Sam Ryder at the O2 Academy Bournemouth: A Review of Facilities and Service.
A picture of Chandy on the left and Kerr Mercer (singer) on the right.
Entrance & Navigation:
When we arrived on a freezing Sunday evening, a queue stretched about 50 meters. There was a separate line for accessible ticket holders, but unfortunately, we hadn’t been able to secure these during booking due to their limited availability. Although the doors were scheduled to open at 7 PM, there was a delay, and we waited an additional 15–20 minutes before our queue began moving. During this time, a third line started forming, leaving us confused about whether we were in the correct queue, as there was also one for O2 Priority ticket holders.
As our line finally moved forward, my mum asked a steward for clarification. The signage was minimal, making it difficult to navigate. Upon mentioning my mobility issues (I use a walking stick), the staff quickly guided us to the accessible entrance, allowing us to bypass the confusion. Once inside, I encountered a separate issue with my Ticketmaster login, but that’s another story! The walkway into the venue was clear, and the lighting was adequate.
Seating & Space:
The venue had an open layout with plenty of room to move around, even as it got busier. For those needing some breathing space, there were quieter areas near the bar and the back of the room.
A photo of Sam Ryder while on stage at the 02 Academy Bournemouth
Visual and Sensory Experience:
The lighting during the performance was vibrant, with frequent flashes, as you’d expect at a music event. Between acts, the room was bathed in a soothing blue tint. The venue has two balcony levels and a bar area on the right side of the stage, where warmer lighting added a touch of comfort. Outside the main performance area, the entrance featured an old staircase on either side leading to the balconies, with warmer lighting that contrasted the dynamic stage lights.
Staff Support:
The staff were exceptionally supportive and went out of their way to accommodate my mobility needs. From the welcoming team at the entrance to those checking tickets, everyone was friendly and eager to help, which made a significant difference to my experience.
Facilities:
The location of the disabled toilet wasn’t clear upon arrival, so I had to use the men’s bathroom on the first floor. Aside from this, the facilities were clean and well-maintained.
Chandy’s Rating (Out of 5 Chandy’s): 🍺🍺🍺🍺
Brief Summary:
Despite some initial challenges with signage and queuing, the staff’s exceptional support and the spacious layout of the venue ensured a positive experience overall. Accessibility could be improved with better signage and clearer instructions for facilities, but the welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained venue helped make up for it.
