Lewis Capaldi Sheffield Arena Disabled Access Review

Bright yellow background with large, bold black text at the top reading: "Lewis Capaldi Sheffield Arena". Below, in slightly smaller black text: "Disabled Access Ride Review." In the center, there’s a photo of a stage at a concert, with Lewis Capaldi performing. Two large screens on each side of the stage show close-ups of him singing and playing guitar. The stage is brightly lit with colorful lights, and an audience is visible in front. Bottom left: a black box contains two white icons, one of an accessibility symbol with a check mark and the other of a globe with location pins. Bottom right: a cartoon illustration of Iona with her arms raised, riding a roller coaster car.
Its time for a bit of a different adventure as we go to my first ever concert and you are all invited. Lets listen to Lewis Capaldi sing and explore all the access along the way Trigger warning: this blog post mentions about meltdown/being distressed and big crowds I do not going into to detail but if the mention of distressing situations/autistic meltdown are a trigger for you then please go and join me on another of my adventure there is loads to choice from.

Table of Contents

Facilities and Services Available for Disabled Guests

Here is a quick overview of the facilities and services available for disabled guests at Sheffield Arena, so that you can decide if this attraction is able to meet your access requirements. Please note: some of the services are listed below and a full explanation is available later on in the blog post. In order to quickly navigate through the post you can use the table of contents.

  • Essential Companion Tickets: Sheffield Arena offer essential companion tickets formally known as carer tickets to all of their events with correct disability proof.  For more information please go to the ‘Before Your Visit’ section of this blog post.
  • Changing Place: Sheffield Arena has a full changing place with ceiling tracked hoist and adult changing bed. The changing place is located at entry B on the ground level.
  • Familiarisation Visit: If you need to be familiar with the Sheffield Arena venue before the date of your event then Sheffield Arena can facilitate this via a familiarisation visit. A familiarisation visit can be organised by emailing “UK – Sheffield Arena – Access Team” accessteam@utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk
  • BSL Interpreter: Sheffield Arena offers BSL interpreter service for their events. When booking your tickets simply inform Sheffield Arena directly that you require a BSL interpreter. Sheffield arena ask that you contact them directly at least 6 weeks in advance of your event so they can arrange a BSL interpreter for you. You can let them know you require this services by emailing “UK – Sheffield Arena – Access Team” accessteam@utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk.
  • Assistive Listening Devices: Sheffield Arena offer audio description at their events via an assistive listening devise headset called Tour guide 2020-D system. There is a limited number of these headset available that can be booked before your visit. You can book the asistive listning device by making the staff aware when you book your event tickets or emailing “UK – Sheffield Arena – Access Team” accessteam@utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk. If avalable you can hire the headset when your at the arena by going to the information desk in Green Concourse.
  • Partnership with Relay UK: For many of the accessible ticket types for Sheffield Arena you have to book them via phone. Full information on this can be found in ‘booking tickets’ section of this blog post. Making phone calls can be very inaccessible if you have a hearing or speech impairment therefore, Sheffield arena have a Partnership with Relay UK. Relay UK is an app that you download and get connected to a Relay assistant who can book the tickets on your behalf all you need to do is type and read responses in the app. You can find out more about Relay UK by clicking here Relay UK website.
  • Ear Defender Hire: Sheffield Arena have a limited number of ear defenders available to hire. Due to a limited number the venue recommends contacting them in advance to hire ear defenders by emailing “UK – Sheffield Arena – Access Team” accessteam@utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk.
  • Wheelchair Accessible Tickets: Sheffield Arena have a number of wheelchair accessible spaces available at there venue perfect if your unable to transfer from your wheelchair. More information can be found in the ‘before my visit’ section of this blog post.
  • Assistance Dogs: Sheffield Arena welcome assistance dogs to their venue. A ‘pass out’ is available so the dog can go to the toilet as well as the most appropriate seating options. In order to use these assistance dog services let the staff member know your brining an assistance dog when booking via the access booking line 01142 56 55 93 or email “UK – Sheffield Arena – Access Team” accessteam@utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk.
  • Visual Guide/Social Story: Sheffield Arena have created there very own visual guide including photographs of the venue and access features. You can find the visual guide by clicking here a visual guide to Utilita Arena Sheffield.
  • Accessibility Team: Sheffield Arena have got there very own dedicated accessibility team. I have visited Sheffield Arena a few times and have always found the access tram to be very helpful and knowledgeable. You can contact the access team by emailing “UK – Sheffield Arena – Access Team” accessteam@utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk or phoning the access booking line 01142 56 55 93

