Access information

In this article you'll find information on accessible parking, toilets, Changing Places facilities, use of walking aids, hearing assistance systems, assistance dogs, and Strobe Lighting.

Parking

The NEC site (including bp pulse LIVE) has designated car park spaces for visitors with disabilities. On arrival at the NEC site, please follow the signage for Arena Disabled Parking. Traffic Officers will direct you to the most convenient parking area. 

For most Arena events, wider space parking is available next to the Arena in South 1 car park on a first-come, first-served basis (regardless of pre-payment). This car park is a 20–50m walk to/from the Box Office Accessible Entrance. If the Arena disabled parking area is full, customers will be directed to the overspill area in the South car parks (approx. 100–250m walk). Additional parking is available in the East car parks, serviced by free, accessible shuttle buses with a drop-off/pick-up point in front of the Arena Lakeside Accessible entrance (open from doors open time). Payment machines are inside the Arena and just outside the Box Office. The venue is cashless, so payments are by debit/credit card or mobile phone online. You can find out about how to pre booking your parking on the venue's Parking Page (Allocated parking for blue badge holders may differ for some events – always follow on-site signage.)

Toilets

bp pulse LIVE has nine public, stand-alone, unisex accessible toilets for any customer with access requirements. These are located in the Forum and at the rear of Blocks 7, 11, and 15 in the Arena, all controlled by a RADAR key. Please speak to a steward in the area for a RADAR key if you do not have one. There are also unisex accessible/ambulant toilets in all hospitality areas. Larger ambulant toilets are located within all single-sex toilets throughout the building, which do not require a RADAR key. These generally have outward-opening doors and grab rails. Some have their own sinks and some have baby-changing facilities.

Changing Places

In addition to accessible toilets, bp pulse LIVE has a Changing Places toilet facility at the rear of Block 12. This facility meets the needs of people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or more carers by providing extra features and more space, including a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench; a ceiling hoist system (please note: for health & safety reasons, the venue do not provide support slings; customers should bring their own); an automatic wash/dry, centrally located toilet; a height-adjustable washbasin; and a RADAR key operated door.

Use of Walking Aids in the Arena Bowl

If you have a seated ticket and a permanent condition requiring the use of a walking aid (crutches or walking sticks) but can negotiate steps, you may take these to your seat. Please store them under the seats so as not to cause an obstruction or trip hazard. We cannot accommodate persons with a leg/foot in a cast or full support into seating blocks (for safety reasons in an evacuation). Contact the ticketing provider before the event. Reseating is subject to availability. We permit the use of walking aids (crutches or walking sticks) on a standing floor, but please be mindful of your surroundings. We cannot accommodate wheelchairs/scooters, walking frames, or rollators in seating areas or on a standing floor (for safety reasons in an evacuation). If you use one of these, you will need to purchase tickets on one of our accessible platforms.

Hearing Assistance System

The venue operates a radio frequency analogue hearing system that covers 100% of the Arena bowl, so you can book any seat or stand anywhere on the floor and still receive excellent sound quality. Customers wishing to use the system can do so free of charge and should speak to a member of Security on arrival at the Arena, to book out a receiver pack with lanyard and an earphone headset which plugs into the receiver. Alternatively, if you use a telecoil hearing aid, they can supply a personal neck loop which then plugs into the receiver to enhance the sound through your own hearing aid.

Assistance Dogs

Specially trained assistance and guide dogs are welcome in the Arena. We recommend that dogs are not taken into the bowl for loud events and they are not permitted on the standing floor. The Venue are happy to house your dog within a designated area with water bowls available.

Customers who need their dog with them at all times should get in touch prior to booking. Dogs may only be allowed within certain seating areas within the arena bowl, depending on the event layout or the dog's size.

Please ensure that your dog is identifiable as a trained assistance/guide dog or that you can provide the necessary training paperwork if requested. Dogs should be kept on a lead/harness at all times.

Strobe Lighting

Many concerts/events use strobe lighting. If you have concerns, please get in touch.