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9. Are there any services in the stadiums for people with sensory needs?

  • Updated
  • During a match, football stadiums can become noisy and crowded. Strong smells from food and drinks can also be prevalent. All these sensory elements can be overwhelming for individuals who have sensory needs and discourage them from attending sport events.

  • Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, mental health issues and other similar conditions.

  • Quiet rooms will be available at Brisbane Stadium, Stadium Australia (Sydney/ Wangal) and Eden Park. On match day, the room is managed by fully trained staff who are available to provide additional support. The rooms have a limited capacity and there is no booking required to gain access.

  • All stadiums will also offer a limited amount of courtesy sensory bags to borrow for spectators with sensory needs. Sensory bags, equipped with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards will be available for fans to borrow and use during the match. We ask that the bags that have kindly been made available to you are returned to a volunteer at the end of the match, as they will be used in other matches in the competition. Sensory bags and specific training on how to best support fans with sensory needs are provided for this tournament by Kulture City

  • Please ask assistance to our Volunteer Team if you require access to the sensory room or a sensory bag.

  • Visual Stories, simple and predictable visual support tool that offers a step-by-step guide on what to expect during a football match will be available for each stadium.

  • We are proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative. Wear your Sunflower lanyard if you would like to! That will help our staff and volunteer know how to best support your experience at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.