The Red Bulls will host Autism Awareness Night Saturday, August 28 when the team welcomes Chicago Fire FC at Red Bull Arena at 6 p.m.
For every ticket purchased here, the club will donate $3 to Autism Speaks. In addition, for every ticket purchased here, the club will donate $3 to support Autism CAN (Care, Access, Navigate) at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Red Bull Arena will be fully activated to welcome families impacted by autism with initiatives that include:
* No music played at the BULLevard (fan activation area) from 3-4 p.m.; music will be lowered from 4 p.m. to the start of the match at 6 p.m.
* A dedicated entrance at Gate C1 to ensure easier and quieter ingress for families
* LEDs and video boards inside Red Bull Arena will be changed to blue lighting
* Music volume and PA announcer will be lowered throughout the match
* Gianna Sanzone, a volunteer from Autism Speaks, will sing the national anthem
* Player tunnel will be blue honoring the Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue” campaign
* Quiet Zone located at a Hospitality Bay on the Plaza Level
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“Sensory Sacks” will be handed out to families impacted by Autism with items including noise canceling headphones, stress ball and wristband with their seating information
“Autism Awareness Night holds a special place in my family’s heart and we are thankful that our club comes together every year for those impacted by autism,” Red Bulls general manager Marc de Grandpré said. “Along with our partner Hackensack Meridian Health, we are proud to provide an environment at Red Bull Arena that feels safe and comfortable for families attending the match this Saturday. Once again, our organization is honored to have the opportunity to support Autism Speaks and their unwavering contribution to the autistic community.”
In partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, Autism Awareness t-shirts were worn by Red Bulls players at a training prior to Saturday’s match and will be auctioned off beginning Wednesday at 10 a.m. through Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. 92 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks.
Recently, the club hosted a soccer clinic during the summer camp for Nassan’s Place, a non-profit organization for children and families affected by autism. Autistic Patients from Hackensack Meridian Health also participated in the clinic. Hackensack Meridian Health provided cinch bags with soccer equipment (including set of pinnies, disc cones, water bottle, whistle and soccer ball) for campers to take home and practice with their friends and family.
In 2017, the Red Bulls became the first Major League Soccer club to open a permanent Sensory Room inside Red Bull Arena. The room was available for all families impacted by autism for no additional charge during all home matches prior to COVID-19 and will become available when healthy and safety protocols allow for it to reopen. The New York Red Bulls teamed up with the Family Services team from Autism Speaks to design the room, which provides space for families to enjoy Red Bulls games while sitting inside, away from the bulk of the noise and energy of the arena. The room features dimmed lighting and lightly-colored walls to offer a soothing effect, along with visual aids, fidget toys and other activities.
