After an old friend bought me tickets to attend the game at the MCG in 2015 Qld vs NSW I was over the moon with excitement. But then my excitement soon turned to anxiety because last time I saw this friend I was not disabled and didn't need a wheelchair to get around.

So I rang my friend to say "sorry mate I can't attend the game with you I am disabled now so I need special seating, so you can give my ticket to somebody else".

He said "no way mate, we are still going". We got the tickets changed but then we had to park a section of grass on a hill, so I had to put my arms over 2 guys shoulders and be carried to one of the paths because my wheelchair wheels were sinking in the soft ground.

Once in the stadium the facilities are acceptable but the experience was one of anxiety!

• The pre-match entertainment started and I was verbally abused and had to listen to taunts for not standing up for the Anthem.
• When the game was in progress I missed all the trys because as the players get closer to scoring the crowd stands up in front of you.
• I didn't eat the whole time I was at the ground because it was too difficult to get food (I have special dietary needs as well)
• I spent a great deal of the game time travelling to Disabled access toilets, waiting for non disabled patrons to finish using the toilet and having to clean the toilets to be able to use the toilet.

I find it interesting that 1 in 5 people are disabled and the MCG can hold 100,000 people! That should equate to 20,000 disabled seats? I know that figure would be a little over the top, but it in most stadiums disabled people can only get 1 seat with 1 companion! It makes it very difficult to have a day out with my young family at events because we have to sit separated?

I am so grateful I shared the experience with my friend but the truth is he has not asked me to any other events because of the difficulties we faced.