide:
- When you are on the page of the event that you wish to attend, select ‘Wheelchair Tickets’ or ‘Ambulant Accessible tickets’.
- We have dedicated access platform seating areas in Blocks, 105, 108, 109 as seen on the venue map. “AP” means accessible platform (e.g. AP108) and is level access and wheelchair accessible. “CP” means camera platform (e.g. CP113) and is also level access and wheelchair accessible. The only difference being is the camera platform is designed for fewer guests than the accessible platform. These areas are ideal for wheelchair users or guests who require step free access, or additional space.
- Ambulant tickets are standard seats with a limited number of steps. Row Y requires 3 steps down with a handrail and Row X requires 10 steps down with a handrail.
- Choose the seat of your choice and then add the FREE personal assistant to the booking and click on select.
- Once selected, click 'Checkout' and continue to follow the steps to make payment and secure your tickets.
If your access requirements are not met by the online booking system, please call 0161 987 5297 and the AXS team will help to book your tickets. Please note this line is open 9:00-17:30.
If you've already made a booking through our in-house access line and have a question about it, please email the team at contactus@ao-arena.com for assistance. Please note, they are unable to assist with new bookings.
All our accessible tickets are available to be purchased online via AXS at AO Arena tickets and event calendar | Manchester, United Kingdom | AXS.com. When booking accessible tickets, please follow the below guide:
- When you are on the page of the event that you wish to attend, select ‘Wheelchair Tickets’ or ‘Ambulant Accessible tickets’.
- We have dedicated access platform seating areas in Blocks, 105, 108, 109 as seen on the venue map. “AP” means accessible platform (e.g. AP108) and is level access and wheelchair accessible. “CP” means camera platform (e.g. CP113) and is also level access and wheelchair accessible. The only difference being is the camera platform is designed for fewer guests than the accessible platform. These areas are ideal for wheelchair users or guests who require step free access, or additional space.
- Ambulant tickets are standard seats with a limited number of steps. Row Y requires 3 steps down with a handrail and Row X requires 10 steps down with a handrail.
- Choose the seat of your choice and then add the FREE personal assistant to the booking and click on select.
- Once selected, click 'Checkout' and continue to follow the steps to make payment and secure your tickets.
If your access requirements are not met by the online booking system, please call 0161 987 5297 and the AXS team will help to book your tickets.
We have dedicated accessibility seating areas in Blocks, 105, 108, 109 as seen on the venue map.
Please note that accessibility seating in “row X” requires the use of ten steps with a handrail to access. “AP” means accessible platform and is level access and wheelchair accessible. “CP” means camera platform and is also level access and wheelchair accessible. The only difference being is the camera platform is designed for fewer guests than the accessible platform.
The distance between each row is three steps. For instance row X requires ten steps to access, row W will require 13 and so on.
If you have any questions ahead of your visit, please feel free to contact our accessibility team on accessibility@ao-arena.com. The team are briefed and trained on accessibility awareness and will endeavour to help you should you require any additional support or information. We aim to contact customers within a maximum of five working days.
Any of our stewards will be happy to assist with any queries you may have upon arrival. Our stewards wear yellow uniforms and can be seen both on the outside and inside of the building. There will be a dedicated steward located on each block of the Arena bowl.
Accessible stewards are also deployed to assist any customers in making their way around the venue if required. Accessible stewards will be wearing blue tabards.
If you need to speak to a supervisors, our supervising wear purple. Each area of the building will have a dedicated supervisor.
If you have any concerns about where you are sitting or any concerns to be raised. Please speak to our Customer Service team. The team are located on the concourse (opposite to block 101).
AO Arena is located in the heart of city centre Manchester, easily accessible via public transport and well serviced by all modes of transport. Our full address is AO Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR.
For more information on public transport within Greater Manchester, please visit the following website Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
We are connected to Victoria trains station, if you are taking a train to access the venue, please see the following for more information Manchester Victoria Station | National Rail
CitiPark operate our on-site car park, if you have enquiries about the car park, you can contact them directly here: Contact us | CitiPark
Please note: Blue Badge Bays cannot be specifically booked and are on a first come first served basis. If there are spaces available, an attendant will direct you on presenting your blue badge. There are 40 Blue Badge parking bays.
If you are being dropped off at the venue, there is the option to do so within the car park (without occurring a fee).
If you are using a taxi service, there is a taxi rank located at the bottom of our Hunts Bank entrance.
We have three accessible entrance points into the arena via Trinity Way, Hunts Bank and Victoria Station.
Please note that access to the arena complex is restricted to ticket holders only.
Getting from Victoria Station to City Room entrance.
Please have your ticket ready to enter the arena. Take the lift located to the right hand side of the stairs within Victoria station. The lift to the bridge level connects Victoria Station to the City Rooms entrance at the Arena. Maximum distance from Victoria Station to entrance is 180 metres.
Getting from Hunts Bank into the Arena.
Please have your ticket ready to enter the arena. The Hunts Bank entrance is accessible via the stairs or a lift to the right hand side of the stairs. Maximum distance to the lift from the entrance point is 50 meters
If you have difficulties with queuing due to your requirements, each entrance has an accessible search lane. Staff on these lanes will be looking to help customers who require this, it is designed to allow for a smoother and quicker entry process for accessibility customers. If you would benefit from using this, please do approach the staff and let them know and they will be happy to help.
Toilets are located near to Blocks 108/109 & Blocks 116, 120 & 119. This is including accessible toilets within the male and female toilet, as well as all-gender toilets, and separate radar key toilets if required.
