Wembley Stadium
The first trip I want to write about is my visit to Wembley Stadium - in my opinion one of the best places to visit - firstly, it has live sport; which I love, secondly it is in London; which I also love, but most of all, it is one of the most accessible places for me to have visited.
I have been three times, admittedly the first time was overwhelming on all accounts, being the Women's Euro final in 2022, where England faced Germany, it was the first time had ever been to a live professional football match and boy it did not disappoint. Not only was it in Wembley Stadium, but it was England Women and we won! So this potentially skewed my experience. But in total honesty, I could have cried when I entered the stadium, the atmosphere was electric, the tension palpable, the expectation sky high, I have genuinely never felt anything like it, but going again since I still feel that buzz. Surprisingly it seemed smaller than I had anticipated, but the noise was on another level and something they now affectionately call a ‘core memory’. I have been twice since, once was the 2023 Finalissima; also England Women, the third was the Women’s FA Cup Final (Manchester United versus Chelsea) and at no time does the novelty wear off.
My transport of choice was train (Wakefield to Kings Cross), followed by the Tube (Kings Cross to Wembley Park) - I plan on making other reviews for these, so won’t delve too deep here, just to say; they were both pleasant, accessible and it was even fun to chat to other game attendees on the way. My overnight stay was at the Premier Inn (Wembley Stadium) - again another review to follow, but I would recommend as it is literally just across the way.
At Wembley Stadium I always book accessible seats, the wheelchair spaces specifically (you get a companion seat too). You have to do this via their dedicated phone line, which when I book football tickets has been a relatively quick process, on the first purchase you have to setup an account and send your disability proof identification, but for subsequent purchases you tell them your fan number and you are on the system. Prior to arrival I always print off the ticket ready for scanning, you are only allowed a small bag (A4 size stated in the guidance) so I take only my phone, purse (it has been card only at the events I attended) and on one occasion hand warmers (it was April). The gates are well marked out, and as I booked accessible seating, I head to the accessible entrance, where someone is there waiting to scan my ticket, you go through the security gate and then you’re inside. From the inside you can find your block and head out to your seat - this is where my first surprise came in, I was fully expecting to need a lift, but no, I simply wheeled to my block, found my seat and parked there. It was one of the most simple experiences. If you head back inside you can find the merchandise, programmes, food and drink, admittedly it can be busy at points, but this is to be expected with almost 80,000 people milling around, however the staff have always been friendly and helpful. I haven’t used the toilets, but I have seen a good number of them dotted around. The staff however have always been friendly in guiding me to my seat if I need a direction pointing out and well mannered when buying food or drink.
I would highly recommend a walk down Olympic Way on game day, the atmosphere is incredible! You can go from Wembley Park tube station to Olympic Way with a ramp coming from the main road, and then the way itself is hard surface, there are a few convenience shops and places to eat along here too. And you get to see the full effect of the Wembley Arch - we all need that selfie! I’m not sure if it’s because it’s Women’s football, but the atmosphere has always been friendly, I have been alone and at no point did I feel worried or concerned for my safety, even chatted away to my seat mate.
Each time the experience has been smooth, and very entertaining, would honestly recommend everyone goes for a visit at some.
Next on my agenda is to do the Wembley Stadium tour, so hopefully soon a review will be posted about that. Keep an eye out.
