To help us provide the best possible service, our official ticketing partner, AXS, has collaborated with Nimbus Disability and The Access Card, a universal way of communicating your access requirements.
Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise and an organisation run by and for disabled people, and is recognised as a lead authority on accessible ticketing in the UK.
All new events on sale at Utilita Arena Newcastle from Monday 20th July will require a Free AXS Digital Access Pass or an Access Card in order to book accessible tickets. You just need to enter your details when prompted to unlock these options.
Already got an Access Card or AXS Digital Access Pass, then you are good to go! Remember, you can also use both of these at AXS’s main venues.
The free Digital Access Pass unlocks accessible seating and ticketing options on AXS.com for our shows and events. Once approved, you'll receive an ID number that's valid for three years, and you'll be ready to purchase accessible tickets.
The Access Card is a universal way to communicate your access requirements to thousands of organisations, venues, events, and ticketing systems across the UK and beyond. You can choose to upgrade to an Access Card during the application process.
Why is the process changing and how does this benefit me?
Once your Access Card is registered, guests will be able to book tickets online directly from the AXS website.
The system offers greater privacy, as disabled people with access requirements will no longer need to carry supporting documents or explain circumstances to staff. You'll only need to supply the information once when you register for an Access Card or Digital Access Pass with Nimbus and both schemes last for 3 years.
What is the Access Card?
The Access Card is a card like no other; it translates your disability/impairment into symbols that highlight the barriers you face and the reasonable adjustments you might need.
This then informs providers quickly and discreetly about the support you need and may gain you access to things like concessionary ticket prices and complex reasonable adjustments without having to go further into your personal details.
It’s all based on your rights under the Equality Act and providers’ responsibilities.
For more information, check out the Access Card website.
Who are Nimbus Disability?
We've chosen to pass the registration scheme to the same organisation that runs the 'Access Card'. Nimbus Disability is a Social Enterprise and an organisation run by and for disabled people, and is recognised as a lead authority on accessible ticketing in the UK.
When you register, Nimbus Disability will handle all your information securely and safely, without us ever having cause to see the details behind why you need accessible seating and ticketing options.
Once you've registered, Nimbus will then provide you with a unique ID number on your Digital Access Pass, which you can then use to unlock access ticketing options in our system.
If you are not able to use online forms and would be unable, because of the nature of your impairment, to access online sales, you do still need to register. Nimbus will be able to assist with telephone registration on 0330 808 5108.
For more information, please see their FAQs at https://www.accesscard.online/
What are the policies on the symbol allocation?
Nimbus allocates Access Card symbols according to its policies, which are based on the Equality Act 2010. This approach considers the barriers customers face and enables us to provide reasonable adjustments. You can find further details at https://accesscard.online
How does the Access Card align with Utilita Arena Newcastle's commitment to accessibility?
Implementing the Nimbus Access Card is part of Utilita Arena Newcastle's broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Utilita Arena Newcastle works closely with the charity, Attitude is Everything, to ensure that all guests, regardless of their needs, can enjoy events at the venue. The Nimbus Access Card will allow guests to book tickets online with faster and easier booking.
Can I still call the accessible booking line to book tickets?
Yes, the accessible booking line will still be open.
For advice and bookings, please call on: 0191 618 1697
There is usually significant demand when events go on sale, so we advise that guests purchase accessible tickets online rather than attempting by phone if possible.
Guests who do not have an Access Card or Digital Access Pass, will still be able to purchase tickets over the phone for a short period of time, however, we recommend that you register for a Digital Access Pass at the earliest opportunity.
Can I register for an Access Card or AXS Digital Access Pass over the phone?
If you are not able to use online forms, Nimbus will be able to assist with telephone applications, video or paper applications. Please call 0330 808 5108. Please note that this will take longer than completing the online application.
What is the new process for booking accessible tickets online?
Accessible tickets for our shows can be purchased online through the AXS.com website. There is usually significant demand when events go on sale, so we advise that guests purchase accessible tickets online rather than attempting by phone if possible.
To book tickets online through AXS.com, guests with access requirements must have either an Access Card or a Digital Access Pass (DAP), which is FREE. This ensures the right tickets are sold to the right people.
Once you've got your Access Card or DAP, you can then use it to unlock access ticketing options in the AXS ticketing system.
There are two ways you can register an Access Card:
FREE!
A free AXS Digital Access Pass will permit the holder to unlock ticketing and seat options based on the allocated symbol through our ticketing partner AXS.com.
To register for an AXS Digital Access Pass for FREE https://app.accesscard.online/apply/axs/ {Venue}
£15 for three years
The full Access Card costs £15 for three years. The full Card affords you the same benefits as the free Digital Access Pass, as well as:
To register a full Access Card for £15 for three years, you can select the upgrade option on the application form Access Card: Making access easy
Please note, if any of the below requirements apply to you, please give us a call on 0191 618 1697.
