Promoting universal accessibility for disabled and older fans to European stadia: A Holistic Journey Sequence Approach (HOPES)

The purpose of this chapter is to reinforce the notion that designing accessible and inclusive sport enviroments can have economic, social, and operational benefits and implicity benefits the whole of society. It is primarily intended for those students who might pursue a professional career in the sport venue industry. It can also be beneficial to sport governing body administrators, public servants and industry practitioners. Considering that universal accessibility is a complex issue, the planning, design, and management of stadia should not be the exclusive concern of architects and engineers as it has been in the past, and they should work closely with key stakeholders such as facility managers, contractors, professional experts like DLOs at club level, groups of fans with different disabilities and local official from the early stages. All of them should be familiar with relevant legislation, best practices of venues at global level, along with knowing the needs and expectations of both segments of consumers and spectators.