Argentinian Primera División football club River Plate has claimed a first for the country with the installation of a sensory room at its Mâs Monumental stadium, while accessibility at the venue has also been improved.
The room will be available for people with autism or who require a controlled sensory environment on match days. Work on the room is expected to be completed by the beginning of next year.
The space will be located in the new hospitality area of the Sívori stand of the stadium and will be designed to control sensory stimuli. The room has been designed for use and enjoyment by children and adults with different learning requirements, as well as people with autism, cerebral and/or intellectual palsy, brain damage and dementia, and people with stress and anxiety.
The space will have capacity for up to 12 people and will feature acoustic insulation to prevent noise from entering or leaving the room. The room will feature games and other elements to provide a calm environment.
Stefano Di Carlo, general secretary at River, said: “We seek to overcome, in addition to physical barriers, those that are to do with sensory and cognitive aspects. We always say that River is a family and that Mâs Monumental is our home; that’s why we are preparing our home so that it can welcome everyone, beyond their specific needs.”
River has also improved accessibility at Mâs Monumental with new wheelchair spaces and new bathrooms for fans with reduced mobility.
Mâs Monumental recently became the biggest stadium in South America after the expanded venue opened in full to more than 83,000 fans.
In other news, a sensory safe space has opened at Ashton Gate, home of English Championship football club Bristol City and Premiership rugby union team Bristol Bears.
The space opened during the Bears’ recent home match against the Northampton Saints. It was launched by the Bristol Bears Community Foundation in partnership with the Bristol Sport Foundation.
Participants from the Bears’ school and community programmes were invited to trial the space before, during and after the game, which also saw the introduction of a Mobiloo accessible changing vehicle.