Before your visit

Before visiting an event at Sheffield Arena there are a few steps you must take in order to ensure you have the correct access available to you so you can enjoy your day.

Booking Tickets

Accessible Booking Phone line

For Lewis Capaldi the tickets were sold through Ticketmaster however, in order to book any accessible ticket types except wheelchair accessible tickets you need to ring Sheffield Arena accessible booking line 01142 56 55 93. The access booking phone line is open Monday to Friday 10am till 4pm.

Booking Wheelchair Accessible Tickets

When booking an event at Sheffield Arena and requiring a wheelchair accessible ticket and essential companion ticket you do not need to phone the booking line as this ticket type can be booked through Ticketmaster online. In order to book via Ticketmaster online you need to have a Accessible Tickets Online Verification. This means you need to fill in a form to submit your disability proof before you can book the access ticket types. Ticketmaster accepts the Access Cards with the relevant access symbols however, a full list of accepted disability proof can be found by clicking here Accessible Tickets Online Verification accepted disability proof. You can fill in the access requirements and eligibility form to get an Accessible Tickets Online Verification by clicking here Accessible Tickets Online Verification form.

Once your access ticket online verification has been approved it will be added to your account and you can book tickets online for wheelchair accessible ticket and essential companion ticket type at Sheffield Arena. Sheffield Arena have created a step by step guide with images on how to book wheelchair and essential companion accessible tickets. This guide is very clear and easy to follow and you can find it by clicking here How to Book a Wheelchair Accessible Ticket.

My Experience booking Accessible tickets via the Accessible Booking Phone line

For the Lewis Capaldi ticket sale there was an artist pre sale, venue pre sale and general sale all on different days I signed up in advance for both of the pre sales. Its worth noting that in order to get a pre sale code you do not have to perches an album or any other product. The first pre sale was the artist sale I got emailed a the night before with my pre sale code and the start time for the presale that was 9am. I couldn’t find any information if you could book access tickets during the pre sale but decided to ring up and see. I was not holding much hope as I thought the tickets were going to sell out fast and as the pre sale started at 9am and the access booking line didn’t open till 10am I thought all the tickets would be sold out but decided to try anyway.

After getting cut off 9 times and 1 hour on hold I finally made it through to a staff member. I was asked my access needs so they could look for seats that fit my access requirements as well as my access card ID number for my essential companion ticket. The staff member already had all this information on file from the last time I booked tickets for an event at Sheffield Area so that was really helpful.

My access requirements for seating is that I need an aisle seat, essential companion ticket and can’t do many stairs however, enough to be able to have an ambulant ticket. The staff member then started looking for suitable tickets sadly there was no aisle seat left however, just as I was about to go the staff member said hang on an aisle seat just came available with six stairs to get to it. These seats were perfect for my access requirements so I went for them. I was expecting to pay a little more as my seat was located near the front of the seating section however, all the accessible tickets cost the same which was £85 and my essential companion ticket was free. I was not asked to give my pre sale code when booking. I had the option to get the tickets in a paper version posted to me or an e ticket. I chose to get an e ticket as then there was no risk of me dropping or loosing the tickets.

