English Premiership soccer club Manchester City FC has announced the opening of a new sensory room at its Etihad Stadium to provide a calm and comfortable space for children with sensory processing issues to go during gamedays.
The sensory room, which is located in the North East corner of the stadium, will encourage families to attend games thanks to the inclusive environment furnished with interactive lighting installations, bubble machines, soft play items and tactile walls tailored to make the day as enjoyable as possible.
It also offers a full, unrestricted view of the pitch, creating a safe and controlled environment to watch the game, with optional, additional seating in the stadium bowl also available for those who want to spend time experiencing the match in the crowd.
Following a trial during the team’s first four home games this season the space will be officially opened on October 26 against Aston Villa.
“After a period of successful trials we are delighted to open a sensory room at the Etihad Stadium,” said Danny Wilson, operations director at Manchester City.
“The positive feedback we received means we know that this is a space which will help those with sensory processing issues enjoy their experience without the sometimes-overwhelming sounds, sights and crowds of a usual matchday.
“Opening this space is a big step for us to continue our long-standing mission of ensuring football is inclusive for all.
“We hope that the offer of this quiet space within the stadium will encourage those who might not usually attend a game to do so, knowing that the Club will be with them every step of the way to ensure they can be a part of the matchday experience.”
