HARRISON, N.J. (April 2, 2019) - The New York Red Bulls will host the fifth annual Autism Awareness Match at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, April 27, when the Red Bulls take on FC Cincinnati at 7:00 p.m. As part of the event, the Red Bulls will welcome families impacted by autism to Red Bull Arena and donate $3.00 of every ticket purchased on newyorkredbulls.com/autismawareness to Autism Speaks.
"We are committed to making this evening a memorable experience for all families impacted by autism," said Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre. "Our goal is to provide a comfortable environment from the moment families walk into Red Bull Arena. The entire organization is truly honored to raise awareness and have the opportunity to support Autism Speaks."
In 2017, the Red Bulls became the first club in Major League Soccer to open a permanent Sensory Room inside Red Bull Arena. The room is available for all families impacted by autism for no additional charge during all home matches. 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.
Red Bull Arena will be fully activated to support the Autism Awareness Match on April 27. Initiatives include:
· Red Bull Arena security staff trained on how to work with families impacted by autism
· Dedicated entrance at Gates C1 to ensure easy and quieter ingress for families
· Dedicated Quiet Zone in the "1935 Club" inside Red Bull Arena (3rd level) to provide those in the autism community with a sensory-friendly environment
· The COR Behavioral Group will be in the Quiet Zone to help any families make the transition back into the seating bowl
· Sensory Room at Red Bull Arena open
· Julia de Grandpre will be part of honorary coin-toss
· Ethan Walmark will sing the National Anthem
· No music in the "BULLevard" Fan Activation Area from 4:00-5:00pm
· Limited-edition, autism awareness scarf will be available. The first 1,000 fans to buy tickets to the match on newyorkredbulls.com/autismawareness receive a scarf. Fans that already have tickets to the match can contact Fan Services at 1.877.727.6223 to inquire about an autism awareness scarf.
· "Sensory Sacks" will be handed out to families impacted by autism - items include noise-canceling headphones, stress balls and wristbands with their seating location.
· The last names and numbers on the player's jerseys will be changed to blue for the match, in honor of the Light It Up Blue Campaign and World Autism Month.
The Red Bulls will partner with Autism Speaks who are dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. They do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
For more information on purchasing tickets to benefit Autism Speaks and for a "Guide to The Game" visual story to help prepare children/adults with Autism for the Red Bull Arena experience, please visit newyorkredbulls.com/autismawareness. Donations are not tax deductible.