My tickets came through on an email from Ticketmaster a few hours after booking I then had to download the Ticketmaster app on my phone and claim my tickets. I was then able to add the tickets to my apple wallet which made it quick and easy to get my tickets up and scanned. The Ticketmaster app gave the exact details of where my ticket is what seat, zone and where to enter the arena (unless you require lift) as seen in the images bellow.

Essential companion ticket

Sheffield Arena offer free essential companion tickets to their events with correct proof of disability. We used my access card with the +1 symbol in order to get an essential companion ticket but you can find a full list of accepted disability proof by clicking here Sheffield Arena disability evidence. From my understanding and experience you are only to book essential companion tickets through the accessibility booking phone line unless you are also booking a wheelchair accessible ticket as you can then book online. Full information on how to book the wheelchair assessable and essential companion ticket type can be found in the ‘Booking Wheelchair Accessible Tickets’ section of this blog post. The number to ring to book an essential companion ticket is 01142 56 55 93. I would be aware that you could be on hold for a long time depending on how in demand the tickets are.

Arrivals

In this section of the blog we detail what will happen when you arrive at Sheffield Arena so you know what to expect and can get to your seats as quickly as possible.

blue badge parking

Sheffield Arena has a large number of blue badge parking spaces split into 2 sets red and blue. Parking can be booked on the phone when purchasing tickets or online you are able to select blue badge parking online. Prices vary depending on the event however, for Lewis Capaldi parking was £17.50.

Entering the Arena

It was busy when we arrived at the arena about 15 minutes before doors opened. However, there was lots of staff sorting out crowd control and a separate queue going into the reception for accessibility. I was using my sticks and a staff member came over and asked if I could do the stairs or wanted to go in the accessibility queue.

large crowd outside the arena People are gathered in long, sprawling lines, likely for an event or entry. Several rows of parked cars line the area to the left
Parking lot in front of a large arena or stadium, with a long line of people stretching along the steps and sidewalk, waiting to enter the building.
event venue entrance. There is a large crowd of people gathered outside, some standing in groups and others forming a line that goes up a wide staircase leading to a building. In the center, there is a directional sign with several colored routes: Red Concourse, Green Concourse, Blue Concourse, Arena Club, Reception Entry B, and Box Office Entry C. Above the stairs, more people are waiting or walking.

There is only 2 lifts at Sheffield Arena one via the reception and the other via the box office. All people with accessibility needs in our experience were directed towards the reception with signs outside saying accessible entrance as seen in the images bellow. There was a security set up before going into the arena all other queue had body scanner/metal detectors however, the accessibility queue had a security guard who had a metal detector wand and did a scan on everyone with there arms out. They also did a bag check.

Section of a large building with a grey, sloped roof and trees partially obstructing the view. On the side of the building is a sign that reads: "utilita arena SHEFFIELD."
A line of people, including adults and children, waits outside a building with a sign reading "RED DOORS & ARENA CLUB" above the entrance. Metal barriers help organize the queue,
Queue of people outside an arena entrance, with some standing near a sign that reads “RED DOORS & ARENA CLUB RECEPTION.” The sign is on a pink banner above a doorway. There are black metal barriers forming the queue area, and more people are visible outside and inside the entrance area.
Crowd of people waiting outside an event venue. The scene shows people standing near the entrance labeled "RED DOORS & ARENA CLUB," under a covered area with directional pink signage. In the foreground, a large pink sign with a wheelchair symbol reads "ENTRY & SUITES," indicating accessible entry for disabled guests. Barricades help guide the crowd,
Crowd of people queuing outside the entrance of Utilita Arena Sheffield. The arena’s large curved building dominates the left of the image, with its name and location displayed in bold letters. There is a pink sign pointing towards "Red Doors & Arena Club" and "Reception" above the entrance.

Our Visit To The Lewis Capaldi Concert

Now we have made it inside the arena and sorted all of our access out it’s time to enjoy the concert or event. In this section you will find a write up of our visit to the Lewis Capaldi concert including all the accessibility information of course. So come and enjoy the concert with us!

