Immersive Spaces at Wembley Stadium

Internationally revered as ‘The Home of Football’ and host of some of the most iconic moments in sporting and music history, Wembley Stadium is now home to two immersive sensory environments that were created in collaboration with Experia and Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity.

Showcasing the latest immersive technology alongside some staple sensory products from the Experia range, we hope that our partnership with Wembley Stadium will encourage similar venues to make accommodations for neurodivergent guests and their families.

When the Wembley Disability Access team reached out to discuss the possibility of creating the first immersive sensory space in any stadium, we were willing to do whatever was necessary to see the project to completion. While Experia is no stranger to working with football clubs — with our sensory solutions featuring on grounds in Liverpool, Everton, Watford, Sunderland and Middlesbrough — we hoped this partnership would aid us in our mission to create multi-sensory environments for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Gareth Jones, Director at Experia, said: “Having Wembley Stadium recognise the importance of installing a sensory space is a huge help in the work we’re doing to encourage other venues to offer similar spaces. 

“There are a huge number of shopping centres, sports venues, stadiums and other spaces which experience high visitor numbers that we hope to encourage to look at their own offering and consider including a multi-sensory space or equipment. These spaces can make a huge difference for those with special needs, giving them space to relax and enjoy time with friends and family without feeling overwhelmed.”

Eager to set the standard for sensory environments in other venues, our design team proposed including innovative projection systems alongside more traditional sensory products to achieve the greatest level of inclusivity. Our ideas were received enthusiastically by the Wembley Disability Access team, and plans were put in place to bring our immersive solution into reality.

In May 2022, the installation of the spaces was completed, making Wembley the first venue in the UK to offer two sensory rooms and the first music venue to provide immersive entertainment for guests with additional access requirements.

Matthew Owen, Customer Engagement Manager & Lead on Disability Access planning and provision at Wembley Stadium, said: “To be able to open these spaces at the most iconic multi-purpose venue in the world is a moment of great excitement. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive stadium, and this further reinforces that commitment.

“On a personal level, having been involved in disability access throughout my career and as an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, I have seen first-hand the benefit these spaces and programmes can bring. I would like to thank everyone who has helped bring these spaces to life – including Experia, Nordoff Robbins, EE and the wider team at Wembley Stadium.”

Gareth Jones added, “It was a fantastic experience working with the team at Wembley to realise these two new spaces. Wembley Stadium is not only an iconic destination, it’s a venue that attracts people of all ages for different events, and the inclusion of the new spaces has opened those experiences up to be enjoyed by more people than ever before.”

With over three decades of expertise designing, manufacturing and installing multi-sensory environments and equipment, Experia has earned its place as the top sensory specialist in the UK. We work with companies and institutions to provide calming and interactive experiences for their users through insightful sensory solutions tailored to their specific requirements. 

In addition to working with football clubs, we have designed sensory spaces for special education and mainstream schools, as well as hospitals, care homes, airports and leisure centres, to name a few. After discussing the intended users and desired experience of the sensory environment, our experts create bespoke room designs free of charge, bringing together the latest immersive technologies to deliver transformative sensory solutions for our clients.

If you would like to know more about our free room design service, or you are eager to incorporate a space similar to those at Wembley Stadium, please contact Experia today for a friendly discussion about your sensory project.