In a major step toward inclusivity, the New York Red Bulls recently unveiled a fully upgraded sensory room at Sports Illustrated Stadium—just in time for their Autism Acceptance match against Chicago Fire FC. Known as the Altec Lansing Sensory Room, this calming space offers a sensory-friendly retreat for fans who need a break from the high-energy stadium environment.
For families of children with autism or sensory processing challenges, attending live sporting events can feel out of reach. But with thoughtful accommodations like this, stadiums are beginning to reflect the diverse needs of their audiences—and making game day a reality for more families than ever.
Inside the Altec Lansing Sensory Room Experience
The sensory room—located on the 5th floor of Sports Illustrated Stadium—was designed in collaboration with KultureCity, a nonprofit specializing in sensory accessibility. The space features soft lighting, tactile elements, and a quiet atmosphere away from the main crowd. High-quality, noise-canceling headphones (including child-safe models) are available to help minimize auditory overwhelm.
Importantly, fans don’t need a special ticket to access the room. Anyone who needs support can simply approach Fan Services during a match and be guided to the space. This open-access approach removes barriers and normalizes support for sensory needs.
More Than a Room: A Shift Toward Acceptance
The sensory room debut was just one part of the Red Bulls’ broader effort to promote autism acceptance. During their Autism Acceptance match, they offered sensory kits with fidget tools and visual cue cards, reduced music volume throughout the stadium, and created a second quiet area on the plaza level—all demonstrating a real commitment to making sports more inclusive.
For families of children with autism, these kinds of adjustments are more than thoughtful—they’re necessary. They transform overwhelming public spaces into accessible experiences, where children can feel safe, understood, and included.
How We Support Families Beyond the Stadium
As incredible as these public accommodations are, we know families often need deeper, more consistent support. That’s where our work begins. We provide individualized autism services in New York that go beyond sensory rooms, helping children build the skills and confidence to participate more fully in their communities.
Whether it’s navigating social situations, improving communication, or managing sensory sensitivities, our team at Empower ABA meets each child where they are. We believe every child deserves not just access—but belonging.
Contact us today to learn how our autism services in New York can support your child’s unique growth journey. We’ll help you create a tailored plan that fits your goals, your family, and your child’s needs—both inside and outside the stadium.