Reception area and Lift

Once we had made it through security there was staff member on the door to the reception who scanned our tickets and gave everyone a wristband that lights up during the show. There was then a wait from the reception area to get in the lift as it was very busy and there is only one small lift in the reception area that is for people in the suites as well as access needs thankfully there was a couple of sofa so I could have a sit down. Despite the large number of people with access needs and only one lift it was very well organised and there was even a staff member in the lift directing people to the correct floor.

Three signs on a pale yellow background. On the left, a purple sign shows a white wheelchair symbol above the word "Lift" with an arrow pointing left. In the top right corner, a square sign displays a large black letter "G" above the word "GROUND." Below this, another sign shows a large black letter "C" above the word "CONCOURSE."
Crowd of people, some using wheelchairs, in a hallway with music-themed wall decorations and framed posters. The wall features a large text that reads "POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME" with smaller text underneath. Some people are standing while others are sitting or assisting those in wheelchairs.
A group of people standing in a queue indoors. The waiting area for lift in reception

concourse area

Upon exiting the lift on the concurs level it came out near the red seating section. In order to get from the lift to the seats you have to walk through where the toilets, bar, food, merch and drink is this area was very buys and the biggest crowd I have ever been in. Sadly, the busyness was just to much for me and I had an autistic meltdown as you can imagen we were obviously not focusing on getting picture for the blog so don’t have a full image of how bad the crowd was. I went to reregulate in the quiet room before heading back up to the concourse when the crowds had died down and the support act had started. Full information about the quiet room can be found in the ‘quiet room’ section of this blog post.

The concourse area has 2 sections with facilities one on by the red door the other by the blue door. Each side had food outlets, bar, merchandise stall and toilets with female male and accessible. For the accessible toilet you needed a radar key however, the queue were very long as not many accessible toilet for the amount of people that needed to use it.

Elevator area with light grey walls, a purple elevator door on the right, a hand sanitizer dispenser mounted on the wall, and a purple sign indicating "Lift Exit" with a wheelchair symbol and a right-pointing arrow. There is also a partial sign on the left with the large letter "C" and "CONCOURSE"
The doors are white with two vertical windows, and through the windows, several people can be partially seen on the other side.
Indoor arena concourse crowded with people. A number of ice hocky banners are hanging from the ceiling

Merchandise Stall

The merchandise stall had a small selection of merchandise for both the support acts as well as a wider verity of merch for Lewis Capaldi. As you can see in the images bellow there was jumpers, t-shirts, keyrings, badges, scarf and water bottle as well as limited edition posters. The queue was long for the merch stand with no signed access queue however, we went to ask a member of staff and they served me straight away. I purchased a keyring that was £7 and has a fancy digital download as well as sone button badges that were £10.

Merchandise stand at an indoor event venue. People are lined up at the counter, waiting to purchase various items which include t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and hats displayed on a grid wall behind the counter. Each item is labeled with a visible price tag in pounds. The merchandise primarily uses black, white, and orange colors and features text and graphic designs. Staff members in black shirts are assisting customers at the counter, which has some small items like wristbands inside the display case. Tote bag: £10 - T-shirt (with person’s face and “Problem” text): £20 - Long sleeve black shirt (right of tote bag): £30 - Orange cap: £20
Top left: A clear keychain with pink fragments inside, next to a black card titled "How To Unlock Your Secret Link!" with instructions for using your mobile phone to unlock a secret link by tapping it on the included cassette item. Bottom left: A clear plastic keychain shaped like a cassette tape inside a plastic bag, accompanied by an instruction sheet partially visible behind it. Right side: A black card with "LEWIS CAPALDI" printed at the top, displaying four pin-back buttons. From top to bottom: a purple button with white text reading "I'VE STILL GOT SOMETHING TO GIVE", a white button with abstract "LC" initials, a pink button with "LEWIS IS BACK!", and a black button featuring a floral pattern. The black card itself has a floral design in the background.

