Project overview
Project Type: Sensory Environment
Location: Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Client: Middlesbrough Football Club
Sector: Sports & Entertainment
Primary Users: Supporters with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergent visitors
Introduction
Football stadiums are vibrant and exciting environments, but they can also present sensory challenges for some supporters. Large crowds, loud noise, bright lighting and fast-paced activity can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Middlesbrough Football Club introduced a dedicated sensory space within the stadium to provide a calm environment where supporters can regulate sensory input while still enjoying the matchday experience.
The project reflects the club’s commitment to creating an inclusive stadium environment for all supporters.
The challenge
Matchdays involve thousands of fans, intense crowd noise and a fast-moving atmosphere. While this energy is a central part of football culture, it can make attending games difficult for individuals who are sensitive to sensory stimuli.
The challenge was to introduce a sensory space that could provide a calm environment within the context of a busy stadium while still allowing visitors to remain connected to the event.
Client perspective
“The equipment is fantastic and we are so proud of what we have achieved. The response from visitors so far has been incredible and the interest and support from parents and organisations has been amazing. “We are going to continue looking at ways to improve our Matchday Sensory Room so that more and more fans can benefit from the excellent facilities and have the opportunity to enjoy matches at the Riverside in a safe and comfortable environment.”
Yvonne Ferguson, Middlesbrough FC Head of Supporter Services
Experia design approach
Experia worked with the club to design a sensory environment that would offer a calm and supportive atmosphere within the stadium.
The design focused on creating a clear contrast between the intensity of the stadium environment and the calming atmosphere of the sensory space.
Key considerations included:
• creating a calming environment within a busy venue
• incorporating visual sensory features that encourage relaxation
• providing comfortable seating areas for visitors
• ensuring the environment is accessible and easy to supervise
The result is a sensory environment that supports both relaxation and accessibility for supporters.
Key sensory features
The sensory space includes a range of carefully selected sensory elements designed to support relaxation.
Features include:
• bubble tube lighting providing gentle visual stimulation
• fibre optic lighting offering calming colour transitions
• comfortable soft seating areas
• interactive sensory elements encouraging engagement
These features combine to create a welcoming environment where visitors can regulate sensory input.
Before and after transformation
Before the installation, supporters who required a quieter environment during matches had limited options within the stadium.
The introduction of the sensory space created a dedicated area where visitors can step away from the noise and activity of the stadium environment.
The project demonstrates how sensory environments can enhance accessibility within major sporting venues.
How the space is used
The sensory environment is used by supporters and families during matchdays who benefit from a calmer environment.
Visitors can relax in the space before returning to the stadium seating areas or remain in the sensory space while still enjoying the matchday atmosphere.
The environment allows more supporters to participate in the stadium experience.
The outcome
The introduction of the sensory environment has helped Middlesbrough Football Club make matchdays more accessible to a wider audience.
Supporters who may previously have found attending matches challenging can now enjoy the stadium environment with greater confidence.
The project highlights how sensory environments can support inclusion within large public venues.
Experia perspective
“Major sporting venues are increasingly recognising the importance of accessibility. Sensory environments allow supporters who benefit from sensory support to enjoy live sporting events in a comfortable and inclusive setting.”
Gareth Jones, Founder and CEO, Experia
Planning a sensory environment?
Experia designs and installs sensory environments for schools, healthcare organisations and public venues around the world.
If you are planning a sensory environment and would like expert advice, our team would be happy to help.
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Learn more about sensory environments
What Is a Sensory Room
Sensory Room Design Guide
Sensory Room Equipment Guide
Sensory Room Planning Guide
Sensory Room Cost Guide
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Sector
Sports & Entertainment
Accessible Stadium Environments
Public Venue Accessibility