Rugby is a sport that unites a nation. No matter your nationality, race, gender or age, it is a game that is loved by millions in South Africa. The thrill of live rugby is something that everyone should experience. Few such experiences can match that of Loftus Versfeld which is why the Blue Bulls Company have launched a host of facilities for persons with disabilities, opening the gates for those fans that have previously not been able to attend matches.

CEO, Barend Van Graan, comments: “Playing rugby wouldn’t be much fun if it weren’t for the passion and cheer of each and every supporter which is why appreciating our fans tops our priority list. With this in mind, we are proud to launch our new prime parking spaces for people with disabilities and reserve prime position and easy to access seating for each game. This is one of the many steps in ensuring that the thrill of a live match is not limited to a special few.”

Included in the new facilities are twenty wheelchair designated parking bays in the North East corner of the Northern parking area, which provide easy access to the stadium via Gate 2 and the North Pavilion via the lift. In addition there are twenty three tickets in Blocks T and U in the lower lever of the North Stand. The tickets for the above seats range between R50 and R80 per seat with one complimentary companion ticket per purchase.

Should you be looking for a superior experience, suite N219 is now available for utilisation by supporters with disabilities for R150 which once again includes complimentary access for a companion of the persons with a disability.

Speaking on behalf of the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA), national director, Ari Seirlis, confirms his delight at the Union’s forward thinking;

“We are very proud to be associated with The Blue Bulls and Loftus, in the provision of this suite facility, for people with mobility impairments. This will give opportunities to people who would not normally venture into an unknown environment to participate in spectating sport, attending conferences, concerts and activities at Loftus. This facility will provide an affordable, safe and comfortable environment for people to enjoy the activities at Loftus. The forward thinking and commitment of the Blue Bulls Company , the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Player’s Fund and QASA, is going to benefit many people with mobility impairments, who will enjoy a day or an afternoon at Loftus.”

This initiative was formed in conjunction with the Chris Burger and Petro Jackson players’ fund, The Blue Bulls Wheelchair association, Vodacom and a host of other sponsors.

Morne Du Plessis, Chairman of the Players Fund, explains his delight at The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund being part of this joint venture with the Blue Bulls Company, QASA and Vodacom;
“By providing people with disabilities who are also rugby enthusiasts, the opportunity to support their local and national teams on match day at Loftus Versfeld, in the comfort of a wheelchair friendly and accessible rugby suite is a small contribution that the Fund is pleased to make toward the integration of disabled South African’s into society.”

“For most us watching a rugby match is as easy as walking to our seats, but for people with disabilities contending with the crowds can be a harrowing experience. The new disability suite will not only give rugby fans with disabilities easy access to all necessary amenities but also ensure that they can watch the game in comfort. Together with the Blue Bulls we are proud to have helped connect more people through the power of sport,” said Portia Maurice, Vodacom’s chief officer: Corporate Affairs.