AusLeisure

Major ticketing platform Ticketek has today advised of its launch of an accessible ticket booking platform that aims to make it easier for people with a disability to get tickets for major sport and entertainment events.

With around one in six (18%) people in Australia - about 4.4 million people - having a disability, the move aims recognise the importance of ensuring people with disability have the same opportunities as the rest of the community.

Listening to customer feedback and consulted with government bodies, industry partners, and advocacy groups including Spinal Life Australia and the Physical Disability Council of NSW to improve the booking experience of people with disability, the new platform is already being introduced at 30 facilities at its launch including Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

The bespoke digital solution enables customers to choose specific seats within a venue to match their needs and buy both accessible and non-accessible tickets within the same transaction. Accessible seating can now be booked online for selected events at the venues listed below, and the digital booking option will be gradually rolled-out to other venues where Ticketek is the authorised ticketing provider.

There are several types of accessible seating available through the new digital platform, including for customers who use wheelchairs, require easy access, have a vision impairment or use a hearing loop. Companion tickets can also be purchased - allowing fans with disabilities to redeem a complimentary companion ticket for any seat within a venue. Importantly, the new enhanced digital platform is an ‘always on’ experience for participating venues and events, which means fans can buy accessible seating tickets online and in real-time, including for high-demand events.

Advising that Ticketek is levelling the playing field for people with disabilities wishing to attend events where Ticketek is the authorised ticketing provider, Ticketek Managing Director, Cameron Hoy (pictured below) stated “at Ticketek we believe that all Australians should have equal opportunities to attend their favourite events.

“Offering an ideal purchasing experience for accessible seating is a project we hold close to our hearts. We are aware that the process has not been as easy as it should be to date, so we are delighted to be delivering this improved experience for fans and their companions.”

Ed Morris, Chief Executive of the Physical Disability Council of NSW, applauds the development, noting “these changes mean fans of music, sport and events who need accessible tickets can now purchase them from Ticketek like everybody else: online, in real time when tickets go on sale,” he comments.

The organisation will conduct a focus group with Ticketek, engage with community on the platform, and continue working with the live entertainment expert on what should be an evolving platform.

Spinal Life Australia Chief Executive, Mark Townend added “we are proud to have worked with Ticketek to introduce true equity to ticketing.

“The same customer experience whether people have a disability or not is a new benchmark in accessibility for all Australian companies to aspire to.”

Accessible seating can now be booked online for selected events at the venues listed below while the same flexibility will be gradually rolled-out to other Ticketek venues.

• AAMI Park, Melbourne
• Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
• Riverside Theatre (PCEC), Perth
• Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
• Enmore Theatre, Sydney
• Astor Theatre, Perth
• Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
• Bluebet Stadium, Sydney
• Orange Civic Theatre, NSW
• The Star Event Centre, Sydney
• Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
• Sidney Myer Music Bowl/Arts Centre Melbourne
• Commbank Stadium, Sydney
• Melbourne Arena/John Cain Arena, Melbourne
• Brisbane Powerhouse
• Dunstan Playhouse/Adelaide Festival Centre
• Festival Theatre/Adelaide Festival Centre
• Her Majesty’s Theatre/Adelaide Festival Centre
• Space Theatre/Adelaide Festival Centre
• Comedy Theatre (Marriner Group), Melbourne
• The Forum (Marriner Group), Melbourne
• Hamer Hall/Arts Centre Melbourne
• Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
• Playhouse/Arts Centre Melbourne
• Princess Theatre (Marriner Group), Melbourne
• Regent Theatre (Marriner Group), Melbourne
• State Theatre/Arts Centre Melbourne
• Regal Theatre, Perth
• Sydney Coliseum Theatre
• ICC Darling Harbour Theatre, Sydney
• PAC Pavilion, Sydney
• Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Allianz Stadium, Sydney
• RAC Arena, Perth

Click here to contact Ticketek through their entry in Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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