Over 150 individuals from six external agencies, along with internal club personnel, convened for a series of dynamic safety drills at the Toughsheet Community Stadium prior to the the Wanderers’ match against Charlton last week.
Months of meticulous planning preceded the event, which aimed to assess and refine procedures, operations, and communication protocols across various potential scenarios that could unfold at the stadium.
In addition to Wanderers’ control room, hotel, stewarding, and media teams, participants included representatives from St. John’s Ambulance, Northwest Ambulance Service, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, Exclusec Stewards, and a dedicated group of volunteers.
The morning commenced with a dynamic live fire evacuation drill at the Bolton Stadium Hotel, swiftly followed by a series of simulated exercises within the stadium bowl. These included procedures for moving injured individuals and responding to medical emergencies. The session culminated in a comprehensive debriefing session held in the Premier Suite, involving all participants.
Phil Mason, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton Wanderers, emphasized the significance of the meticulously planned event: “The live stadium exercise over the weekend was the result of months of preparation, and we were thrilled to have numerous representatives from key organizations across the region join us.”
He further highlighted the recent real-life medical incident involving lifelong supporter Iain Purslow, underscoring the importance of maintaining top-notch safety standards at the stadium. Mason stressed the critical role of live exercises in achieving this goal.
“This will become an annual event, providing an opportunity for club staff and participating agencies to refresh their knowledge of protocols and identify any necessary improvements,” Mason added.
He expressed gratitude to all agencies, club staff, and volunteers involved, acknowledging their dedication to making the scenarios as realistic as possible. Mason concluded by reaffirming the club’s commitment to stadium safety and reassuring supporters of their unwavering vigilance in evaluating and implementing best practices across operations.
If you have any inquiries or concerns regarding safety at Bolton Wanderers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected].
For supporters attending matchdays at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, stewards are strategically positioned throughout the venue. Fans are urged to promptly notify staff of any incidents or issues occurring in the stands for swift assistance.
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