Accessibility

Already during the construction of the VELTINS-Arena in 2001, it was a central concern to give the Arena the greatest possible accessibility. This is to enable all visitors with disabilities to visit the Arena and enjoy it to the full and in complete comfort. This begins with the parking spaces, which allow disabled parking in the immediate vicinity of the Arena.

The number of barrier-free seats played an important role in the planning of the Arena. A total of 98 seats for wheelchair users and one accompanying person are available on the east stage in the Arena. The seats are located in blocks L to U, the seats for the accompanying persons in row 30 directly in front of them.

Persons with walking disabilities can watch the games in the Arena in Block X. There are usually a total of 40 day passes available for them, but the number can be increased if there is a demand for them.

Visually impaired and blind visitors can also enjoy a special service in the Gelsenkirchen Arena: Trained blind reporters certified by the DFL comment on the games live. Since the opening of the Arena in 2001, the team of eight volunteer commentators has enabled visitors to experience the game in all its facets live. Currently, a total of 20 headphones are available, but this number can be significantly increased if there is a corresponding demand. A reception is possible on all seats in the Arena.

The blind reporters distribute the headphones in block X and in block O against a deposit (key, ID, etc.). Alternatively, issuing can also be at the service point on stairwell 5.

Holders of severely disabled persons ID card with a degree of disability of at least 70 percent will receive the admission ticket for blocks X and Y at a reduced price.

The accompanying person of holders of severely disabled persons ID card with the mark B enjoys free admission when accompanying wheelchair users, blind persons (mark BI), deaf persons (mark GI), an extraordinary walking disability (mark aG), a registered walking disability (mark G) and a simultaneous degree of disability of at least 100 percent as well as registered helplessness (mark H).

Sanitary facilities with handicapped accessible equipment are located in the following areas of the Arena:

• Toilet facility with 3 toilet cabins, accessible via Block O and M Toilet facility
• Toilet facility with 3 toilet cabins, accessible via Block T and R1 Toilet in the press area (room 2004)
• 1 Toilet in the LaOla-Club in area Block I
• 1 Toilet in the Glückauf-Club