Quiet Room

After my Dad asking 3 member of staff someone finally new where the quiet room was. It was located down the lift in the reception area. Once in the reception area it was very busy as people in the access line were still trying to get up into the concourse area. A staff member quickly showed us into the quiet room and said we could take as long as I needed. The quiet room was exactly what I need as I was still in out of meltdown due to the big crowds we had to go through to get to the quiet room. The quiet room was a good size with 2 sofa as well as some wheelchairs and baby changing units.

photographs on a pale wall and a framed orange sports jersey labeled "STEELERS 15" with several sponsor logos including "purposemedia" and "HARSCO." Below the jersey, there are folded mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
A wall with six black and white photographs in frames, showing musicians and a group of four men in suits. There is a small folding table leaning against the wall, a dark cushioned couch

My Seats

My seats were located on the right had side of the arena in the blue area section 114 and was on row M meaning it was only 6 steps down to my seat. I had a good view from my seats and was able to see the stage until Lewis came on stage and everyone stood up. Due to my mobility and lack of balance I was unable to stand up for long we did try me sat on the top of my chair with my feet on the seat for balance however, this was very painful for me so only lasted for 1 song. Most of the images bellow have been taken by my dad who was sat on the seat next to me that we realised during the show that Dad seat had an easier view of of the stage when people were standing and didn’t have to turn me head quite as much so we swapped seats and Dad stood up in my seat.

Large indoor concert arena filled with a crowd of people. The audience is seated and facing a stage with a white curtain and two large, bright screens on either side. In the foreground, Iona is sat smiling with long blonde hair is sitting in the audience. She is wearing light pink noise-canceling earmuffs and orange-tinted glasses.
Be My AI Crowded indoor concert arena filled with people sitting and standing, waiting for the show to start. The stage has two large digital screens showing colorful images, with a large curtain hanging between them, concealing the stage setup. The arena is brightly lit with purple and blue lighting,
Packed indoor concert arena with thousands of people, all facing a brightly lit stage at the far end. The audience is bathed in purple and blue light, likely from LED wristbands or lights many are holding, creating a twinkling effect throughout the venue. On stage, multiple large screens display a colorful, abstract image with dominant yellow and blue hues, and there are visible performers and equipment. Confetti or glitter appears to be falling from the ceiling,

The Show

For the Lewis Capaldi show there was two support acts Aaron Rowe and Skye Newman. The first support act was Aaron Rowe was the first act of the night who came on stage at 7pm. I missed Aaron Rowe set as I was in the quiet room as I had just had a meltdown there was about a 10 to 15 minute break and then Skye Newman came on stage I really enjoyed her set and was able to see all of it as nobody stood up. Skye played a few songs including a couple of songs she hasn’t released yet before there was another 15/20 minute break before Lewis Capaldi came on stage.

When Lewis Capaldi came on stage the curtain opened and he started of by singing survive one of his newest songs. After a couple of songs there was a little bit of talking from Lewis that was really nice it didn’t feel scripted at all and like we really got to see his personality shine through when he did a bit of talking every couple of songs. I really enjoyed all the songs during the consort especially the melody section and hearing the Unreleased music. Something in the heavens sounded insane and was a really special song as there was confetti and during the song everyone wristband started lighting up as you can see in the images bellow. The lights kept coming on of throughout the night at certain points during the songs sometimes they flashed different colour like red and orange. The set list was really good with the final song being Before you go I did leave during this song as did not fancy queuing for the lift however, I could still hear the song on the way to the lift. We exited the arena via the lift in the blue area as it was near our seats this brought us out of the arena through the box office. I thought the set list was really good and I did manage to stay engaged for a good part of the concert despite being overwhelmed. The staff were more then happy with you having a walk around the arena and going in and out so that meant I could have breaks which was helpful. I have found a detailed set list online with all the notes you need to know as some of the song were extended or had been a little been jazzed up. Click here for the Lewis Capaldi set list.

