Manchester UnitedThe event hosted by Manchester United Disabled Supporter Association (MUDSA) took place in the Stretford End with the newly installed elevated viewing area for wheelchair users.
The £11 million project enhanced the number of wheelchair user viewing areas and ambulant disabled supporter seating across the stadium.
Disabled fans visiting Old Trafford now have a choice of where they can sit and view the game. Away wheelchair user fans have also been re-located as a part of the project.
Chair of MUDSA Chas Banks officially opened the viewing area by unveiling a commemorative plaque.
He said: “Because of the “can do” approach the club applied to all these improvements, and of course the money they invested into the project, we’ve more than doubled the number of disabled fans who can attend matches and made many, many people’s dreams come true.
“Working together is the key here though because at every stage we weren’t just consulted, but listened to and many of our suggestions were taken on board and incorporated into the project.
“Personally, I’m particularly thrilled to see the flexibility that has been built into the platforms, to allow seats to become wheelchair spaces and wheelchair spaces to become seats.”
Level Playing Field chief executive Owain Davies who attended the event said: “The new facilities provide fans with a choice where they can sit. The new elevated space at the Stretford End (West Stand) demonstrates this, and undoubtedly a huge amount of work has gone into the project.
“Having a choice is a fundamental aspect of life, and allowing disabled fans to choose where they sit is a huge plus point following the completion of the project. Seeing fans being able to watch from the iconic Stretford End from this season and beyond is a significant milestone.
“We are looking forward to seeing fans make use of all the new space/seats and we are glad that we could support this great event.”
Images courtesy of Ashley Donelon Manchester United Official Photographer.