There is also a changing place toilet in operation near to block 110, please speak to a steward if you need help in locating this.
Each of our stalls operate a low-level counter and are accessible for all. Our venue map highlights all bar and merch locations.
House wheelchairs are available from Guest Services (opposite block 101). If you require any assistance, please speak to a steward who can help. Wheelchairs can be used within the Arena itself to assist customers around the concourse to their seating location and back to the venue doors. Please note our venue wheelchairs can only be used within the Arena and cannot be taken outside. Unfortunately they are not able to remain with the customer for the duration of the show as we may need them to help other customers.
If you require a wheelchair to get to the venue but have not booked or don’t need wheelchair accessibility seating, we will happily look after this for you. Please visit Guest Services (opposite to block 101), where we will exchange your wheelchair for a wristband. Before you leave the venue, please just return to Guest Services who will provide the wheelchair upon presentation of your wristband.
Please note, if you need your assistant or companion to collect your wheelchair on your behalf, please make sure they are the ones with the wristband!
We have an induction loop in the main auditorium which covers seating area 114, and Accessible Platforms 108, 109. To connect you will need to switch your device into the T position. If you have difficulty connecting, please speak to the nearest steward and they can report issues for you.
If your seats are either on the floor (blocks A to M) or the first few rows of the lower tier (rows A, B, C), you may find it easier to take the lift to the floor rather than walking down the steps. If you have floor seats, simply head to the lift and either find your way to your seats or the stewards can direct you. If you are in the tiered seating, you will need to speak to the stewards either before you head down or once you arrive on the floor and they will escort you. If you need to use the facilities on the floor during the interval, please speak to the staff on the floor or on your aisle and they will arrange the steps for you.
If you can manage the stairs but you are nervous, the stewards will take your arm and escort you down the steps!
The location of the lift can be seen in the venue map on this page. If you require any assistance during your visit, please speak to a steward.
We will always endeavour to provide a room upon request. If you know in advance that you will require a room, please let us know on accessibility@ao-arena.com. During an event, please speak to a supervising steward (purple uniform) or Guest Services (opposite to block 101).
We have a changing place toilet in operation near to block 110. This can be accessed via radar key so we encourage you where possible to bring your own, but please do speak with the nearest steward to the facility or any Supervising Steward (noticed as they are wearing purple/silver Showsec uniform) to offer assistance with access.
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.
Should you require any further detail, this can be found in our Accessibility Guide or please contact our team via contactus@ao-arena.com
Yes – AXS have a separate Access Scheme which is separate to the venues. After your purchase you will be contacted by our ticketing partner, AXS who will ask you to submit your proof of eligibility. More information on the process and accepted accessible documentation can be found on their website. Your order may be cancelled if no supporting document is provided.
Personal Assistants
Please note Personal Assistant/Companion tickets must be purchased at the time of booking and cannot be added on or exchanged after a booking is made.
A complimentary Personal Assistant ticket is available at AO Arena’s discretion to those who need assistance from another person in order to move around safely within the venue.
Personal assistant tickets are available via the venue's official ticketing partner, AXS.
Personal Assistants must be able to assist the person they are attending with to leave the building in an emergency. They are expected attend to the customer in a responsible manner at all times and be able to meet the customer’s access requirements at all times during the event.
Assistance Dogs
ADUK registered assistance dogs are welcome at the AO Arena.
We also welcome other trained assistance dogs. In this case, as we would not have a registration document to demonstrate the dog’s level of training, we need to ask that you confirm the following. In order that we can allow them entry to an event, you must be able to guarantee that your dog complies with the following:
- is able to sit quietly without being distracted by the usual noise and bustle of an event.
- is trained not to toilet anywhere inside the venue. Staff will not be responsible for picking up after your dog if they are taking care of them during an event.
- will not jump on or approach any other members of the public
- must be clearly marked – by lead, harness or coat – as an assistance dog.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission states that ‘Assistance Dogs’ are highly trained. This means that they:
- will not wander freely around the premises
- will sit or lie quietly on the floor next to their owner
- are unlikely to foul in a public place
If your dog does not comply with these points, we may ask you to take it out of the venue.
Please contact us at least two working days before the event you are attending so that we can make arrangements for your comfort and safety during your visit.
The dog can either accompany you into the auditorium, if you have appropriate seating booked, or venue staff will willingly look after your dog whilst you enjoy the event. We can provide a water bowl and blanket for your dog if required.
It is possible that we 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, we will discuss the best options for you and your dog.
Please note, pet dogs are not permitted into the venue.
BSL & Assisted Performance
Should you require a BSL interpreter or an assisted performance – please contact our team via contactus@ao-arena.com so they can assist you.
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can assist with your request.
Contact Details
If you would like to contact us about booking accessible tickets, getting to the venue, our access facilities, or if you require any further information, please contact our Accessibility Team on 0161 987 5297. Please note that this is for Accessibility queries only. Any general queries should be directed to contactus@ao-arena.com
All customer facing staff have undertaken Deaf and disability awareness training. If you require any information in an alternative format please contact us via the following channels:
You can call the Accessibility Team from 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0161 987 5297, we welcome calls from customers using Next Generation Text Service.
The box office is only open on event days, from approximately 1 hour before main doors open, closing 15 minutes after the main act has gone on stage.
Our postal address is AO Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR.
Office hours are 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Please note that we can only take bookings for on sales at the specific time the event goes on sale.