In terms of access, it is worth noting that from the second song all the way through to the end of the consort there was lots of people in the seating area standing up so if your unable to stand for long its worth preparing yourself you will probably just be able to see a lot of people backs. From a sensory point of view there is obviously loud music however, as Lewis’ songs don’t have and big base backing tracks it was fine with a pair of ear defenders. Strobe and flashing lighting was used a lot during the show as you can see in some of the images bellow at points during the show everyone wristband also started flashing orange and red.

Packed indoor concert arena with thousands of people, all facing a brightly lit stage at the far end. The audience is bathed in purple and blue light, likely from LED wristbands or lights many are holding, creating a twinkling effect throughout the venue. On stage, multiple large screens display a colorful, abstract image with dominant yellow and blue hues, and there are visible performers and equipment. Confetti or glitter appears to be falling from the ceiling,
Dimly lit selfie of two people sitting indoors, possibly at a concert or an event. The lighting is tinted purple, and both individuals are smiling.
ndoor concert arena filled with a large crowd. People are standing and holding up their phones, many with flashlights turned on, creating a sea of lights throughout the venue. The stage is brightly lit with colorful lights, and two large screens on either side of the stage display a vocalist performing. The space is spacious, with tiered seating
arge indoor concert scene with a densely packed audience, many of whom are holding up their lit phones, creating a sea of small lights throughout the arena. The stage is brightly illuminated and features two large video screens displaying a close-up of the performer, who stands at the center of the stage. Colorful stage lighting radiates across the backdrop. The arena is filled to capacity,
The arena is filled with a large, standing crowd, all facing the brightly lit stage at the far end of the venue. The stage is illuminated with red and purple lights, and large video screens flank both sides, displaying images of the performers.
Concert scene inside a large indoor arena. The stage is brightly lit, with two tall screens on either side showing a close-up of a performer singing into a microphone and playing guitar. The crowd is dark, with many people visible
The stage is brightly lit with pink and white lights shining down, and two large screens display a close-up of a musician playing a guitar. The audience, many of whom appear to be holding up lit phones, faces the stage. The image is taken from a distance, from within the seating area. On the right side, partly in darkness, you can see iona smiling for a selfie
Indoor arena filled with a large audience, all facing a stage with a closed, illuminated curtain at the center. Two large screens on either side of the stage display the name “skyenewman” above a red graphic, each showing a performer or presenter. Many people in the crowd are holding up their phones with lights on
Concert stage scene with a live band performing. The stage is brightly lit with beams of white and yellow lights shining down. Two very large vertical screens on each side of the stage display a close-up image of a male singer with shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing a black shirt and playing an acoustic guitar. The center of the stage has a backdrop made up of colorful lit panels.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I believe that Lewis Capaldi put on an amazing show that had a good mix of songs as well as his personality. Although the concert environment was to challenging for me with my sensory needs I don’t want you to think that meant there was bad accessibility at Sheffield Arena and the concert because this couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite the venue of Sheffield Arena being quite old when it comes to crowds control and access design the venue had done all they can to accommodate everyone with accessibility requirements as you can see in the ‘facilities and services’ section of this blog post. I would love to hear your experiences when it comes to concert and maybe try again in the future but for now I will stick to live music events that are outside and have space for me to move. Thank you for coming to my first ever consort with me it was certainly a rollercoaster ride but with some great music. I hope to see you in my next adventure, bye for now.

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Disclaimer​

The information provided on this blog about theme park accessibility is based on my experiences and the details available from the attractions’ official websites at the time of my visit. Please note that facilities and services for disabled guests may change, and the information may not always be up-to-date. I strongly recommend checking the accessibility section on the respective attractions’ websites for the most current information. The comments and opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any other organisation.