A THUMBS UP TO MANCHESTER CITY SENSORY ROOM

A sensory room has been designed for children with sensory processing issues to use in order for them to enjoy the match-day experience, one which they may perhaps otherwise be discouraged to attend without the facilities now in place. This new feature can be found in the North East corner of the Etihad stadium.

Manchester City’s new sensory room offers a “full, unrestricted view of the pitch”, which can be enjoyed in a controlled environment for kids and their families. The room does also have access to the main bowl of the stadium, so those in attendance can access the match with the rest of the crowd as well.

The kids and their families are led to a fun and spacious room, with access to a play area as well, which has a fantastic view of the pitch from inside the room as well. This gives these families and their kids the option to watch the game in whichever environment they feel most comfortable with.

The rooms themselves are interactive and are possessing a fun design with plenty of seating areas including the Manchester City-styled manager’s seats as well.

Speaking on the Manchester City website, Danny Wilson, the Operations Director at Manchester City, said:”After a period of successful trials we are delighted to open a sensory room at the Etihad Stadium.

Your Journey
Prior to your matchday experience, the Access Team will offer you the opportunity to view the facilities on a non-match day, so you and your family can familiarise yourself with the route, room and stadium.

Your Matchday Journey
Arriving to the match

You will be met in the car park by our Access Team and escorted to the sensory room
You can view the route to the Sensory Room in the video above, but the Access Team will be accompanying you on the way
The arrival time will be arranged with the Access Team before matchday
The room will open two hours before kick-off

During the Match

The Sensory Room is supervised by staff from City in the Community
Food will be pre-ordered before the match and delivered at half-time. Refreshments available with the room throughout

Leaving the match

You will be escorted from the Sensory Room back to the car park by our access team

“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.”